The Longmynd Hike

Listed by Bodge
  • Rated 69%
  • 50mi
  • Road
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Entrants (3) Club PB SB Pred Time WAVA
alf_chac Colchester Harriers AC, Trail Running Association 7:35:09 7:35:09 8:56:00 50.92
Bodge Long Mynd 50 7/8 October Whilst several Club members decided to take the easy option of running a marathon Steve Littlewood and I decided to tackle the 39th Long Mynd 50 with not only 50 miles to be covered but also 8500 feet of climbing to be undertaken. Having carried out several visits to the Area to understand what I was about to undertake and feeling fairly confident of finishing I entered the scrutinising area for a kit check. 3 maps, spare clothing, emergency food, and various other items all to be carried, we then headed off to the start along with the other 510 entrants. As we all mustered in the fields just outside of Church Stretton, under the shadow of Caer Caradoc Hill with its peak being our first check point, the chat was one of had you done it before, I hope the weather holds and basically several trips to the nearest bush. So at 1 pm we were off and the race had begun. The first mile took us gradually along to the base of Caradoc and then came the first serious climb of the day 800 feet straight up, to the check point with tally cards being punched by marshalls wrapped up as if we were in the arctic. Having made all that height it was straight down the other side to the next valley and on to the next climb. This was to be a straight up to the top of the Lawley tallies to be punched and back down the way we came up. This was to be the last time I saw Steve, well at least we were both still smiling, 4 miles covered and a total of 1500 feet of climbing in the bag and only 2 check points done. The trip to check point 3 was to be one of the easiest of the day, but on leaving the check point you were met by this vicious head wind and with it being a slow steady climb to the next check point it seem as if the next mile went on forever. Onwards and upwards to Pole Bank and check point 4 the second highest peak of the day at 1695 feet done. The trip to Bridges and check point 5 was all down hill and the first cup of tea of the day and an energy bar. With Camel Baks refilled it was on and up to the Stiperstones, highest climb of the day at 1731 feet. Tally card punched I headed north along the Stiperstone ridge, running was not that easy as you had to pick your way carefully amongst the rocks. As we made our way along we were now starting to settle into groups and were making good time and the pace was a fair one. This leg was also going to be one of the longest of the day with the trip to Earl’s Hill and check point 7 being 5 miles. With dusk rolling in, everything was still going to plan and my lungs had just about recovered as I made my way down from Earl’s Hill with people starting to talk about being grouped for the rest of the night. At Bank Farm check point 8 and 22 miles completed nearly half way we were as predicted put into groups for safety reasons. Not really knowing the 2 guys I had been grouped with we set off and I was just hoping I could hold my own. As we approached Shelve and check point 9 we had past the half way mark and only a further 8 check points to go. The next leg of the journey would see us cross over into Wales if only briefly as we climbed up Corndon hill to check point 10 and to be met by two gents sat in a four by four with the welsh flag flying fiercely in the wind. The trip down from Corndon hill saw us stray off track a bit but with it being a clear night and a bright harvest moon we soon got down to Woodgate farm and the next check point. It was hear we managed to tag on to a group we had caught up with and using there knowledge of the local area made our way to Black Rhadley hill. With this leg being one of the most difficult sections to navigate, I was very thankful for there help. The next leg saw us heading back to the Stiperstones, but thankfully the check point was in the car park and I think it was here that I got my second wind.With just under half a marathon to go we set off to Pole Cottage via the Bridges, the majority of which was going to be on road. As we passed Bridges the locals in the pub turn out to give us cheer, but there wasn’t any freebies going. As we passed through check point 14 we knew we now only had one more real climb left to do and the pace seemed to pick up. Check point 15 was a self clip at Minton and as such we nearly missed it, but to have come this far and with only 4 miles left to go I wasn’t going to get to upset. The penultimate leg saw us run down to Little Stretton cross the A49 for the final climb of the day, Ragleth hill, ouch this one hurt. The last leg saw us continue along the hill top only to drop down into a local housing estate and then make our way through Church Stretton and to the local school and cross the finish line. Following a shower and a hearty breakfast I made the trip home only to be called into work. Sorry for not undating this sooner. Stafford Harriers 12:20:36 12:21:00 12:00:00 12:21:00 38.20
Erics done in 2005?? UKnetrunner 19:25:00 19:25:00 19:25:00 23.57

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