As I am not racing this year I decided to be a supporter on the course. I was up at 6am and drove out to Edale, parking at Barber Booth. I arrived and was ready to run at 8am – the same time as the main race but was a mile or two further into the course and set me target to reach Kinder Downfall before the lead racers. Heading out toward Jacobs ladder the weather was harsh, strong winds and rain. The rain wasn’t particularly heavy but driven by the rain. I chose not to wear gloves to try some over gloves on their own. This was a good combination to avoid overheating and chill, however the left one did fill with water a few times, leaking down the sleeve. The over gloves are ex-army issue but otherwise quite a good tool.
Climbing Jacobs ladder the wind was strong in places, enough to knock you of your step and hold you back from running. The view was dull and bleak. I reached Edale rocks and was ‘moist’ to say the least. A few other spectators around, all three of them too ready for watching but all agreeing it was dismal. As Edale rocks I felt I may not make it and thought of staying there but no, a challenge is a challenge and I continued.
I wind got stronger, enough to warrant storm glasses and many racers were wearing them. Below are taken when I reached Kinder Downfall, 50 mph gusts and still very much raining. The waterfall often blowing a wave back upon runners. I arrived at Kinder Downfall with Eugenie who was leading - and just floats over that terrain.
The pics are to give you a ‘real’ idea of the conditions on day one, 6 miles into the 268 mile course: