Rombolds Stride - Airedale Valley - Feb 2008

Rombolds Stride

With a slight lull in the Cross Country and race calendar, Sarah Gregory took the chance to continue her training towards the London Marathon in April in a slightly different way, by taking part for the second year in succession in Rombald’s Stride; a 22 mile off-road race encompassing the Airedale Valley, over Rombald’s Moor to Ilkley, Coldstone Ghyll and not forgetting the climb over Otley Chevin. The event is organised by the Long Distance Walkers Association and is therefore always well supported, attracting walkers as well as serious runners from all parts of the country, which accounts for the often huge differences in finishing times.

The race was started by the ringing of a hand bell and got underway from The Green behind St Oswald’s Junior School in Guiseley, as snow was already falling. It encompasses a very different feeling towards competition, where enjoyment rather than winning is the spirit of the race. The eventual winner from 456 people taking part, was Mark Bendall from Horsforth in a time of 2.48.04, who crossed the line with 2 other athletes, also credited with the same time. After the 22 mile journey over challenging terrain, the competitors then arrive back at St Oswald’s Junior School to a welcoming meal of pie, peas and potatoes to revive and warm them up again after racing.

The route takes in several steep climbs and descents, as well as boggy moor and steep, rocky paths, which this year were covered in snow following an overnight freeze, which at least made the knee-deep muddy sections slightly easier for competitors this year. On the other hand, compacted snow had made the paths very slippery and icey indeed behind the front runners, along with a snow blizzard over the open moor land before descending down into Ilkley, where the weather was sunnier and more favourable on the other side of the valley. Conditions got very tricky later in the course with climbs over streams and sheer, stony paths, which resulted in a couple of minor falls and slips. Despite the forecasters predicting a still day, there was a freezing wind all the way around the course and the refreshments and warm drinks were readily welcomed by all at the check points, where volunteers also erected tents and recorded competitor’s numbers and times as they passed through.

Sarah completed the course in 4 hours 40 minutes, slightly slower than last year due to the conditions, but thoroughly enjoyed the navigating and running experience once again, as part of a group of friends from other local running clubs.