Wasdale Fell Race
Posted in Running
A cool clear day greeted the runners for the (in)famous Wasdale Fell Race.
The race started from Wasdale head, a secluded spot in the shadow of Great Gable and the Scafell Range next to Wast Water, Britains biggest mountain, next to Britains deepest lake. The race had around 145 competitors line up for the challenge. For those who know the lakes the route takes in Whin Rigg, Seatallen, contouring round Scoat fell and Black Crag and onto Pillar, descending into Black Sail Pass, contouring west round Kirkfell, up Great Gable, down to Styhead Pass, up to Esk Hause, final ascent up over Broad Crag and onto Scafell Pike, before the final killer 3000ft descent back down to Wasdale.
One of the slowest starts to a race I have ever experienced, everyone seemed quite apprehensive and I ended up being in sight of the leaders for a good 45 minutes as I was around 30th at Whin Rigg. Settling into my running realising I had at least 5 hours of hard running, i dropped my pace until I recognised a few of the runners and ended up going round in a group that were positioned around 35 to 40th. The route really had everything, some good running, some really tough ascents, some absolute killer descent, great views right across to the Dales one way and out to the Isle of Man the other way.
It was nice to settle into my stride and was ascending well. I knew where I needed to go on the route and was finding a lot of good trods. I was feeling good as I went round Kirkfell and up Great Gable but this is where my race fell apart. My descending was slow and awkward as my ankle is still weak and swollen from its time in a cast earlier in the year. I was being too apprehensive and this was putting a lot of strain on my thighs as I was constantly braking. By the time I got to the bottom of Gable my thighs were shaking uncontrollably, I had lost the group in front and I had to sort myself out as I was staggering and swaying like a drunk. Slowing down, refueling with a handful of jelly babies, a gel and a load of spring water I set off again, up and over Scafel Pike. The uphills were still fine but downhills were painful. Taking a nice line off Scafell down a rocky descent, my thighs were screaming but I could see the finish a long way down, soon it went onto a grassy descent which meant I should be running hard, but every time I tried my thighs nearly collapsed underneath me. That was until a few others were about to catch up, this put a bit of extra speed in me to hold my position.
Finally came in 52nd in 5hr 14 minutes. Winning time was 3hr 51mins and 125 managed to finish and there was a fair few drop outs.
A classic race that has to be experienced to be believed. Not as picturesque as Ennerdale and not as fun, but a real challenge and a feeling of real adventure.
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