Swiss Karrimor where I could read neither the control descriptions (in German with international orienteering symbols) nor the map (not an OS 1:25,000) motivated me more forcefully than Wendy’s exhortations. I continued to get lost; on the Scafell Pike race I went to Eskdale (yes I know it is an out-and-back course), I dropped out of an orienteering event due to having my map 180 degrees out and I have even managed run off race maps on more than one occasion. Lest it be thought that I actually might know what I am doing now, I have to admit that last month I failed to find the much needed high scoring control on the Dark and White event in Edale. The point is it all counts as experience, and surely at some point I may even become good at it? The Trial combines these sought after navigational skills of an orienteer, with the skills of mountain craft. The latter is always a feature as controls may be placed at the bottom of difficult slopes, in the middle of boulder fields or on craggy mountain sides. Last year I embarrassingly managed to get crag bound (OK, lost) within sight of the finish of the Mountain Trial. The Mountain Trial is hard, very hard. Not an orienteering event, not a fell race but an historic way to test the ability of entrants to complete the challenge. Since its inception in 1952 it remains “possibly the hardest race in the UK”. To which I would simply like to add “possibly the best” one too.
The website (
www.ldmta.org.uk) has all the details you need to know about taking part. Recently, changes have been made which allow men and women to choose whichever course they wish to compete in. There are 3 options: helpfully, there is a “novice” or short course for those to cut their teeth on, there is a Medium for those wanting a very good run out but not wanting to really push themselves over
ILKLEY HARRIERS NEWSLETTER • APRIL–JUNE 2010
the edge. Then there is the Classic course. This course will give you enough to think about for 5 hours or more (for us mortals). Women first competed in it in 1953. Sue Parkin, a prolific winner of the Trial, now plots the courses for the event in a manner challenging to fell runners and orienteers alike This unique race has to thank her and the enthusiastic Mountain Trial Members who have kept the race alive for almost 60 years. Which in a very long-winded way brings me to my point: what is the difference between a fell runner and a road runner? Surely the ability to stay alive in a hostile environment and the ability to find one’s way around the course. So to return to my original question, do you think you are good enough? Go on, do you?
This article appears with kind permission of Fell Runner magazine where it will appear later this year. Fell Runner is free to FRA members, see
www.fellrunner.org.uk
THIS YEAR’S TRIAL
The Lake District Mountain Trial is on 11 September this year. The courses will be renamed as Classic (not Men’s), Medium and Novice.
I have heard on the grape vine that the Classic 2011 is going to be very long (20-ish miles or so) and the winning time is likely to be around 2009 Eskdale timings when they were out for ages. This should put the event back where it belongs, right at the top of the “one to do” challenge list in terms of difficulty and kudos in completion.
Men take note they are now ‘allowed’ to do the Medium course too. Please pass the word around and let’s get an ilkley showing out on the day. HW
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