Up (and down) coming challenges

Summer's finished it seems (or never came?) but still lots of fun to be had - the confusingly named Mountain Marathon and local off-road long distance season 'peaks' in the autumn

First up in the Mourne Mountain Marathon (15-16th September), the 33rd running of an event that few of us from the club have done (even though it gets excellent write-ups and is relatively accessible c/o flights from Cardiff to Belfast). 

The Newport Outdoor Group's excellent (and 33th?) Talybont Trial is on the 6th October 2012 - popular with walkers and runners (especially those training for the OMM), this friendly but challenging 20 miler (more if I'm navigating) only costs £10 and includes tea and biscuits.

The route starts and finishes at Talybont and takes in the high expanse of Craig Pwllfa and the smaller yet in some ways more beautiful Tor y Foel. Between these the walker may be able to trace the course of an ancient industrial tramway, long since gone and barely discernable, or may choose to lunch at the cave where it is said Chartists kept an arms cache before marching down to the valleys to Newport to demand free elections to Parliament. Others will be more interested in getting their heads down and beating last years time, and indeed many of this years entrants will have taken part at least once before.

Sadly it clashes with the 6th running of the RAB Mountain Marathon (6-7th October 2012, Northern England - exact details of the location as ever kept secret until ~ 1 month before the race). The RAB is unusual in being open to both solo entries and pairs of runners and has two score class categories ('Elite' and 'Open'). Finishers also get a goody bag (unheard of amongst MMers?) care of a big sponsor and the organisers have a nack of finding great venues in wilder, overlooked, places.  An ideal choice for a fist time MMer...

And then there's the biggest and, arguably, most commercial event in the calendar - the OMM. Improved in 2011 (or so those of us from the club who did thought) after two dodgy years in relatively dull locations.

2012 will be our 44th Event. Set in Northern England. The last week-end in October 27th and 28th 2012. In a different area from last year, it will present challenges for everyone who takes part. It is still, internationally the largest and most prestigious Mountain Marathon event. THE OMM tests teamwork, self-reliance, endurance, outdoor and navigational skills.

This event is not suitable for novices to British mountains. Both team members must have some Mountain experience: It is the responsibility of all entrants to choose a course commensurate with their ability and experience. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry if, in their judgement, insufficient ability and experience is demonstrated in the entry form.

Then on the 24th November there's the infamous Sleepwalker Night Race (which bravely featured in our Off Road Champs series a few years back, and always seems to invite artic weather) and a week after that, and for the strictly hard-core, the Ultra Brecon Winter 40 'Winter Edition', 1st December.

Post below if you know of others..

More off-road events

Here are a few off-road events in 2011 that may be of interest. The first few are local events and then I have listed the most common mountain marathons. Note that the exact location of a mountain marathon is not made known until shortly before the event.

Black Mountains Roundabout: Saturday 9 April 2011

http://www.ldwa.org.uk/challenge_events/show_event.php?event_id=7641

An event for walkers, but runners are welcome. The start is from Crickhowell and takes you on a 25 mile loop with 6,500 feet of ascent around the Black Mountains. This one is quite tough and not for the faint-hearted. If you’re not experienced in the hills, it’s probably better not to make this your first event of its kind.

The Rhondda Rollercoaster Challenge: Saturday 14 May 2011

https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=428

I haven’t tried this one. Like several of the events listed here it’s for long distance walkers but the organisers accept runners. The web site says: A visually spectacular spring walk of 26.5 miles with 5000 feet ascent in the famous Rhondda valleys of South Wales. Views of the Brecon Beacons, the South Wales Valleys, Exmoor and the Gower will be experienced on this newly created route that will take walkers to Mynydd Y Glyn, Mynydd William Meyrick, The Bwlch and Llanwonno. This event is organised by the South Wales group of the Long Distance Walkers Association and is open to non-LDWA members.” The start is at Trehafod Community Village Hall, Trehafod, near Pontypridd, so not far away.

Big Black Mountains Challenge: May 2011

http://www.longtownmrt.org.uk/bbmc/index.html

Another walking event that accepts runners. Easier than the Black Mountains Roundabout; but again it’s marathon distance, but with a choice of shorter routes. The start and finish is at Llanthony Priory, itself worth a visit. I particularly recommend this one. 

