Well, of course when I found out Bob Graham was buried in Borrowdale I had to pop by and and pay my respects to the great man. Of course a simple piece of lakeland slate marks the spot. How modest.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Borrowdale Fell Race 2010
Had another go at this race from Rosthwaite. It follows some of the BGR route - Gable-Brandreth-Honister-Dalehead - and then makes a steep descent down to Rostwhaite which I love. It's bloody hard though!
4hours 48mins, knocking 2 mins of last year! Result!!
4hours 48mins, knocking 2 mins of last year! Result!!
My BGR Report
Bob Graham Round report by Colin Dilks
Date of attempt: 25/26th June 2010
The Bob Graham Round has been described as ‘probably the most demanding test of physical fitness available to British athletes or mountaineers’. It is a circuit of 42 named Lake District summits, involving a distance of approximately 66 miles and a cumulative ascent of approximately 28,000 feet. The rules for the Bob Graham 24 Hour Club state that the attempt has to start and finish at the steps of the Moot Hall (Keswick), can be run either clockwise or anti-clockwise but must be completed within 24 hours. The person attempting the round decides on the date, the departure time and has to make all the necessary arrangements such as pacers, navigators and feeding stations along the route.
So how did I come to be standing at the steps of the Moot Hall at 7pm on a warm, sunny evening on Friday June 25th 2010?
The first race I ever participated in was the GNR in 2004 and once I joined Claremont Road Runners I then entered various races including 10kms, ½ marathons, marathons, off road trail races, fell races, the Laugavegur ultra marathon and one or two of the Lakeland Classics. The BG was the next step. There is an aura around the BG that attracts serious fell runners – a circuit devised by Bob Graham, a Keswick hotelier, in 1932 who ran 42 summits in his 42nd year dressed in baggy shorts, tennis shoes and his pyjama top. In 2008 a small group of us at Claremont who were doing a few off road fell races talked about tackling this Holy Grail of fell running. We didn’t do it in summer 2009 because of the difficulty in finding the time to plan, train and reconnoiter the route. We soon discovered the amount of time that was needed to do the challenge justice. It is said that runners need at least 9 months to get the leg work in for stamina, distance and sheer time on your feet. In the months coming up to the attempt the runner needs to be doing 10-12 hour runs on two consecutive days per week (so your weekends are pretty much given up), then in addition there are mid week runs and reccy runs to get familiar with the route. I knew that spending time in the Lakes would not be a problem for me as I spend much of my free time over there running, walking or camping. Apparently I first walked up Helvellyn aged 5 years old. Therefore the BG was the ultimate challenge for me – and an excuse to spend even more time over there and to get to know the fells even better.
For those considering an attempt at the BG there is plenty of information on the web including training schedules, dietary regimes, route plans and advice on clothing, footwear, food, route options, psychology and nutrition.
In particular there are two excellent websites offering advice:
Bob Wightman: http://bobwightman.co.uk/run/bob_graham.php
Bob Graham 24 Hour Club: http://www.bobgrahamclub.org.uk/
The Bob Wightman website has a calculator where the start time can be entered along with the intended schedule time and it works out the time at every summit and even tells you whether it will be in daylight, dusk or darkness. There is also a chart with the phases of the moon if you want to run on a night with a full moon. What I found very useful were BG reports by runners who had both succeeded and failed – including what went right, what went wrong, where to have support and where to have a pair of road shoes handy!
By January 2010 the group was down to myself and Louis Coles who were going to attempt the Round with a proposed start at 2am on Saturday 26th June. From February 2010 along with our fledgling support group we started to spend weekends in the Lakes reccying the legs…
Leg 1 – Skiddaw to Threlkeld (12 miles; 5,150’; 4hrs). This was done with Louis Coles in February on a very cold and snowy day that turned in to warm sunshine by the descent to Threlkeld. The first section is through some back streets, through a park, a bit of road, a bit of track and then a rising path around Latrigg. Soon enough we were on the motorway of a footpath ascending Skiddaw. The snow was deep and ice horizontal on the gates and fences up to Skiddaw. Navigating off Skiddaw was difficult because everything was white! There was a magical snow flurry when we were down in the dip off Hare Crag between Skiddaw and Great Calva. We took the advantage of the snow to surf down Great Calva and by Blencathra we were under azure skies and brilliant sunshine. On attempting to find our way off Blencathra – looking over a snow ridge with no sign of ground below – Louis made it quite clear that he was “not f*µ©ing going down there”. We realized that we were actually on the wrong ridge, looking down Gategill Fell and that Halls Fell comes directly off the Blencathra summit. So we backtracked and descended an icy scramble very carefully until we dropped below the snowline and sat in the sun admiring the view. It was fun to see the climbers coming up dressed for Arctic conditions as we descended in our shorts. Fell runners are HARD! We realized that good route finding would be a necessity in order to successfully complete the BG. It was an exciting and fun day – our first reccy and I was still not sure what we were letting ourselves in for.
Photographs of leg 1 are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157623316358415/
Leg 2 – Threlkeld to Dunmail Raise (13.2 miles; 5,900’; 4hrs). This was done with Louis Coles, Dave Beaney, Nick Hindle and Chris Gillis in very cold and very windy conditions in March. We braved the elements across the summits from Clough Head to Seat Sandal, including Helvellyn and Fairfield. This is an area that I know very well and once you are up on top it is pretty much undulating summits with well defined paths along a ridge. In the wind it was difficult enough just to stay on our feet. It was also biting cold but visibility was good. I won’t divulge where some of us were warming our hands but Chris would not let a certain person put his hands in the shared packet of jelly babies! I think we were on the verge of hypothermia by Helvellyn. The descent from Dollywaggon Pike to Grisedale Tarn is down very steep grass which was tricky. From here the route takes in Fairfield which is ascended and then you turn around and run back down, a bit soul destroying. The route up and down Fairfield is on very loose and eroded scree which makes it difficult. The grassy descent off Seat Sandal was fun.
Photographs of leg 2 are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157623643194683/
Leg 3 – Dunmail Raise to Wasdale (15.2 miles; 6,500’; 7 hrs). This was done with Louis Coles, Matthew Kingston and Chris Gillis in April. Logistically we made the mistake of staying overnight in Langdale which meant we had to drive from Langdale over Hardknott and Wrynose Passes to Wasdale and then back to Dunmail Raise even before we started running. A few of us felt really queasy at the start. This was my first taste of the steep, grassy climb up Steel Fell which is quite intimidating looking up from Dunmail Raise. Once up there an undulating route along the tops takes in some tricky navigation amongst crags and hummocks and on to moorland. We encountered a lone runner also reccying for the BG so we ran as a group for a while until Broad Stand. Bowfell loomed in the distance and appeared a long way off. We had some problems on this leg which meant that it was only myself and Chris who were able to complete it. After a bit of running we quite easily found the route up the diagonal grassy shelf on to Bowfell and this has become one of my favourite routes in the Lakes. We initially took the wrong path off Scafell Pike – a worry I would have on the day itself. This leg includes three options to reach Scafell: Lords’ Rake (gully with an unstable rock at the top and an exposed scramble), Broad Stand (exposed rock climb with a 30 foot drop) or Foxes’ Tarn (which involves losing height to access a rock gully). We had arranged to meet up with Tim Piggott from Claremont who very patiently showed me what was involved in climbing Broad Stand. Getting through Fat Man’s Agony was bad enough but then being stretched out on a vertical rock slab with a 30 foot drop behind me and being told that I would have to pull myself up by my fingertips was not going to work! I decided that I would prefer to loose some height rather than my life. However, to get back down I had to lie on the rock shelf and lower myself backwards over the edge hanging on by my finger tips! I was expertly guided down by Tim and very relieved to get my feet back on to firm scree! A very big thanks to Tim for coming all the way over, hanging around for so long at Mickledore (we were late!) and being patient talking us through it just for me to say ‘No Way!’ We then took the Foxes Tarn route down the scree and then up the gully – a route I am quite fond of. I think I was still high from being alive! Once up Scafell the descent to Wasdale was an eye opener (how steep can a hill be?!) but descending in to Wasdale on a beautiful sunny evening was sheer delight with views of Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Pillar bathed in sunshine. We both decided to sit in the river to cool our legs and soak up the view. A real Lakeland moment to remember!
Leg 4 and 5 – Wasdale to Honister (10miles; 6,300’; 5hrs) and Honister to Keswick (10.6miles; 2,500’; 3hrs) These legs were done with Chris G and Nick H in May. We decided to join the two together to get the extra distance in. On this lap we were running just in front of a woman actually attempting the BG. We met quite a lot of her support team at several points along the way who were very friendly. She had set off at 7pm the night before and was running well. This made me wonder if that would be a good time to depart – most attempts are started around 1-2am which I was not too keen on as I am not a morning person! It would mean doing leg 2 in the dark – the bit I know the best. I think that this was the first of many lucky coincidences that I had leading up to and during the attempt. It also made me appreciate the support of friends along the route and she even got pink balloons and pink champagne at the Moot Hall! I think that it was on this leg descending either Great Gable or Kirk Fell that Nick was running behind us when we heard a bit of a yelp. We turned around to see him lying upside down on the crag in a pile of rocks. After our initial shock and worry, once we knew that he was okay, we made him continue running! Me, Nick and Chris all cooled off by going to Derwent Water and having a dip up to our thighs. Not for long though – it was freezing!
