Saturday 7 October 2023
9 am start, Studley Rodger Nr Ripon
I arrived early in an attempt not to get bogged in in the parking field, I was 4th car in and got bogged in, thanks to the other drivers for giving me a shove.
I walked down and registered. It was a real social occasion, so many members of local run clubs.
As we got to the road, crossing assisted by Hayley and Martin, there was room for people to spread out and soon I was being passed by a constant stream of runners.
I slowed on the river path and up to the farm, Again I was passed by many runners in the section to North Stainley.
Approaching Middle Parks Farm I prepared myself for the battle with the cattle. There are always cattle between Middle Parks Farm and North Parks Farm. James was behind me and warned me the cattle would be there, I went between the farms with James and fortunately, the cattle showed no interest in us.
I arrived at Slenningford Mill (CP1 7.5 miles) feeling good, that was the easiest section complete. I set off for Masham quickly, no hanging around the aid station, even though they had chocolate, I took a few pieces and left. The River Ure was roaring by.
Into the woods, muddy, rooty and autumnal, this section I find tricky, so I slowed. Across the fields to Mickley. In Mickley I walked to take on board food ready for the challenge to come. A tarmac hill lead to a descent into the woods. Here began the mudfest my shoes were now definitely not pristine now.
Slippy descents and ascents, tree roots, broken bridges and steams to cross, always keeping the river to the right, until passing through the stone gateposts, gate and fences long gone.
One of my favourite views from the bench over towards Masham.
All through the woods, since before Mickley, I had an itch arm. It now developed to show an insect bite. I normally carry hydrocortisone in my pack, but had forgotten to put some in. I hoped the chemist would be open in Masham.
I was relieved to find the chemist open and purchased some hydrocortisone. I applied the cream on the way to CP 2 (16 miles). I refilled my water at the checkpoint and took a piece of chocolate shortbread. I set of down the lane eating it. This is a short section of farmers fields and road. I was crossing a sheep field and a sheep was attacking a mat, tied to the gate, really ramming it. I finally shoo ed it away and got through the gate. I turned to re fasten the gate and spotted a sports watch on the ground, fortunately not in the sheep side, That sheep may have eaten it or trampled it into the ground. I took the watch with me, texting race director James to say I had it in case anyone reported to lost.
The cream was working on my arm and it was less itchy.
I love the views in this area, the hike up to the Bivouac looks over to Fearby and it was a lovely clear day.
I wasted no time at The Bivouac (CP3 20 miles). I handed the watch in, and someone claimed it. I refilled my bottles. It was warm and windy so I was dehydrating quickly. I was drinking so much more than usual. A field descent is followed by another long hike up. Up Ilton Bank which feels way steeper than 12%.
Crossing the beck I did not dare hop across the rocks and chose to wade through instead. The climb up the other side was the muddiest and slippiest I have ever experienced.
The sighting tower is a welcome sight, I know there is a mudddy farm to pass through, but the next section is not too bad underfoot.
The paths to the Crack Pots Trail had been improved, that was a pleasant surprise.
Heading up the lane.from where the Drovers Inn used to be to the moor,I mentally prepared for a battle with the cattle, last year there were loads of cattle on the moor including a huge bull. The sign was on the gate. But it looked like most of the area had been reseeded.
There were no cattle, I left the moor to the checkpoint at High Skelding (CP4 28 miles)
Opposite the bus shelter I left the road and headed cross country. I had seen no other runners ahead since I left Masham. As I got to the grouse butts I saw people ahead. Slowly I gained on one person, I caught him on the road and passed by, soon I came across 2 more runners, I worked on catching and passing them whilst on the road before the next muddy moor section. I passed them and descended to the moor, hanging onto trees. It was nice to see someone had cut a path across the moor.
I refilled my water bottles and set off, just over 10km to go. I passed a couple more runners. The point where the route leaves the road to go to Eavestone Lakes was unclear due to forestry work. Fortunately I knew the route.
In the woods as I ran round the lake, it was good to see some old fallen trees removed. The boat house is in a poor state though. The lake looked beautiful n the late afternoon light. The climb up from the lake was beastly, muddy and tree rooty, I was glad to see the stile at the top.
More wet feet as I passed through fields and another muddy farm. I was getting anxious about the cattle in the fields approaching Sawley. I had just passed 2 runners, I could wait for them if they were there. I was relieved to get through the fields easily as there were no cows. No battle with the cattle today. % km to go, mainly downhill. There were young pheasant everywhere in Spa Gill Woods. I more hill to climb.
The best sight on the whole race. 1.2 downhill miles to the finish.
Great familiar view, is that runners ahead?
Possibly, wonder if I can catch them.
As always I was relieved to finish. It was good to refuel on Caroline and Jane’s apple sponge and custard and a coffee whilst I caught up with friends.
No chance of catching them but I closed the gap.
It had been a good day out, lovely seeing Mary and Joanne supporting around the course.
Time 8 hours 22 min 16 sec
Overall 76/105
F23/40
F50 10/13
Thanks to James and his team of volunteers who made it possible for us to have our fun.
And that’s it for another year
I got out of the car park field without issue.
All my Round Ripon Ultra Results
And as for that bite, it was still swelling at bedtime even after the hydrocortisone and anti histamine.
