The first of these was a 5 kilometre trail run (actually 4.7k), organised by Dark & White Peak Events, down in Monyash, which is near Bakewell in white peak. There's also a 15k race on at the same time, but neither Dani nor myself feel up to running that distance at the moment.
Our race started at 9.30 and there were 29 runners in the short race.The first section was fairly flat grass, followed by a short uphill climb which took us out into farmland. The going was good and I passed a few runners, warming into a reasonable pace. A bit of a muddy descent led to a farm track, then down through a farmyard (no mad collies thankfully!). Once through the farm we crossed a field, went through a gate and then things started to get far more interesting. On the course map there's a section marked 'CARE! steep/rocky descent'. No kidding! This is of course limestone country, and limestone can be very slippery. That short rocky descent leading down into the upper part of Lathkill Dale needed care, in fact everyone slowed to a walk. Once past that section the course stayed technical as we wound our way up the Dale back towards Monyash, the track being quite narrow in places, muddy in others, but always somewhere between fairly rocky and very rocky. Along here I passed a few more runners, thoroughly enjoying the technical nature of the terrain. The final section was back on grass, and then it was all over. I finished in 8th place with a time of 31.29. Not too shabby I think.
Dani finished in 6th place, with a time of 30.25. (Results.) She really enjoyed herself as well.
We were lucky with the weather, cold yes but dry with a warming sun. A great course, and a great mornings run.
Paul.