Photographs of legs 4 and 5 are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157624086155800/
Emma, the lady doing the BG has a blog which may inspire many of you: http://donningstudsinmay.blogspot.com/
Reccying the route proved to be invaluable to get a feel of the legs and to learn by mistake – there were quite a few times where the route was not obvious, or there were short cuts or we got to know features to look out for.
Other races I had done as part of my training in 2010 were:
• Haworth Hobble in March: 33miles, 4400’ ascent in 5hours 42mins
• Coniston 14+ in March: 16.7miles, undulating road, 2hours 4mins
• Old Counties Tops in May: 37miles, 10,000’, 10hrs 45mins. Great Langdale – Grasmere – Helvellyn – Scafell Pike – Coniston Old Man – Great Langdale. This race has to be done as a team of 2. Louis was not able to do it so I arrange with the race organizer to run with someone from Lancashire who was looking for a place. Fred was training to do his BG attempt in early June. He is a very good runner and kept me going on a very hot day. He also introduced me to hydration tablets which I used on the BG attempt and peach slices and fruit loaf!! Fred completed his BG Round in 22hours and 59minutes.
In early June I had planned to run the BG over two days. I ran the first half from Keswick to Langdale on the Saturday and did this in 12 hours which I thought was okay as it was very warm and I had to keep stopping to fill up my water bag. I stayed the night at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Langdale which I can highly recommend. The lads in the Hikers Bar next door waited hand on foot for me and specially made me a beef curry when they found out I was training for the BG and staying at the hotel! On the Sunday I met three lads who were out reccying the route who I ran with for a while as visibility was very bad and running solo in heavy rain on tricky terrain is not my favourite pastime. I found these chance encounters with other runners on the fells some of the best times during training – it is amazing who your meet by chance, have a chat, help each other out and then go separate ways. The weather deteriorated further and I called it off after Scafell Pike, cut down a very treacherous Mickedore and over to Borrowdale and the low level route back to Keswick. This was a very useful weekend as I became familiar with the first half of the route, learned to pace myself over the distance and found some clear paths to look out for on the actual attempt. I also realized that if it was raining or low cloud on the day itself I would not even attempt it!
Photographs of this weekend are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157624230630994/
Unfortunately, due to factors beyond our control, come June I was the only one who was confident enough physically to attempt the round. I did spend some time trying to think of some reasons not to do it. I even started hoping I would get injured on my training runs… I was getting very nervous. I really had no idea if I would be able to do the BG… reminding myself that the BG is only for real fell runners, not people like me… that I would make a real idiot of myself…with all those people waiting for me at the end and I would not be there! Then my dad and step-mother decided they were coming to meet me at the finish – oh the shame of failing! And my brother, nephew and niece were coming too! I calmed myself down by saying that I would complete the round even if it meant taking longer than the 24 hours, I thought that would be attainable. I wanted to get it over and done so I would never have to try again and I could get my life back!
Looking at the pros and cons (start time during daylight, which section to run at night, which finish time would allow me to go to the pub) I decided to attempt a clockwise round starting at 19:00hrs on Friday 25th June initially following the 22:30 schedule and adding in the extra time taking the Foxes Tarn route at Scafell Pike would give me leeway for a more realistic finishing time of 23 hours. Later in the report I will give my actual times on the attempt and how they compare to the scheduled times. So all going well I hoped that I would be back at the Moot Hall at 18:00 hours on the Saturday.
Pacers
The weeks and days before the planned attempt were busy organising logistics and seemed to fly by fine-tuning arrangements. Unfortunately Chris Gillis, who was planning to pace me on a couple of the legs, was called away to work in Norway the weekend of the BG. I think he was as disappointed as me as he had enjoyed the reccy runs so much! This left me with one pacer/navigator scheduled on each section - fingers crossed that no one else would have to drop out! Then Nick called me to say he had injured his ankle on a run up Helvellyn but hoped to be okay on the day. I hoped so too – he was my only pacer on leg 3!! All of the pacers kindly agreed to do the legs I asked them and so everything was set. Dave Beaney and Rez told me that they had been over to the Lakes to reccy their sections of the route. Dave even called me to say that he had tried going up Yewbarrow from Wasdale Head and found the scrambling up Stirrup Crag very difficult. I explained to him that climbing up Stirrup Crag was not included in the BG – the ascent was further down the valley (still difficult but not a crag scramble!) He sounded relieved.
Logistics
On one of the information websites it says: ‘No matter what time you start and what your intended pace is, one of your pit stops will be at some ungodly hour. You are just going to have pull favours’. And indeed that is what I had to do!! Arranging the food/water/kit stations was more time consuming than I thought – but I was amazed at the enthusiasm and energy of everyone who wanted to help. I prepared boxes of food, kit, gels, maps with various instructions and team members called around mine for briefing sessions about how the day itself would go. They all wanted to make sure that they would be in the right place at the right time. They also wanted to know the direction I would be approaching them from, which is always a good thing to know especially in the dark! I was particularly pleased that some of my non-running friends (and their boyfriends!) were keen to be involved even though they did not know what the BGR was until I had started whittering on about it a few months earlier! Jude very kindly agreed to do the ‘ungodly’ stint at 2-3am at Dunmail Raise and even offered her boyfriend Guy to come along! The team were fantastic in taking control – even organising among themselves how to get pacers for A to B which had got completely beyond me! I even warned everyone that I might be really grouchy during the event, I was worried that in my tiredness and exhaustion I would be rude to people so I thought I should warn them. (I think I behaved myself on the day, I hope so!) I was also pleased that they were getting excited at supporting a BG attempt – the team all rose to the occasion and it started to feel something of a big event. However, it made me even more nervous at the thought of failing!
I was all prepared. The only factor I had no control over was the weather. I just had to hope for good visibility, not too much sun, cool temperatures and no rain.
The Attempt
Soon enough the day itself arrived. I had an early night the evening before, had porridge around 8am and then went back to bed until 1pm. I had a bit of a talk with myself to calm me down and to focus my mind on the task and I felt strangely calm and confident – what I had hoped for and planned to do had come about so I just needed to get on and do it. Me and Louis drove over to Keswick during which he gave me advice and encouragement on the attempt which helped a lot. I had arranged to meet most of my support team outside the Skiddaw Hotel on Keswick Main Street from 5.30pm onwards. Fortunately the weather that evening was warm and sunny (luck #2) so we all gradually gathered in the street – Nick C, Tanja C, Nick H, Louis C, Karen B and Martin, Ruth L and Roweena R (my personal photographer!). The weekend itself was popular for BG attempts (being the shortest night and with a full moon) and so we met other groups who were setting off at 6pm and 6.30pm. It was a pleasant surprise to see Phil Green and John Telfer from Northumberland Fell Runners (fellow competitors at numerous fell races – John always beats me, Phil passes me on the ups and I pass him on the downs!) at Moot Hall – they were both there to support an anticlockwise attempt departing at 7am on the Saturday morning. We worked out that we should cross paths at some time on the Saturday afternoon but my maths is pathetic so I couldn’t work out at what time – it would be a surprise!
From the Fell Runners Association forum I knew that at least one other group was starting at 7pm (it had only been the week before that it had occurred to me that I may not be the only one setting off at that time). So with the time rapidly approaching 7pm I met a group of 3 runners and their support team from a mountain climbing club in Leicestershire and we all introduced ourselves. Such is the support of fell runners that we all seemed very pleased to have the company (luck #3).
Leg 1: Helped on the fells by Louis Coles and Nick Hindle
7pm and we had a count down to the start: 3 – 2 – 1… and off we headed – through the ginnel, car park, foot bridge over the Greta, through Fitz Park and on to the start of the climb up Skiddaw (the biggest climb of the BGR at 850m). I could not believe that the day had arrived and this was the real thing!! Fortunately I had Louis and Nick as pacers and I knew I did not have anything to worry about. It was such a beautiful evening that it was actually a pleasure going up Skiddaw – the mountain was deserted and the views back over Derwent Water were perfect with clear blue skies and the mountains beyond (Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson) and the Newlands Valley. I tried to put it out of my head that hopefully in 23 hours time I would have passed over them - it didn’t seem possible! I reminded myself that all of the ascents were to be walked and to make sure that we made most of the down hill sections without taking the strength out of my legs. Above all I wanted the attempt to be as pleasurable as possible! This was a once in a lifetime occasion and I was hoping to have happy memories. However, it would also be tinged with a degree of sadness; I had started running in 2004 to raise sponsorship along with my brother and sister in the GNR in memory of my 18 year old niece, Lauren, who had died suddenly in 2003. Such a tragic family event has ironically given me a focus and led to so much pleasure in the running world. Lauren’s spirit would feature significantly in my mind during the attempt. I owe it to her my absolute single mindedness at this point that I would complete the Round. It is interesting that in Richard Asquith’s book ‘Feet in the Clouds’ that it is only on his third attempt at the BG when he is mentally determined to complete it that he was successful. I felt this from the start and I knew that navigation would be crucial. So the banter continued between Louis and Nick which passed the time. I was getting my mind in to its ‘zone’, keeping my heart rate down, going steady and relaxing for the effort to come. We reached our first summit, Skiddaw (20:18/+2). We could clearly see the descent down the grass path on the Blake Hill route from Skiddaw (which was more than we could in the snow in February!), over the fence, down the grass track, over Hare Crag and then on to the grassy climb up to Great Calva (20:54/+14). On my second reccy I had found the path down through the heather and the route was clear and dry, through the reeds, across the River Caldew (wet feet), through the wire fence and the long tussocky grass climb up Mungrisedale Common and on to the long climb to Blencathra (4th biggest climb of the BGR at 480m, 21:56/+18). I forgot to take the short cut to the summit and so climbed Atkinson Pike which was not necessary (which reminded me that we should take care to avoid those unnecessary ascents!). So far the ground was dry and soft, visibility was excellent and the air was cool (luck #4). I was both pleased and amazed that I was actually enjoying being out on the fells running with friends. But there was work to be done and no time for taking in the view and so we headed for the route down. The descent down Hall’s Fell Ridge is quite challenging as there is exposed scrambling with some precipitous drops to the sides before easing out to track and grassy slopes. This was a very tricky descent and there was no opportunity to admire the views as all eyes were on the ground in front of us. Gradually Threlkeld came in to view in the valley below which raised my spirits. Unfortunately Nick H twisted his ankle quite badly towards the end of this section and he decided to sit leg 2 out. We were all surprised when turning the corner at Threlkeld to be confronted by Tanja’s banner, a traffic free A66 and a cheering crowd of supporters which raised our spirits. Nick H’s parents had come along to support us but I didn’t get the chance to meet them, my mind being somewhere else! We were up on time (22:27/+16)!
Leg Time: 3 hours 27 minutes
Logistics: Nick and Tanja Cooper
Leg 2: Helped on the fells by Louis Coles
After a quick water refill, chicken and peanut butter sandwiches and Bounty bars myself and Louis were off (22:35/+22) on the road to Newsham House, on to the fells, past the old railway carriage, over the stile and on to Threlkeld Common heading up Clough Head (2nd biggest climb of the BGR at 600m, 23:28/+36). This was a long climb and darkness arrived as we were going up – my first experience of running at night. We were still with the Leicestershire climbers and this is where running in a group was beneficial - 8 of us with head torches illuminated the route well, navigation skills were pooled and we had ample opportunity to get to know our fellow runners and their new support team! (luck #5). This saved a lot of time navigating. I had expected it to be quite a cold night but it turned out to be pleasantly cool which helped (luck #6). However, the full moon was not as bright as expected and high level cloud soon appeared to block it out. Night running was a very surreal experience – the reflective strips and high visibility colours on the runners’ kit in the darkness were quite bizarre - we seemed to be in a techno nightclub on the fells! This section consists of a series of undulating summits with a route following a wide path – easy in the daylight but very tricky in the dark which slowed us down a bit. We ticked off the summits of Great Dodd (00:01/+19), Watson’s Dodd (00:10/+18), Stybarrow Dodd (00:20+16), Sticks Pass, the rocky climb to Raise (00:38/+15) and White Side (00:47/+13). Some scary black voids to the sides of Helvellyn Lower Man (01:01/+11) made me a bit nervous but then the Helvellyn summit appeared (01:07/+14), the first time I have seen it without people on it (apart from us!) and then Nethermost Pike (01:16/+14) and on to Dollywaggon Pike (01:30/+11). We could see the totally unexpected and eerie sight of other runners’ head torch lights ascending and descending Fairfield and ascending Seat Sandal. We took the very steep, grassy descent from Dollywaggon Pike, skirted Grisedale Tarn and were soon ascending Fairfield (350m, 02:11/+6) where there was a bit of a party atmosphere with so many people around. We lost our route down in the dark but were soon back on track descending the steep, loose scree to Hause Gap and then climbing the rocky crag up Seat Sandal (02:38/+2). We then took the steep, grassy cross-country descent to Dunmail Raise (03:00/+2). The night was very calm and the track through the bracken was very dry due to the lack of rain and the air was full of dust that was highlighted by the beams of the torches. The lights of the support crews waiting down below lead us home to the stiles and the road crossing on the A591. And what a home! Jude and Guy were there to welcome us in their tent decorated with red fairy lights and a feast of hot tea, sandwiches and cake! I was surprised to realise that my legs were still feeling strong and steady. A hot cup of tea was just the ticket and chicken and peanut butter sandwiches went down well with a Mars bar. It was unfortunately time to say ‘goodbye’ to Louis who had valiantly paced me on two legs and ‘hello’ again to Nick H who had returned refreshed from Penrith to pace me on leg 3!
Leg time: 4hours 25 mins
Logistics: Jude Thomas and Guy Tansey who very generously offered to do the ‘ungodly hour’ slot!
Leg 3: Helped on the fells by Nick Hindle
A quick change of t-shirt and off we set ( 03:10/+7) up a very steep Steel Fell (329m, 03:37/+3) with a chicken and peanut butter sandwich clutched in my hand. By the time we reached the top daylight had started to return and off we set along the ridge ticking off Calf Crag (04:04/-5). We ditched our head torches at this point and were very fortunate (luck #6) that it was an overcast morning so visibility was good and the temperature cool. Here Nick mentioned that his girlfriend had headed home early from the start and missed our departure at Keswick as she had to have an early night for work. At first I did not understand why someone would have had to go home to bed and that confused me a bit – but then my brain registered the fact that it was 4am, normal people were asleep and I had been running all night! At this point in the round runners have the choice of heading for High Raise or Sergeant Man first. I had decided to go for High Raise (04:39) and then on to Sergeant Man (04:53) – we also went to Codale Head by mistake! – then on to Thunacar Knott (05:07/-11), Harrison Stickle (05:15/-12) and Pike O’Stickle (05:29/-15). We could see Rossett Pike in the distance and it seemed impossibly big and far away – and Bowfell even bigger! Soon enough we reached Rossett Pike (06:16/-20) and we were half way round the course! This bit was a bit of a blur. I think I fell over somewhere around here but was lucky to have no injuries (luck #7). I fell over three times in the course of the attempt, I think along this leg but I can’t remember exactly where (Nick can you remember?), once on each knee and once my foot went down a hole and I went face first fortunately on to damp grass! From here we climbed Hanging Knotts and found the path up the diagonal shelf that cuts up Bowfell Buttress on to the summit of Bowfell (300m, 06:48/-19), then over Ore Gap and up Esk Pike (07:14/-22), over to Esk Hause and up Great End (07:38/-23), over to Ill Crag (07:54/-25), up Broad Crag (08:04/-26) and on to Scafell Pike (08:22/-33) where we literally had our feet in the clouds and navigation started to get very tricky due to the poor of visibility. However, by this point we had met and had been running with Carole and Dave (Chesterblue) who were part of a women’s relay attempt at the BG. They were good support and another opportunity for a chat. Partly due to my anxiety about my schedule and our experience in the reccy on this leg I was getting stressed at this point and we were a bit confused about which path to take off Scafell Pike. We came off on the wrong path and lost more time but Dave was great at navigation and got us off on the right direction, across the scree at Mickledore and on to the foot of Broad Stand (luck #8). This time we headed down on the scree (I like scree!) to the foot of the East Buttress, skirted around to the south and gained the gully path of the Foxes Tarn route up to Scafell (09:11/-10). If you have the time and the power in your legs this route is safer and straightforward but means losing height. It was a pleasure running with the relay team, they were great company and kept us going at a good pace. From this point I was following the 23 hour schedule. Descending from Scafell the clouds cleared and the temperatures started to climb rapidly. We had a good, long, steep descent down Green How to Wasdale Head (09:48/-18) avoiding the really steep grassy section, but Nick’s ankle was causing him a lot of pain and he bravely continued setting the pace. What a relief to reach the valley bottom at Brackenclose. Karen and Martin were in the layby with a table top spread of goodies – so more chicken sandwiches and custard! Martin was very good reminding me that I had told him to make me eat and drink. So I did! At this point Nick stopped and Dave B would set the pace on leg 4.
