racejournal

Race Journal

Windgather Race Report

Sunday 9th of October saw 10 Clowne Road Runners compete in the
Windgather Fell Race just outside Buxton. Arguably the toughest race on the
Gran Prix calendar, 13.5 miles and 2500ft of ascent was set to challenge
event the most hardy and resilient of the club.

The “Clownes” were joined by almost 200 other runners, the majority being
from recognised fell running clubs from the local area and including some of
the best fell runners in the country.

Undaunted we all lined up for the start on a tarmac road leading off to the
fells surrounding Buxton. After a 5 minute wait at the first stile the field soon
thinned out with the first few miles covering pleasant rolling fells leading to a
reservoir around which the route was mercifully flat. Those of us that had
recced the course however knew what was coming, a very steep climb
through a farm up to the Windgather rocks. Most people were walking the
big climb, well they were in my part of the pack and resumed running when
the summit was reached.
There was then a long drag along a well marked path and stone slabs to the
top of shining tor, merciful relief for me (a road runner at heart) The fog had
closed in at this stage and visibility was down to about 20 meters but this
only added to the atmosphere. Unfortunatley by the time the later runners
were at this point they were being lashed by rain and wind which felt like
needles on the skin!
The final few miles were a mix of treacherous wet rocks which a fellow
competitor commented were a ridiculous surface to run on, clearly a fellow
after my own heart, which had me wishing for the return of the hills! Then
some boggy ground followed by a final ascent along a narrow path which
resembled a stream.
The final mile was mercifully down hill to a wind blown tent housing the
fantastic marshalls welcoming everyone in.
I managed to run most of the way with a lady whom I had never met before,
did not know her name and may never see again but we paced and
encouraged each other around the course and hugged and congratulated each
other at the finish. I ran a much better, less lonely race because of her. The
great thing about running is the combined experience of suffering and
pushing yourself creates bonds of support and appreciation amongst each
other and a great feeling of achievement and satisfaction.