Caerphilly Summits Challenge is now replaced with the Ravens Dare Challenge: October 2011

http://www.southwalesldwa.org/swldwa_wrd.htm

The start is at Machen Village Hall. The web site says: “A visually spectacular autumnal walk of either 25.5 or 15.5 miles in the eastern valleys of South Wales. The walk will go onto open moorland and through and above ancient woodlands. Views of The Brecon Beacons, the South Wales Valleys, Exmoor and the ancient forest of Wentwood will be experienced on this newly created route that will take walkers to Mynydd Machen, Twmbarlwm, Mynydd Maen and Mynydd y Lan.”

Talybont Trial: October 2010

http://users.cs.cf.ac.uk/Mike.Alder-Woolf/TT.HTML

This route starts from Talybont-on-Usk, only this time in daylight! The full course is 20 miles with 4,500 feet of ascent. There’s a shorter 10 mile option. Although not an especially demanding route, at least physically, in poor weather the navigation can be quite demanding. Don’t attempt this one if your navigation skills need brushing up. The Chartists’ Cave can be quite hard to find when the mist is down.

Ras Copaon 1000m Cymru /  Welsh 1000m Peaks Race: Saturday 4 June

http://www.welsh1000m.org/

This one is quite well known, and certainly not for beginners. The web site is taking online entries from 15 January. I bet it fills quickly. The web site says: “The Welsh 1000m Peaks Race, the Snowdonia Summits Marathon, takes place each year on the first Saturday in June. This arduous event starts at Abergwyngregyn, on the shoreline of Conwy Bay, and finishes on the summit of Snowdon (3560 ft), having climbed the four peaks over 1000 metres high in Snowdonia, Carnedds Llewelyn, Dafydd and Ugain on the way. The total distance that the competitors have to travel is about 32 Kilometres with approximately 8000 ft of ascent. The full race from Aber is a gruelling event, even in fine weather.  It is a test of fitness, endurance and orienteering skills and the terrain is wild and remote.  The A Class Fell Race is considered to be one of the most arduous events in the UK fell running calendar. To broaden the appeal of the event to less adventurous competitors and juniors, a short course race is also organised at the same time, starting in the Ogwen valley. Don’t under-estimate this race, though—it is still a good challenge!”

Mountain marathons

Here is a list of the main mountain marathons. They each have a web site. The big daddy is the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM), but is rather too large (over 2,500 competitors) and impersonal for my liking. I would highly recommend the Saunders, Rab or the Dartmoor if you are planning on your first mountain marathon.

Highlander Mountain Marathon

As the name suggests, it’s held in the Scottish Higlands. The date for 2011 is 16/17 April. I recommend this one too. I’ve run it once and they had macaroni cheese for an evening meal – they don’t normally feed you! Purists won’t like that of course.

Lowe Mountain Marathon

Held in June and is always somewhere in Scotland. I haven’t this one, but suspect it’s well organized and worth doing.

Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon

Usually the first weekend in July; always in the Lake District.

Mourne Mountain Marathon

In September and held in the Mourne Moutains of Northern Ireland. I cannot comment on this one, I haven’t done it.

Rab Mountain Marathon

This year’s event is 24/25 September somewhere in northern England. One of my favourite races.

Dartmoor Mountain Marathon

Yes, it’s held on Dartmoor. Ran this with Tim last year. Absolutely excellent, must do it again. Organized by Endurance Life. Held in October.

Original Mountain Marathon

Always at the end of October; could be anywhere in the country.



Kymin at ya

Good news for lovers of hills, snow, fell races and........hilly, snowy fell races. Rod Jones is once again organising the ever popular Kymin fell race on the outskirts of Monmouth. This is not an uber hard fell race ala Snowdon or the Black mountains, but a lovely 4 mile race on forest tracks and marked paths with a very decent amount of climbing. It's the perfect opportunity to work off all that turkey dinner, turkey sandwiches, turkey curry etc. etc. (veggies please supplement 'turkey' for 'nut roast'). Last year a contingent from the club thoroughly enjoyed themselves and don't forget......this is one of 'our' races and a lovely one to support.

Details as follows:

KYMIN WINTER RACE

Promoted by Les Croupiers Running Club

Saturday 8th January 2011 at 2pm

Registration at Monmouth Boys School Sports Centre from 1pm

3.95 miles and 1150 ft of climb

Marked route on Kymin’s woodland paths and tracks

Entry £3.00 on the day

£5.00 non affiliated athletes

Must be over 14

Welsh Athletics Permit EW 02/10

More info from rod@rodjonesmountain.fsnet.co.uk

Or phone 01600 772400

Route details available now for training or reccee

Lots of offroadie type things to do.....