Leg time: 6hours 38 minutes
Logistics: Karen Bisset and Martin
Leg 4: Helped on the fells by Dave Beaney
We were off by 09:55/0 to shouts of encouragement from the women’s relay group to brave the almost vertical (as you can see, this is a common theme of the BG!) climb up Yewbarrow (3rd biggest climb of BGR at 560m). I knew from other reports that this was the make or break section. This is where you are getting tired, your brain is telling you to stop but where you have to keep your legs moving. I knew that I was about 40 minutes behind on the 22:20hr schedule which meant that if I lost any more time then I was in trouble. So through the gate marked ‘private’, over the stile and up, up, up through bracken. I was clutching a chicken and peanut butter sandwich that I was not capable of eating! This was a real slog – one foot at a time, just keep going… The climb was tough – very steep and very warm in the strong sun. In my eagerness to start I had completely forgot to thank Nick for his help pacing and for his valiant effort with his injured ankle and only remembered half way up Yewbarrow – and, no, I was not going to go back! My niece, Lauren, was particularly in my mind at this point and it was quite emotional to say the least but thinking of her gave me a huge amount of determination to press on. I was a bit stressed thinking about keeping up with the schedule and wanting to make up some time. Mentally I knew that I wanted to finish and that is what I was going to do. This mental determination really surprised me and gave me a lot of confidence in my running. However, I don’t think I was good company but Dave set a good pace to keep me going – keeping a good distance to encourage me to catch up. It seemed to last a long time but at last we made the summit of Yewbarrow (10:45/-1). It was a beautifully sunny day and the distinctive profile of Great Gable in the distance seemed a very, very and impossibly long way off! Then I was off running again and we caught the short cut through the scree below Stirrup Crag to Dore Head, climbed Red Pike (350m, 11:40/-7), over to Little Scoat Fell and went out and back to Steeple (12:01/-5). Coming off Steeple we crossed paths with the NFR anticlockwise attempt which was a real boost to my confidence seeing the familiar faces of John Telfer and Paul Appleby and getting their shouts of encouragement. I knew that if I could get to Honister by 3pm then I was going to do the BG on the 23hour schedule - so I just put my head down and ploughed on. We passed a small cairn and I saw Dave recording a summit time; I asked which one it was and he said ‘Pillar’. I knew that Pillar was a significant summit so I had a look at the map. I think he was being optimistic as I pointed over to the huge mountain on the other side of Wind Gap and said ‘That’s Pillar!’ We had to descend another 80m and climb 140m before we reached the summit of Pillar! By this point I was on a bit of a mission. It was very emotional knowing that I was within reach of finishing and that everything was going my way. I was very close to tears. This section was a bit of a blur – climb, run, descent, run, climb, run, descent, climb…. So we ticked off Pillar (12:37/-8), descended to Black Sail Pass, ascended the rocky climb up Kirk Fell Crags to Kirk Fell (13:26/-8), down to Kirk Fell tarn, down Rib End to Beck Head and up the last big climb to Great Gable (280m, 14:07/-7), a steep rocky descent to Windy Gap, and a short climb up Green Gable (14:27/-12). I knew that the big climbs were now out of the way and that gave me a spring to my step. I was still enjoying the running, being on the fells, the wonderful views in the sunshine and my legs were really strong – everything was going my way and I was on time. Then we were off running over undulating rocks and grass of Gillercomb Head to Brandreth (14:42/-9) and along to Grey Knotts (14:50/-9). Dave was recording all of the summit times so I could concentrate on running - I waited at Grey Knotts for him to catch up so he could record the time. I kept pushing on, enjoying the running and was very pleased to see the familiar steep, grassy descent down to Honister Pass. It was great to see Rez waiting to lead us to the support team where we arrived at 15:04/-10 to a great welcome party! I was so pleased to see that so many people had turned out and who had been waiting so long! There is a video of my arrival taken by Jude on my flickr site. I had read that Honister is this point where you know if you are going complete the BG. I knew I was still running very well, felt comfortable and that I was going to do it! I was very happy! I was incapable of eating solids by this point and could only face cold custard and plenty of water. It was delicious! I needed plenty of suncream too. I remember borrowing Gabriel’s blanket at some point to dry my hands.
Leg time: 5hours 9mins
Logistics: Rachel Mellor
Leg 5: Helped on the fells by Rez Prathalingham
I was keen to get going so at 15:11/-3 myself and Rez were off up the grassy climb to Dale Head (5th biggest climb of BGR at 400m). I was a bit more relaxed by this point so we could have a good chat on the ascent. Rez’s girlfriend Kirsty was waiting on the way up to say ‘hello’ – what a way to meet someone! I must say that the climb felt a lot easier than it does during the Borrowdale race which is probably a sign of all the distance training I had put in this year. Soon enough we were at Dale Head (15:43/-3), along the grassy Hindscarth Edge to Hindscarth (16:01/0) and along Littledale Edge to the final climb of Robinson (16:27/-1). Rez was fantastic at encouraging me to go on, being optimistic and cheerful. The highlight was the final climb up Robinson – “This one is easy” he said. Although I knew what he meant I couldn’t resist the temptation to remind him that I had been running since 7pm the night before, had climbed 41 Lakeland peaks, with a total of 28,000’ of ascent and that this was not going to be easy!! We had a laugh about that. And so we made the 42nd and final summit and it was downhill from here! We took the ridge route, scrambled and slid down the very tricky rock step at Blea Crags and then on to a final very steep grassy descent to the dam in the valley bottom, on to the farm track following Scope Beck and then the tarmac road past Low High Snab to Chapel Bridge. We had arranged to meet Bob Richards and Pam at the car park with clean socks and road shoes and sure enough there they were with Dave B sitting with their feet up in the shade of a tree as we turned the corner – it was a beautiful afternoon! They looked surprised to see us and jumped up to get ready! What a treat to have my first change of shoes and socks since the start! Heaven! Standing still my legs were beginning to stiffen so I was keen to get going again and in the rush I forgot to change in to my Claremont vest – so Bob says that I can’t use the BG to go towards a Club award! So we set off again on the road, walking the inclines. The rest of the route is on undulating road, fortunately mostly shaded by trees so it was very pleasant jogging and chatting. All I had to do now was keep moving and quite a few strangers encouraged us on at the pub in Swinside which spurred me on. We reached Portinscale and the footbridge over the Derwent and I was still running comfortably - my legs were feeling a bit tired but still strong. This is the section I had tried to imagine over and over again. We turned right after the bridge and followed the path through the field, out on to the road in to Keswick and the final stretch to the Moot Hall. I had never believed that I could have done the BG and here we were. It didn’t seem real. The run in to Keswick was surreal – even the road crossing at the busy roundabout was traffic-free (luck #8). It did strike me as I ran through the throngs of weekend holiday makers out shopping and drinking that most of the world was oblivious to us BGers running through their midst. Fell runners don’t make it to tv! Rez led me up the Main Street on to Market Square and the Moot Hall! I touched the door at 18:01 which gave me a time of 23hours and 1minute. Fantastic. It was over!
Leg time: 2hours 50mins
Logistics: Bob Richards
I had done it! It was great to see so many friends and family there. Hugs and handshakes all round and a bottle of fizzy! I had done it with the help of all the support team. It was amazing! And to top it all it was the perfect summer evening to spend time together in the beer garden at the Oddfellows Arms afterwards. After pie and chips I returned to meet up with the team again in the Lake Road Inn – who says I don’t have stamina! Dave’s friend Mary had even provided home made caramel slices but I couldn’t face eating anything sweet! Thanks to those who bought me pints – I was delirious by this point!
I don’t want end this without a long list of thanks. For an addicted Lakeland fell runner the BG is the ultimate challenge. The BG is an amazing experience to go through. A large part of this is the fact that it is a team effort and the runner relies on a lot of people. I was humbled by the amount of time people were happy to put in to help me achieve a dream. The support team all worked perfectly – on the day everyone was where they should have been with a good selection of food and plenty of enthusiasm and water! The catering was perfect (in fact too much to choose from) and organisation was faultless. Nick and Tanja’s banner was a real pleasant surprise and seemed to pop up regularly around the course and everyone I met along the Round seemed to have seen it! Andy Warhol eat your heart out – I had 1,381 minutes of fame! Jude’s fairy lights illuminated tent brought a big smile to my face (but not surprising if you know Jude!),Karen and Martin for pushing me on at the really difficult point at Wasdale, Rachel’s back-of-the-car café was very, very tempting to loiter at and Mary’s caramel slices were a very kind thought! Spot on! I can’t thank the pacers enough – Louis’ organisation and leadership skills and energy to get us planning the whole idea in the first place, Nick H’s love of the Lakes and fell running, Dave’s pace setting and guidance, Rez’s optimism and gentle encouragement, Chris’s enthusiasm on the reccies and both our disappointment when he couldn’t take part in the actual event. Ruth for her enthusiastic support and Roweena for her motivational talk at the start and photographic fanaticism throughout. Pam for coming along, Bob for his provision of a watch at short notice and for bringing my fresh socks and road shoes to me when I couldn’t really walk! Apologies to Gabriel for squashing him when I hugged Rachel! Thanks too to Rachel’s extended family who came along at the end. Finally, last but certainly not least, special thanks for my Dad, Patti (step-mother), David (my brother), Jonathan (nephew) and Sarah (niece) for coming along to support me at the end. It all meant a huge amount and made the day an unforgettable and enjoyable occasion that I will cherish.
There is a whole history of fell running behind the BG stretching back to the 1850s. Those who have read ‘Feet in the Clouds’ will know something of the fell running challenges out there, their history and why people do it. Those who have tried fell running will know how unique it is amongst sports and the ethos of those who participate. Most are unknown to the world at large. It is a sport of individuals who like to get together to share some time on the hills, get a bit dirty and tired and then have a beer. It is an honour and a pleasure to be part of it.
Photographs of my actual Round attempt are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157624535096140/
My rudimentary blog (I never had the time to write it!) is at: http://colinbobgrahamround.blogspot.com/
So I have filled in my ratification form listing all my times at each summit and have to write a 500 word report on my attempt to submit to the BG 24 Hour Club. I will hopefully be accepted as an official member of the Club at the end of 2010. The Bob Graham 24 Hour Club (membership only on completion of a sub 24 hour BG) has a dinner every 2 years at the Shap Wells Hotel when the certificates are presented. The next one is 2011. And that is it!
Many people have been asking what will be next. At the end of the BG I was adamant that there would not be anything next apart from my allotment. I am now five weeks post-BG and I have an idea … is anyone available in early June 2011?
Further reading: ‘42 Peaks. The Story of the Bob Graham Round’, published by Hayloft.
