10 Peaks Challenge
Paul Smith - Race Director / 13.08.2011
The first signs of daylight greeted us and we could see that it was looking glorious as the forecast had shown. At 4am, after a short safety briefing, the runners set off on their way up to Helvellyn. The walkers followed immediately afterwards. In complete contrast to last years event, the summit could be seen in the early morning light and it was more apparent how far it was to reach Lower Man. It was an incredible sight to see the sun rising over the fells which provided a welcome distraction from the 10 peaks we were to climb that day!
On the other side of the A591, check point 1 gave competitors the chance to fill up their hydration packs, pick up some bananas, chocolate and a range of sports nutrition provided by Team Nutrition and GU Energy.
The long slog through The Bog began on route to High Raise. Conditions became pretty warm even before competitors reached peak 2 (Bowfell) and everyone was in good spirits. Once up on Bowfell, the route stayed on the high ground taking in Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag and on to the 2nd check point at Scafell Pike. Scafell Pike sponsors (Aqua Consultants) kindly set up the highest aid station in England, which meant competitors could pick up a much needed bottle of Lakeland Spring water and an energy bar each.
After refuelling, the route split giving people the choice of taking either Foxes Tarn or Lord’s Rake up to Scafell. Those who didn’t fear the Rake saved a little time but both routes were tough going. Then came the decision... whether to descend 900m into Wasdale or go back down Lord’s Rake and take the Corridor Route towards Great Gable. Those who decided to head down into the valley and climb up to Pillar via Wind Gap probably cursed their decision. I know I did.
However the thought of heading from Beck Head to Pillar and back after Great Gable was equally hard. Whichever route people took, the thought of a hot meal at Honister Slate Mine motivated people to push on. I particularly welcomed a jacket potato with chilli after eating only energy bars and bananas throughout the day. Those not wishing to continue at this point took the minibus back to Keswick, but over half the starters pushed on to the final check point at Nichol End Marine. Last year it was a different story with only 5 people making it past Honister.
Then came the final hurdle – Skiddaw. A long days walk on its own for many, but for the remaining 10 Peakers a sign that the finish was in sight! For most, the climb was long and slow in the dark, with only a head torch to illuminate the uphill path infront and the lights of the surrounding towns in the distance. But after Carlside lay the top of the 10th peak and 4th highest mountain in England.
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