The Yomp Mountain Challenge

Kirkby Stephen, Sunday, June 6, 2010

23 miles

Phil Owen

aka Mallerstang Horseshoe & Nine Standards Yomp

A hill.

I can’t believe I had never heard of this race seeing as it’s been about for 25 years. First held to commemorate Falklands heroes it seems to have (and still does) a few different names. Registration was from 7am with a few different starts on offer. I was signing up on the day so decided to go for the early one as there was a limit on places. The race is very similar to Swaledale—lovely hills and 23 miles. It’s run by the Rotary Club of Upper Eden and has the feel of a LDWA event & only £10.00 to enter.

After a short wind through the village the course takes you up the fells and the first climb up to Wild Boar fell a good 2,300 ft then crosses moorland and paths taking in Swarth Fell Pike, Mallerstang, Aisgill Cottages, The Riggs, High Seat, High Pike Hill, Tailbridge, Nine Standards & Fell Gate.

To say the course was marked well is the understatement of the year. Bamboo poles held bit of red tape and they were everywhere. Checkpoints galore with water were also in abundance and made for a very well run event.

Just over 5 hours to do so much the same as Swaledale taking both easy. Hot tea and sarnie at the finish (free) and another load of dosh raised for this year’s charity, Help for Heroes [and Flourish Foundation, Ed]. I often think the hills to the west of the M6 get neglected a bit as you are almost in the lakes but like the Howgills these hills are well tough but, unlike a lot of the lakes hills where you get stony paths, these are lovely rolling grassy hills (bit like the Cheviots) and great for running.

Wonderful race, will be doing it next year for sure.

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