P.S. On 7th August 2010 I participated in the Borrowdale Fell Race. A classic Lakeland fell race starting in Rosthwaite and taking in Bessyboot, Scafell Pike, Sty Head, Great Gable, Honister and Dalehead (17 miles, 6,500 feet of ascent). I was pleased to finish with a time of 4hours 48minutes: 2 minutes under my time last year. I was also able to meet and chat with Nick Hindle’s parents and thank them for coming along to Threlkeld!
Date of attempt: 25/26th June 2010
The Bob Graham Round has been described as ‘probably the most demanding test of physical fitness available to British athletes or mountaineers’. It is a circuit of 42 named Lake District summits, involving a distance of approximately 66 miles and a cumulative ascent of approximately 28,000 feet. The rules for the Bob Graham 24 Hour Club state that the attempt has to start and finish at the steps of the Moot Hall (Keswick), can be run either clockwise or anti-clockwise but must be completed within 24 hours. The person attempting the round decides on the date, the departure time and has to make all the necessary arrangements such as pacers, navigators and feeding stations along the route.
So how did I come to be standing at the steps of the Moot Hall at 7pm on a warm, sunny evening on Friday June 25th 2010?
The first race I ever participated in was the GNR in 2004 and once I joined Claremont Road Runners I then entered various races including 10kms, ½ marathons, marathons, off road trail races, fell races, the Laugavegur ultra marathon and one or two of the Lakeland Classics. The BG was the next step. There is an aura around the BG that attracts serious fell runners – a circuit devised by Bob Graham, a Keswick hotelier, in 1932 who ran 42 summits in his 42nd year dressed in baggy shorts, tennis shoes and his pyjama top. In 2008 a small group of us at Claremont who were doing a few off road fell races talked about tackling this Holy Grail of fell running. We didn’t do it in summer 2009 because of the difficulty in finding the time to plan, train and reconnoiter the route. We soon discovered the amount of time that was needed to do the challenge justice. It is said that runners need at least 9 months to get the leg work in for stamina, distance and sheer time on your feet. In the months coming up to the attempt the runner needs to be doing 10-12 hour runs on two consecutive days per week (so your weekends are pretty much given up), then in addition there are mid week runs and reccy runs to get familiar with the route. I knew that spending time in the Lakes would not be a problem for me as I spend much of my free time over there running, walking or camping. Apparently I first walked up Helvellyn aged 5 years old. Therefore the BG was the ultimate challenge for me – and an excuse to spend even more time over there and to get to know the fells even better.
For those considering an attempt at the BG there is plenty of information on the web including training schedules, dietary regimes, route plans and advice on clothing, footwear, food, route options, psychology and nutrition.
In particular there are two excellent websites offering advice:
Bob Wightman: http://bobwightman.co.uk/run/bob_graham.php
Bob Graham 24 Hour Club: http://www.bobgrahamclub.org.uk/
The Bob Wightman website has a calculator where the start time can be entered along with the intended schedule time and it works out the time at every summit and even tells you whether it will be in daylight, dusk or darkness. There is also a chart with the phases of the moon if you want to run on a night with a full moon. What I found very useful were BG reports by runners who had both succeeded and failed – including what went right, what went wrong, where to have support and where to have a pair of road shoes handy!
By January 2010 the group was down to myself and Louis Coles who were going to attempt the Round with a proposed start at 2am on Saturday 26th June. From February 2010 along with our fledgling support group we started to spend weekends in the Lakes reccying the legs…
Leg 1 – Skiddaw to Threlkeld (12 miles; 5,150’; 4hrs). This was done with Louis Coles in February on a very cold and snowy day that turned in to warm sunshine by the descent to Threlkeld. The first section is through some back streets, through a park, a bit of road, a bit of track and then a rising path around Latrigg. Soon enough we were on the motorway of a footpath ascending Skiddaw. The snow was deep and ice horizontal on the gates and fences up to Skiddaw. Navigating off Skiddaw was difficult because everything was white! There was a magical snow flurry when we were down in the dip off Hare Crag between Skiddaw and Great Calva. We took the advantage of the snow to surf down Great Calva and by Blencathra we were under azure skies and brilliant sunshine. On attempting to find our way off Blencathra – looking over a snow ridge with no sign of ground below – Louis made it quite clear that he was “not f*µ©ing going down there”. We realized that we were actually on the wrong ridge, looking down Gategill Fell and that Halls Fell comes directly off the Blencathra summit. So we backtracked and descended an icy scramble very carefully until we dropped below the snowline and sat in the sun admiring the view. It was fun to see the climbers coming up dressed for Arctic conditions as we descended in our shorts. Fell runners are HARD! We realized that good route finding would be a necessity in order to successfully complete the BG. It was an exciting and fun day – our first reccy and I was still not sure what we were letting ourselves in for.
Photographs of leg 1 are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157623316358415/
Leg 2 – Threlkeld to Dunmail Raise (13.2 miles; 5,900’; 4hrs). This was done with Louis Coles, Dave Beaney, Nick Hindle and Chris Gillis in very cold and very windy conditions in March. We braved the elements across the summits from Clough Head to Seat Sandal, including Helvellyn and Fairfield. This is an area that I know very well and once you are up on top it is pretty much undulating summits with well defined paths along a ridge. In the wind it was difficult enough just to stay on our feet. It was also biting cold but visibility was good. I won’t divulge where some of us were warming our hands but Chris would not let a certain person put his hands in the shared packet of jelly babies! I think we were on the verge of hypothermia by Helvellyn. The descent from Dollywaggon Pike to Grisedale Tarn is down very steep grass which was tricky. From here the route takes in Fairfield which is ascended and then you turn around and run back down, a bit soul destroying. The route up and down Fairfield is on very loose and eroded scree which makes it difficult. The grassy descent off Seat Sandal was fun.
Photographs of leg 2 are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157623643194683/
Leg 3 – Dunmail Raise to Wasdale (15.2 miles; 6,500’; 7 hrs). This was done with Louis Coles, Matthew Kingston and Chris Gillis in April. Logistically we made the mistake of staying overnight in Langdale which meant we had to drive from Langdale over Hardknott and Wrynose Passes to Wasdale and then back to Dunmail Raise even before we started running. A few of us felt really queasy at the start. This was my first taste of the steep, grassy climb up Steel Fell which is quite intimidating looking up from Dunmail Raise. Once up there an undulating route along the tops takes in some tricky navigation amongst crags and hummocks and on to moorland. We encountered a lone runner also reccying for the BG so we ran as a group for a while until Broad Stand. Bowfell loomed in the distance and appeared a long way off. We had some problems on this leg which meant that it was only myself and Chris who were able to complete it. After a bit of running we quite easily found the route up the diagonal grassy shelf on to Bowfell and this has become one of my favourite routes in the Lakes. We initially took the wrong path off Scafell Pike – a worry I would have on the day itself. This leg includes three options to reach Scafell: Lords’ Rake (gully with an unstable rock at the top and an exposed scramble), Broad Stand (exposed rock climb with a 30 foot drop) or Foxes’ Tarn (which involves losing height to access a rock gully). We had arranged to meet up with Tim Piggott from Claremont who very patiently showed me what was involved in climbing Broad Stand. Getting through Fat Man’s Agony was bad enough but then being stretched out on a vertical rock slab with a 30 foot drop behind me and being told that I would have to pull myself up by my fingertips was not going to work! I decided that I would prefer to loose some height rather than my life. However, to get back down I had to lie on the rock shelf and lower myself backwards over the edge hanging on by my finger tips! I was expertly guided down by Tim and very relieved to get my feet back on to firm scree! A very big thanks to Tim for coming all the way over, hanging around for so long at Mickledore (we were late!) and being patient talking us through it just for me to say ‘No Way!’ We then took the Foxes Tarn route down the scree and then up the gully – a route I am quite fond of. I think I was still high from being alive! Once up Scafell the descent to Wasdale was an eye opener (how steep can a hill be?!) but descending in to Wasdale on a beautiful sunny evening was sheer delight with views of Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Pillar bathed in sunshine. We both decided to sit in the river to cool our legs and soak up the view. A real Lakeland moment to remember!
Leg 4 and 5 – Wasdale to Honister (10miles; 6,300’; 5hrs) and Honister to Keswick (10.6miles; 2,500’; 3hrs) These legs were done with Chris G and Nick H in May. We decided to join the two together to get the extra distance in. On this lap we were running just in front of a woman actually attempting the BG. We met quite a lot of her support team at several points along the way who were very friendly. She had set off at 7pm the night before and was running well. This made me wonder if that would be a good time to depart – most attempts are started around 1-2am which I was not too keen on as I am not a morning person! It would mean doing leg 2 in the dark – the bit I know the best. I think that this was the first of many lucky coincidences that I had leading up to and during the attempt. It also made me appreciate the support of friends along the route and she even got pink balloons and pink champagne at the Moot Hall! I think that it was on this leg descending either Great Gable or Kirk Fell that Nick was running behind us when we heard a bit of a yelp. We turned around to see him lying upside down on the crag in a pile of rocks. After our initial shock and worry, once we knew that he was okay, we made him continue running! Me, Nick and Chris all cooled off by going to Derwent Water and having a dip up to our thighs. Not for long though – it was freezing!
Photographs of legs 4 and 5 are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157624086155800/
Emma, the lady doing the BG has a blog which may inspire many of you: http://donningstudsinmay.blogspot.com/
Reccying the route proved to be invaluable to get a feel of the legs and to learn by mistake – there were quite a few times where the route was not obvious, or there were short cuts or we got to know features to look out for.
