Vanessa Ford writes:
I signed up for this half marathon being bereft of a convenient long run in July. There wasn’t a huge amount of advance detail about the route but ‘2000ft of ascent’ had been advertised, so it was an acceptable filler for me and as far as I’d want to go on the road.
Whilst there was no parking at registration there is a very generous and cheap car park at Barley, and only a 10 minute walk to sign in.
I wandered around a bit trying to identify the start, which was only evident as people congregated. It was a small field of competitors and included those running the 10k. As I looked around and noted that at least 90% of the runners were in club vests (Trawden, Barlick) looking fast and serious, I was mortified (there wasn’t even anyone in fancy dress). Based on my flat half marathon pb of 2hrs 8 min I’d predicted 2hrs 30 min which in a normal (large) half marathon event would be a reasonable time. Even in ‘the run from hell’ at the Gargrave show I hadn’t been last.
The Route
The race started out of Barley on the flat of Barley New Road and then it dropped downhill into Blacko Bar Road which allowed a nice warm up and the opportunity to gain some ground in the field. After about a mile we hit Stang Top Road. As the half was 2 laps the next 5 miles would be run twice. I don’t know if any of the group have been up here but it feels longer and steeper than the pull up from Eastby to Black Park. It was steep and long, (but sheltered) most people walked some of it. The route then hit the tops above Barley and the views were great, it was a lovely sunny day – perfect really. Almost. The route turned left towards Pendle Hill , along Black Moss Road, and into the howling gale. Now, I’m used to the wind from the runs and training I’ve done this year, but this was being like on top of Ingleborough. The 2 miles across to Pendle Hill were gently uphill but the wind really made it hard work, I was hoping it might have dropped at bit by the 2nd lap. At the worst spot there was a very enthusiastic lady from Trawden AC shouting encouragement to all the runners which helped.
At the foot of Pendle Hill the route then dropped down Barley Lane for a good mile, this section was wonderful – there isn’t any other way to describe it.
In Barley the half turned off from the 10k and suddenly up Cross Lane not as long as Stang Lane but just as steep. After turning onto Jinny Lane the route was then undulating and very pleasant. Before I knew it the loop had joined the original route at Blacko Bar Road and there it was again – Stang Top Road. My calves had warmed up for the second attempt so it was far less painful and seemed much shorter than the first time! Running the windy section across the top a second time was fine – it was nearly over and I was looking forward to the descent. It did feel like the wind had actually picked up a bit but the enthusiastic lady was still there making me run what was probably the hardest part of the race.
The downhill appeared and it seemed to take no time to drop into Barley. The route then followed a footpath along a stream for a few hundred yards.
The Finish
I knew there was a steep hill at the end; 100 yards of steep tarmac with spectators. Whilst I wasn’t tired or sore
this was psychological torment. I wouldn’t normally bother running such an incline as I’d be conserving energy but the spectators made me do it. If you were racing up here it would be a nasty end.
And it was over. My watch said 2hrs 27 mins but I’ve no idea what the official time was. So I hit my target which I was pleased about and picked up my medal and t shirt.
I wasn’t last, but I wasn’t far off. To put the time into context I did see the winning time – 1hr 32mins (a guy from Trawden). For those of you that are fast the winning time probably helps outline that it was a tough course not assisted by the weather.
And what about facilities – showers, etc at the finish (you can store bags at registration) but I didn’t see any food. However, there is a cafe at the car park which also does take out – I had a lovely milkshake and sausage butty.
Not one for a PB but I would recommend it for next year – that sea of Trawden vests needs diluting!