This is an e-mail update we received from SiEntries, those nice people that keep tabs on your times. This also includes cyclo-sportives which this particular editor (Simon) will make no apologies for; it's a great way to build endurance without wrecking your legs.

Upcoming Events on SiEntries Below is a selection of the events that are currently accepting entries. For more details or to enter one of these events please click on the event title. To see the full list please go to the Event List on our web site. Adventure Races Sat 28 Aug 10 - Slieve to Slieve Two mountains, one expanse of water and race between the two that has never been attempted before - Are you ready for the challenge? Have we caught your attention? Can you do it? Read on .. Challenge Events Sun 5 Sep 10 - Guernsey Church to Church Walk The Guernsey Church to Church walk takes place annually since 1936. Start & finish at St Peter Port. 19.4 mile walk passing through all the parish churches. On this scenic walk you can see the islands of Herm, Jethou & Sark. Sun 19 Sep 10 - The Amersham 5 The Amersham 5 is a multi-terrain race of 5.4 miles - starting and finishing at spectacular setting of Amersham Cricket Club - Shardeloes. The first Amersham 5 race was held in 1978 based at Hervines Park Amersham and has been run every year since. Sun 19 Sep 10 - The Plonton Plod 27, 17 or 11.5 miles in 10 hrs from Great Ponton nr Grantham. Scenic routes using footpaths, bridleways & minor roads through picturesque villages in Lincolnshire & Leicestershire towards the Vale of Belvoir. Proceeds to Besso Children's Home, India Sun 26 Sep 10 - The Isle of Man End To End Walk An annual event taking place in September, the End 2 End walk starts at the northernmost tip of the beautiful Isle of Man. This 39.22 mile route traverses the west coast of the island going through Bride, Kirk Michael and Peel finishing at The Sound. Sat 2 Oct 10 - Causeway Coast Marathon Probably the most spectacular marathon in the UK or Ireland the Causeway Coast Marathon will be an out and back route. The route is alomst entirely off road and will pass The Giants Causeway, Dunseverick Harbour, White Park Bay and Ballintoy Harbour. Cyclosportives Sun 15 Aug 10 - Essex Epic This great new sportive is a first within the county. It's been built specifically for off-road riders and is almost 100 kilometers long. The route follows bridleways, byways and country lanes taking in some of the best parts of the Essex countryside. Sun 29 Aug 10 - The Burgess Hill Rumble All the usual high standards of organisation by SRS Events on the last of the SRS Events Cyclosportive series. Longer harder hills on this event will be the test on the Classic ride of 95 miles, but all routes have their own testing terrain to conquer. Sun 5 Sep 10 - Cumberland Challenge 180 Km figure of eight route with 2900m of ascent around the N Pennines starting in Brampton. Climbs, cobbles, more climbs, fabulous scenery, headwinds, great company, good organisation & typical Cumbrian weather-promises to be a fine day out for all! Sat 18 Sep 10 - Tour of the Pennines A 100km and 60km around the Pennine hills. Includes routes used by the Milk Race, Tour of Britain & Tour of the Pennines pro cycle race. Takes in the climbs of Moorcock, Isle of Skye Scape Goat Hill, Blackstone Edge. Sat 18 Sep 10 - £1000 Cashback Cycle Cairngorms 5 Stunning Mountain Passes. Britain's largest and highest Mountain Massif. 1 or 2 Days. £1000 charity cash back prizes. Free Campsite. Raise funds to help people with a disability enjoy a respite care holiday in the National Park. www.Cyclecairngorms.org Sun 19 Sep 10 - High Moors Challenge A brand new sportive taking in some challenging & spectacular climbs throughout Teesdale & Weardale based from Appleby-in-Westmorland. Expect a lot of climbing and descending with a good mix of terrain, from quiet lanes to open moorland. Sun 19 Sep 10 - Southdowns Challenge 2 clearly signed routes on a mix of lanes and A & B roads - planned with cycling safety in mind. As you cross the Downs you will be rewarded with wonderful vistas and challenging terrain especially over the hills at Ditcham Park, Stoner Hill & Beauworth. Sat 25 Sep 10 - Ullapool Sportive A monster of a ride designed to be the final big test of the season. The route takes in some of the wildest scenery Scotland has to offer from rugged cliffs and tiny islands to lonely moorland and remote sandy beaches with superb panoramic mountain views. Sun 26 Sep 10 - Autumn Leaves A hilly sportive in Essex. Twisting & turning its way through quiet country lanes the 150 