Other races I had done as part of my training in 2010 were:
• Haworth Hobble in March: 33miles, 4400’ ascent in 5hours 42mins
• Coniston 14+ in March: 16.7miles, undulating road, 2hours 4mins
• Old Counties Tops in May: 37miles, 10,000’, 10hrs 45mins. Great Langdale – Grasmere – Helvellyn – Scafell Pike – Coniston Old Man – Great Langdale. This race has to be done as a team of 2. Louis was not able to do it so I arrange with the race organizer to run with someone from Lancashire who was looking for a place. Fred was training to do his BG attempt in early June. He is a very good runner and kept me going on a very hot day. He also introduced me to hydration tablets which I used on the BG attempt and peach slices and fruit loaf!! Fred completed his BG Round in 22hours and 59minutes.
In early June I had planned to run the BG over two days. I ran the first half from Keswick to Langdale on the Saturday and did this in 12 hours which I thought was okay as it was very warm and I had to keep stopping to fill up my water bag. I stayed the night at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Langdale which I can highly recommend. The lads in the Hikers Bar next door waited hand on foot for me and specially made me a beef curry when they found out I was training for the BG and staying at the hotel! On the Sunday I met three lads who were out reccying the route who I ran with for a while as visibility was very bad and running solo in heavy rain on tricky terrain is not my favourite pastime. I found these chance encounters with other runners on the fells some of the best times during training – it is amazing who your meet by chance, have a chat, help each other out and then go separate ways. The weather deteriorated further and I called it off after Scafell Pike, cut down a very treacherous Mickedore and over to Borrowdale and the low level route back to Keswick. This was a very useful weekend as I became familiar with the first half of the route, learned to pace myself over the distance and found some clear paths to look out for on the actual attempt. I also realized that if it was raining or low cloud on the day itself I would not even attempt it!
Photographs of this weekend are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157624230630994/
Unfortunately, due to factors beyond our control, come June I was the only one who was confident enough physically to attempt the round. I did spend some time trying to think of some reasons not to do it. I even started hoping I would get injured on my training runs… I was getting very nervous. I really had no idea if I would be able to do the BG… reminding myself that the BG is only for real fell runners, not people like me… that I would make a real idiot of myself…with all those people waiting for me at the end and I would not be there! Then my dad and step-mother decided they were coming to meet me at the finish – oh the shame of failing! And my brother, nephew and niece were coming too! I calmed myself down by saying that I would complete the round even if it meant taking longer than the 24 hours, I thought that would be attainable. I wanted to get it over and done so I would never have to try again and I could get my life back!
Looking at the pros and cons (start time during daylight, which section to run at night, which finish time would allow me to go to the pub) I decided to attempt a clockwise round starting at 19:00hrs on Friday 25th June initially following the 22:30 schedule and adding in the extra time taking the Foxes Tarn route at Scafell Pike would give me leeway for a more realistic finishing time of 23 hours. Later in the report I will give my actual times on the attempt and how they compare to the scheduled times. So all going well I hoped that I would be back at the Moot Hall at 18:00 hours on the Saturday.
Pacers
The weeks and days before the planned attempt were busy organising logistics and seemed to fly by fine-tuning arrangements. Unfortunately Chris Gillis, who was planning to pace me on a couple of the legs, was called away to work in Norway the weekend of the BG. I think he was as disappointed as me as he had enjoyed the reccy runs so much! This left me with one pacer/navigator scheduled on each section - fingers crossed that no one else would have to drop out! Then Nick called me to say he had injured his ankle on a run up Helvellyn but hoped to be okay on the day. I hoped so too – he was my only pacer on leg 3!! All of the pacers kindly agreed to do the legs I asked them and so everything was set. Dave Beaney and Rez told me that they had been over to the Lakes to reccy their sections of the route. Dave even called me to say that he had tried going up Yewbarrow from Wasdale Head and found the scrambling up Stirrup Crag very difficult. I explained to him that climbing up Stirrup Crag was not included in the BG – the ascent was further down the valley (still difficult but not a crag scramble!) He sounded relieved.
Logistics
On one of the information websites it says: ‘No matter what time you start and what your intended pace is, one of your pit stops will be at some ungodly hour. You are just going to have pull favours’. And indeed that is what I had to do!! Arranging the food/water/kit stations was more time consuming than I thought – but I was amazed at the enthusiasm and energy of everyone who wanted to help. I prepared boxes of food, kit, gels, maps with various instructions and team members called around mine for briefing sessions about how the day itself would go. They all wanted to make sure that they would be in the right place at the right time. They also wanted to know the direction I would be approaching them from, which is always a good thing to know especially in the dark! I was particularly pleased that some of my non-running friends (and their boyfriends!) were keen to be involved even though they did not know what the BGR was until I had started whittering on about it a few months earlier! Jude very kindly agreed to do the ‘ungodly’ stint at 2-3am at Dunmail Raise and even offered her boyfriend Guy to come along! The team were fantastic in taking control – even organising among themselves how to get pacers for A to B which had got completely beyond me! I even warned everyone that I might be really grouchy during the event, I was worried that in my tiredness and exhaustion I would be rude to people so I thought I should warn them. (I think I behaved myself on the day, I hope so!) I was also pleased that they were getting excited at supporting a BG attempt – the team all rose to the occasion and it started to feel something of a big event. However, it made me even more nervous at the thought of failing!
I was all prepared. The only factor I had no control over was the weather. I just had to hope for good visibility, not too much sun, cool temperatures and no rain.
The Attempt
Soon enough the day itself arrived. I had an early night the evening before, had porridge around 8am and then went back to bed until 1pm. I had a bit of a talk with myself to calm me down and to focus my mind on the task and I felt strangely calm and confident – what I had hoped for and planned to do had come about so I just needed to get on and do it. Me and Louis drove over to Keswick during which he gave me advice and encouragement on the attempt which helped a lot. I had arranged to meet most of my support team outside the Skiddaw Hotel on Keswick Main Street from 5.30pm onwards. Fortunately the weather that evening was warm and sunny (luck #2) so we all gradually gathered in the street – Nick C, Tanja C, Nick H, Louis C, Karen B and Martin, Ruth L and Roweena R (my personal photographer!). The weekend itself was popular for BG attempts (being the shortest night and with a full moon) and so we met other groups who were setting off at 6pm and 6.30pm. It was a pleasant surprise to see Phil Green and John Telfer from Northumberland Fell Runners (fellow competitors at numerous fell races – John always beats me, Phil passes me on the ups and I pass him on the downs!) at Moot Hall – they were both there to support an anticlockwise attempt departing at 7am on the Saturday morning. We worked out that we should cross paths at some time on the Saturday afternoon but my maths is pathetic so I couldn’t work out at what time – it would be a surprise!
From the Fell Runners Association forum I knew that at least one other group was starting at 7pm (it had only been the week before that it had occurred to me that I may not be the only one setting off at that time). So with the time rapidly approaching 7pm I met a group of 3 runners and their support team from a mountain climbing club in Leicestershire and we all introduced ourselves. Such is the support of fell runners that we all seemed very pleased to have the company (luck #3).
Leg 1: Helped on the fells by Louis Coles and Nick Hindle
7pm and we had a count down to the start: 3 – 2 – 1… and off we headed – through the ginnel, car park, foot bridge over the Greta, through Fitz Park and on to the start of the climb up Skiddaw (the biggest climb of the BGR at 850m). I could not believe that the day had arrived and this was the real thing!! Fortunately I had Louis and Nick as pacers and I knew I did not have anything to worry about. It was such a beautiful evening that it was actually a pleasure going up Skiddaw – the mountain was deserted and the views back over Derwent Water were perfect with clear blue skies and the mountains beyond (Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson) and the Newlands Valley. I tried to put it out of my head that hopefully in 23 hours time I would have passed over them - it didn’t seem possible! I reminded myself that all of the ascents were to be walked and to make sure that we made most of the down hill sections without taking the strength out of my legs. Above all I wanted the attempt to be as pleasurable as possible! This was a once in a lifetime occasion and I was hoping to have happy memories. However, it would also be tinged with a degree of sadness; I had started running in 2004 to raise sponsorship along with my brother and sister in the GNR in memory of my 18 year old niece, Lauren, who had died suddenly in 2003. Such a tragic family event has ironically given me a focus and led to so much pleasure in the running world. Lauren’s spirit would feature significantly in my mind during the attempt. I owe it to her my absolute single mindedness at this point that I would complete the Round. It is interesting that in Richard Asquith’s book ‘Feet in the Clouds’ that it is only on his third attempt at the BG when he is mentally determined to complete it that he was successful. I felt this from the start and I knew that navigation would be crucial. So the banter continued between Louis and Nick which passed the time. I was getting my mind in to its ‘zone’, keeping my heart rate down, going steady and relaxing for the effort to come. We reached our first summit, Skiddaw (20:18/+2). We could clearly see the descent down the grass path on the Blake Hill route from Skiddaw (which was more than we could in the snow in February!), over the fence, down the grass track, over Hare Crag and then on to the grassy climb up to Great Calva (20:54/+14). On my second reccy I had found the path down through the heather and the route was clear and dry, through the reeds, across the River Caldew (wet feet), through the wire fence and the long tussocky grass climb up Mungrisedale Common and on to the long climb to Blencathra (4th biggest climb of the BGR at 480m, 21:56/+18). I forgot to take the short cut to the summit and so climbed Atkinson Pike which was not necessary (which reminded me that we should take care to avoid those unnecessary ascents!). So far the ground was dry and soft, visibility was excellent and the air was cool (luck #4). I was both pleased and amazed that I was actually enjoying being out on the fells running with friends. But there was work to be done and no time for taking in the view and so we headed for the route down. The descent down Hall’s Fell Ridge is quite challenging as there is exposed scrambling with some precipitous drops to the sides before easing out to track and grassy slopes. This was a very tricky descent and there was no opportunity to admire the views as all eyes were on the ground in front of us. Gradually Threlkeld came in to view in the valley below which raised my spirits. Unfortunately Nick H twisted his ankle quite badly towards the end of this section and he decided to sit leg 2 out. We were all surprised when turning the corner at Threlkeld to be confronted by Tanja’s banner, a traffic free A66 and a cheering crowd of supporters which raised our spirits. Nick H’s parents had come along to support us but I didn’t get the chance to meet them, my mind being somewhere else! We were up on time (22:27/+16)!
Leg Time: 3 hours 27 minutes
Logistics: Nick and Tanja Cooper
Leg 2: Helped on the fells by Louis Coles
After a quick water refill, chicken and peanut butter sandwiches and Bounty bars myself and Louis were off (22:35/+22) on the road to Newsham House, on to the fells, past the old railway carriage, over the stile and on to Threlkeld Common heading up Clough Head (2nd biggest climb of the BGR at 600m, 23:28/+36). This was a long climb and darkness arrived as we were going up – my first experience of running at night. We were still with the Leicestershire climbers and this is where running in a group was beneficial - 8 of us with head torches illuminated the route well, navigation skills were pooled and we had ample opportunity to get to know our fellow runners and their new support team! (luck #5). This saved a lot of time navigating. I had expected it to be quite a cold night but it turned out to be pleasantly cool which helped (luck #6). However, the full moon was not as bright as expected and high level cloud soon appeared to block it out. Night running was a very surreal experience – the reflective strips and high visibility colours on the runners’ kit in the darkness were quite bizarre - we seemed to be in a techno nightclub on the fells! This section consists of a series of undulating summits with a route following a wide path – easy in the daylight but very tricky in the dark which slowed us down a bit. We ticked off the summits of Great Dodd (00:01/+19), Watson’s Dodd (00:10/+18), Stybarrow Dodd (00:20+16), Sticks Pass, the rocky climb to Raise (00:38/+15) and White Side (00:47/+13). Some scary black voids to the sides of Helvellyn Lower Man (01:01/+11) made me a bit nervous but then the Helvellyn summit appeared (01:07/+14), the first time I have seen it without people on it (apart from us!) and then Nethermost Pike (01:16/+14) and on to Dollywaggon Pike (01:30/+11). We could see the totally unexpected and eerie sight of other runners’ head torch lights ascending and descending Fairfield and ascending Seat Sandal. We took the very steep, grassy descent from Dollywaggon Pike, skirted Grisedale Tarn and were soon ascending Fairfield (350m, 02:11/+6) where there was a bit of a party atmosphere with so many people around. We lost our route down in the dark but were soon back on track descending the steep, loose scree to Hause Gap and then climbing the rocky crag up Seat Sandal (02:38/+2). We then took the steep, grassy cross-country descent to Dunmail Raise (03:00/+2). The night was very calm and the track through the bracken was very dry due to the lack of rain and the air was full of dust that was highlighted by the beams of the torches. The lights of the support crews waiting down below lead us home to the stiles and the road crossing on the A591. And what a home! Jude and Guy were there to welcome us in their tent decorated with red fairy lights and a feast of hot tea, sandwiches and cake! I was surprised to realise that my legs were still feeling strong and steady. A hot cup of tea was just the ticket and chicken and peanut butter sandwiches went down well with a Mars bar. It was unfortunately time to say ‘goodbye’ to Louis who had valiantly paced me on two legs and ‘hello’ again to Nick H who had returned refreshed from Penrith to pace me on leg 3!
Leg time: 4hours 25 mins
Logistics: Jude Thomas and Guy Tansey who very generously offered to do the ‘ungodly hour’ slot!
Leg 3: Helped on the fells by Nick Hindle
A quick change of t-shirt and off we set ( 03:10/+7) up a very steep Steel Fell (329m, 03:37/+3) with a chicken and peanut butter sandwich clutched in my hand. By the time we reached the top daylight had started to return and off we set along the ridge ticking off Calf Crag (04:04/-5). We ditched our head torches at this point and were very fortunate (luck #6) that it was an overcast morning so visibility was good and the temperature cool. Here Nick mentioned that his girlfriend had headed home early from the start and missed our departure at Keswick as she had to have an early night for work. At first I did not understand why someone would have had to go home to bed and that confused me a bit – but then my brain registered the fact that it was 4am, normal people were asleep and I had been running all night! At this point in the round runners have the choice of heading for High Raise or Sergeant Man first. I had decided to go for High Raise (04:39) and then on to Sergeant Man (04:53) – we also went to Codale Head by mistake! – then on to Thunacar Knott (05:07/-11), Harrison Stickle (05:15/-12) and Pike O’Stickle (05:29/-15). We could see Rossett Pike in the distance and it seemed impossibly big and far away – and Bowfell even bigger! Soon enough we reached Rossett Pike (06:16/-20) and we were half way round the course! This bit was a bit of a blur. I think I fell over somewhere around here but was lucky to have no injuries (luck #7). I fell over three times in the course of the attempt, I think along this leg but I can’t remember exactly where (Nick can you remember?), once on each knee and once my foot went down a hole and I went face first fortunately on to damp grass! From here we climbed Hanging Knotts and found the path up the diagonal shelf that cuts up Bowfell Buttress on to the summit of Bowfell (300m, 06:48/-19), then over Ore Gap and up Esk Pike (07:14/-22), over to Esk Hause and up Great End (07:38/-23), over to Ill Crag (07:54/-25), up Broad Crag (08:04/-26) and on to Scafell Pike (08:22/-33) where we literally had our feet in the clouds and navigation started to get very tricky due to the poor of visibility. However, by this point we had met and had been running with Carole and Dave (Chesterblue) who were part of a women’s relay attempt at the BG. They were good support and another opportunity for a chat. Partly due to my anxiety about my schedule and our experience in the reccy on this leg I was getting stressed at this point and we were a bit confused about which path to take off Scafell Pike. We came off on the wrong path and lost more time but Dave was great at navigation and got us off on the right direction, across the scree at Mickledore and on to the foot of Broad Stand (luck #8). This time we headed down on the scree (I like scree!) to the foot of the East Buttress, skirted around to the south and gained the gully path of the Foxes Tarn route up to Scafell (09:11/-10). If you have the time and the power in your legs this route is safer and straightforward but means losing height. It was a pleasure running with the relay team, they were great company and kept us going at a good pace. From this point I was following the 23 hour schedule. Descending from Scafell the clouds cleared and the temperatures started to climb rapidly. We had a good, long, steep descent down Green How to Wasdale Head (09:48/-18) avoiding the really steep grassy section, but Nick’s ankle was causing him a lot of pain and he bravely continued setting the pace. What a relief to reach the valley bottom at Brackenclose. Karen and Martin were in the layby with a table top spread of goodies – so more chicken sandwiches and custard! Martin was very good reminding me that I had told him to make me eat and drink. So I did! At this point Nick stopped and Dave B would set the pace on leg 4.