kilometre route searches out the best undulations of the North & West parts of the county, providing a surprising challenge for the late season sportive rider. Duathlons Sun 3 Oct 10 - Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge The Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge is a Duathlon which takes place entirely in Dalbeattie Forest. The course consists of a challenging 10 mile run on rough forest roads & a 16 mile bike section, the majority of which follows the Red Grade Hardrock Trail. Sun 14 Nov 10 - Whinlatter Off Road Duathlon Trail running & Mountain Biking in the Lake District. A spectacular course with stunning mountain scenery which should provide a thrill for duathletes and an off-season focus for triathletes. Part of the Bechallenged Winter Duathlon Series Sun 5 Dec 10 - Kielder Forest Off Road Duathlon Run/Bike/Run - A challenging new off road event in Kielder Forest. The event consists of a 8km trail run, followed by a 25km MTB incorporating the Blue graded trail, finishing with a final 4km trail run. Part of the Bechallenged Winter Duathlon Series. Fell Races Sun 12 Sep 10 - Lake District Mountain Trial The Mountain Trial is a severe test of fellrunners’ mountaineering ability and stamina in the safe and fast traverse of difficult and often dangerous terrain where navigational skills and route choice have a direct bearing on each competitor’s safety. Long Distance Walking Events Sat 4 Sep 10 - Where Eagles Fly A circular route from Burneside over farmland, moor and fell taking in Mosedale, Swindale, Mardale and Kentmere Pike (2397 feet) Navigation skills may be necessary in adverse weather conditions. Sat 18 Sep 10 - Birmingham Canal Canter A 26 miles circular walk/run around Birmingham's canal heritage, including a section of the Cole Valley Way. Pretty much all off road, flat and fast we invite you to explore a new perspective on the Big Heart of England with the Heart of England LDWA Sat 9 Oct 10 - Autumn in Lakeland Enjoy Autumn in Lakeland - The 20.8 mile route includes Cat Bells, Seatoller, Watendlath and Walla Crag. There is 5000ft of climbing. Navigational skills necessary. 9 hour time limit.. (optional 16.5 mile route with 4000ft climbing) Mountain Bike Events Sun 22 Aug 10 - Nutcracker Round 4 - Swaledale The Nutcracker MTB XC series of 6 events is back in the North East. We have designed the series around a single message - Fun for everyone! Round 4 takes place in Swaledale, home to one of the most challenging technical descents in he Yorkshire Dales. Sat 18 Sep 10 - The Brechfa Beast The Brechfa Beast is a new mountain bike cross country race and endurance event open to all categories. The 36 mile endurance event will take place on Saturday 18th and the race will be held on Sunday 19th September. Sun 19 Sep 10 - Grizedale Mountain Bike Challenge The Grizedale Mountain Bike Challenge is a 30 mile waymarked course (so no map reading skills needed). The event starts at 10:30 with the course closing at around 4pm. Start and Finish is at 'Moor Top Carpark' in Grizedale Forest, Cumbria. Mountain Marathons Sat 18 Sep 10 - Mourne Mountain Marathon The Mourne Mountain Marathon is a classic 2 day navigation & endurance event for teams of two set in this fantastic area of Northern Ireland. Teams must be totally self sufficient for the two days carrying all the gear necessary for a night on the hills Sat 13 Nov 10 - Grampian Mountain Challenge A 2 day mountain running challenge with orienteering in a forest & long o on the hill side with a wild camp. The distances for this event are similar to those for other mountain marathons, however this event is in winter. The event is for Solos & Pairs. Trail Races Sun 17 Oct 10 - Mud Runner Run the gauntlet on the very tracks that have been used to test the best 4x4xfar for 40 years. All you need to know is that the course will be probably more than 6 and less than 7 miles in length. Hey! With what we have in store, who's counting?

'Might contain nuts' - Graeme Donnan

Graeme has been exercising his quill arm again by writing a couple of articles for the online adventure racing pages 'Might contain nuts'.

He is already a published author (The King's Highway. A Journey Through 10,000 Years of Civilisation in the Land of Jordan) and trying to emulate the other well published adventure racers such as Dick Brewer (Roman Legions and Their Fortresses) and Denis Murphy (Plant Breeding and Biotechnology: Societal Context and the Future of Agriculture).

Here are the articles in full

The Adventure Alternative: Part One

The Adventure Alternative: Part Two