Leg time: 6hours 38 minutes
Logistics: Karen Bisset and Martin
Leg 4: Helped on the fells by Dave Beaney
We were off by 09:55/0 to shouts of encouragement from the women’s relay group to brave the almost vertical (as you can see, this is a common theme of the BG!) climb up Yewbarrow (3rd biggest climb of BGR at 560m). I knew from other reports that this was the make or break section. This is where you are getting tired, your brain is telling you to stop but where you have to keep your legs moving. I knew that I was about 40 minutes behind on the 22:20hr schedule which meant that if I lost any more time then I was in trouble. So through the gate marked ‘private’, over the stile and up, up, up through bracken. I was clutching a chicken and peanut butter sandwich that I was not capable of eating! This was a real slog – one foot at a time, just keep going… The climb was tough – very steep and very warm in the strong sun. In my eagerness to start I had completely forgot to thank Nick for his help pacing and for his valiant effort with his injured ankle and only remembered half way up Yewbarrow – and, no, I was not going to go back! My niece, Lauren, was particularly in my mind at this point and it was quite emotional to say the least but thinking of her gave me a huge amount of determination to press on. I was a bit stressed thinking about keeping up with the schedule and wanting to make up some time. Mentally I knew that I wanted to finish and that is what I was going to do. This mental determination really surprised me and gave me a lot of confidence in my running. However, I don’t think I was good company but Dave set a good pace to keep me going – keeping a good distance to encourage me to catch up. It seemed to last a long time but at last we made the summit of Yewbarrow (10:45/-1). It was a beautifully sunny day and the distinctive profile of Great Gable in the distance seemed a very, very and impossibly long way off! Then I was off running again and we caught the short cut through the scree below Stirrup Crag to Dore Head, climbed Red Pike (350m, 11:40/-7), over to Little Scoat Fell and went out and back to Steeple (12:01/-5). Coming off Steeple we crossed paths with the NFR anticlockwise attempt which was a real boost to my confidence seeing the familiar faces of John Telfer and Paul Appleby and getting their shouts of encouragement. I knew that if I could get to Honister by 3pm then I was going to do the BG on the 23hour schedule - so I just put my head down and ploughed on. We passed a small cairn and I saw Dave recording a summit time; I asked which one it was and he said ‘Pillar’. I knew that Pillar was a significant summit so I had a look at the map. I think he was being optimistic as I pointed over to the huge mountain on the other side of Wind Gap and said ‘That’s Pillar!’ We had to descend another 80m and climb 140m before we reached the summit of Pillar! By this point I was on a bit of a mission. It was very emotional knowing that I was within reach of finishing and that everything was going my way. I was very close to tears. This section was a bit of a blur – climb, run, descent, run, climb, run, descent, climb…. So we ticked off Pillar (12:37/-8), descended to Black Sail Pass, ascended the rocky climb up Kirk Fell Crags to Kirk Fell (13:26/-8), down to Kirk Fell tarn, down Rib End to Beck Head and up the last big climb to Great Gable (280m, 14:07/-7), a steep rocky descent to Windy Gap, and a short climb up Green Gable (14:27/-12). I knew that the big climbs were now out of the way and that gave me a spring to my step. I was still enjoying the running, being on the fells, the wonderful views in the sunshine and my legs were really strong – everything was going my way and I was on time. Then we were off running over undulating rocks and grass of Gillercomb Head to Brandreth (14:42/-9) and along to Grey Knotts (14:50/-9). Dave was recording all of the summit times so I could concentrate on running - I waited at Grey Knotts for him to catch up so he could record the time. I kept pushing on, enjoying the running and was very pleased to see the familiar steep, grassy descent down to Honister Pass. It was great to see Rez waiting to lead us to the support team where we arrived at 15:04/-10 to a great welcome party! I was so pleased to see that so many people had turned out and who had been waiting so long! There is a video of my arrival taken by Jude on my flickr site. I had read that Honister is this point where you know if you are going complete the BG. I knew I was still running very well, felt comfortable and that I was going to do it! I was very happy! I was incapable of eating solids by this point and could only face cold custard and plenty of water. It was delicious! I needed plenty of suncream too. I remember borrowing Gabriel’s blanket at some point to dry my hands.
Leg time: 5hours 9mins
Logistics: Rachel Mellor
Leg 5: Helped on the fells by Rez Prathalingham
I was keen to get going so at 15:11/-3 myself and Rez were off up the grassy climb to Dale Head (5th biggest climb of BGR at 400m). I was a bit more relaxed by this point so we could have a good chat on the ascent. Rez’s girlfriend Kirsty was waiting on the way up to say ‘hello’ – what a way to meet someone! I must say that the climb felt a lot easier than it does during the Borrowdale race which is probably a sign of all the distance training I had put in this year. Soon enough we were at Dale Head (15:43/-3), along the grassy Hindscarth Edge to Hindscarth (16:01/0) and along Littledale Edge to the final climb of Robinson (16:27/-1). Rez was fantastic at encouraging me to go on, being optimistic and cheerful. The highlight was the final climb up Robinson – “This one is easy” he said. Although I knew what he meant I couldn’t resist the temptation to remind him that I had been running since 7pm the night before, had climbed 41 Lakeland peaks, with a total of 28,000’ of ascent and that this was not going to be easy!! We had a laugh about that. And so we made the 42nd and final summit and it was downhill from here! We took the ridge route, scrambled and slid down the very tricky rock step at Blea Crags and then on to a final very steep grassy descent to the dam in the valley bottom, on to the farm track following Scope Beck and then the tarmac road past Low High Snab to Chapel Bridge. We had arranged to meet Bob Richards and Pam at the car park with clean socks and road shoes and sure enough there they were with Dave B sitting with their feet up in the shade of a tree as we turned the corner – it was a beautiful afternoon! They looked surprised to see us and jumped up to get ready! What a treat to have my first change of shoes and socks since the start! Heaven! Standing still my legs were beginning to stiffen so I was keen to get going again and in the rush I forgot to change in to my Claremont vest – so Bob says that I can’t use the BG to go towards a Club award! So we set off again on the road, walking the inclines. The rest of the route is on undulating road, fortunately mostly shaded by trees so it was very pleasant jogging and chatting. All I had to do now was keep moving and quite a few strangers encouraged us on at the pub in Swinside which spurred me on. We reached Portinscale and the footbridge over the Derwent and I was still running comfortably - my legs were feeling a bit tired but still strong. This is the section I had tried to imagine over and over again. We turned right after the bridge and followed the path through the field, out on to the road in to Keswick and the final stretch to the Moot Hall. I had never believed that I could have done the BG and here we were. It didn’t seem real. The run in to Keswick was surreal – even the road crossing at the busy roundabout was traffic-free (luck #8). It did strike me as I ran through the throngs of weekend holiday makers out shopping and drinking that most of the world was oblivious to us BGers running through their midst. Fell runners don’t make it to tv! Rez led me up the Main Street on to Market Square and the Moot Hall! I touched the door at 18:01 which gave me a time of 23hours and 1minute. Fantastic. It was over!
Leg time: 2hours 50mins
Logistics: Bob Richards
I had done it! It was great to see so many friends and family there. Hugs and handshakes all round and a bottle of fizzy! I had done it with the help of all the support team. It was amazing! And to top it all it was the perfect summer evening to spend time together in the beer garden at the Oddfellows Arms afterwards. After pie and chips I returned to meet up with the team again in the Lake Road Inn – who says I don’t have stamina! Dave’s friend Mary had even provided home made caramel slices but I couldn’t face eating anything sweet! Thanks to those who bought me pints – I was delirious by this point!
I don’t want end this without a long list of thanks. For an addicted Lakeland fell runner the BG is the ultimate challenge. The BG is an amazing experience to go through. A large part of this is the fact that it is a team effort and the runner relies on a lot of people. I was humbled by the amount of time people were happy to put in to help me achieve a dream. The support team all worked perfectly – on the day everyone was where they should have been with a good selection of food and plenty of enthusiasm and water! The catering was perfect (in fact too much to choose from) and organisation was faultless. Nick and Tanja’s banner was a real pleasant surprise and seemed to pop up regularly around the course and everyone I met along the Round seemed to have seen it! Andy Warhol eat your heart out – I had 1,381 minutes of fame! Jude’s fairy lights illuminated tent brought a big smile to my face (but not surprising if you know Jude!),Karen and Martin for pushing me on at the really difficult point at Wasdale, Rachel’s back-of-the-car café was very, very tempting to loiter at and Mary’s caramel slices were a very kind thought! Spot on! I can’t thank the pacers enough – Louis’ organisation and leadership skills and energy to get us planning the whole idea in the first place, Nick H’s love of the Lakes and fell running, Dave’s pace setting and guidance, Rez’s optimism and gentle encouragement, Chris’s enthusiasm on the reccies and both our disappointment when he couldn’t take part in the actual event. Ruth for her enthusiastic support and Roweena for her motivational talk at the start and photographic fanaticism throughout. Pam for coming along, Bob for his provision of a watch at short notice and for bringing my fresh socks and road shoes to me when I couldn’t really walk! Apologies to Gabriel for squashing him when I hugged Rachel! Thanks too to Rachel’s extended family who came along at the end. Finally, last but certainly not least, special thanks for my Dad, Patti (step-mother), David (my brother), Jonathan (nephew) and Sarah (niece) for coming along to support me at the end. It all meant a huge amount and made the day an unforgettable and enjoyable occasion that I will cherish.
There is a whole history of fell running behind the BG stretching back to the 1850s. Those who have read ‘Feet in the Clouds’ will know something of the fell running challenges out there, their history and why people do it. Those who have tried fell running will know how unique it is amongst sports and the ethos of those who participate. Most are unknown to the world at large. It is a sport of individuals who like to get together to share some time on the hills, get a bit dirty and tired and then have a beer. It is an honour and a pleasure to be part of it.
Photographs of my actual Round attempt are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualadventurer/sets/72157624535096140/
My rudimentary blog (I never had the time to write it!) is at: http://colinbobgrahamround.blogspot.com/
So I have filled in my ratification form listing all my times at each summit and have to write a 500 word report on my attempt to submit to the BG 24 Hour Club. I will hopefully be accepted as an official member of the Club at the end of 2010. The Bob Graham 24 Hour Club (membership only on completion of a sub 24 hour BG) has a dinner every 2 years at the Shap Wells Hotel when the certificates are presented. The next one is 2011. And that is it!
Many people have been asking what will be next. At the end of the BG I was adamant that there would not be anything next apart from my allotment. I am now five weeks post-BG and I have an idea … is anyone available in early June 2011?
Further reading: ‘42 Peaks. The Story of the Bob Graham Round’, published by Hayloft.
P.S. On 7th August 2010 I participated in the Borrowdale Fell Race. A classic Lakeland fell race starting in Rosthwaite and taking in Bessyboot, Scafell Pike, Sty Head, Great Gable, Honister and Dalehead (17 miles, 6,500 feet of ascent). I was pleased to finish with a time of 4hours 48minutes: 2 minutes under my time last year. I was also able to meet and chat with Nick Hindle’s parents and thank them for coming along to Threlkeld!
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