The Wirksworth Undulator AKA: `The Stuart Learmouth memorial race` is an annual 8.5 mile Fell race put on by Wirksworth R.C now in its fourth year. Having done this twice before I know what to expect, with a mere £5.00 entry and massive kudos to Simon to get us here in a mere hour!
Today we are Six Stiltons (Myself [Rob Beers], Simon Bottrill, John Houghton, Dan Valencia, Katie Hateley and Steve Dewick. Worth pointing out that this is the only fell race I’ve ever seen a Leicestershire Club runner win (a Barrow runner) yet today we are the only Leicestershire club to have any entrants on the start line!
Starting from Wirksworth quarry, it’s a bit of a jam from the off on the narrow path to the top of the quarry, those really going for it will be on the front row. The course is like its title, undulating, `lots of ups and too little downs` was one Strider`s comment, although cliché I found it `all Run-able`, I know not all the team did.
The first few miles over many fields with various ups and downs, before hitting the trig point and just over half mile on tinder trail before my favourite climb which gives an astonishing view over Carsington Water. A real steep descent the other side where many end up on their backsides before nearly a mile of road which isn’t good if you’ve heavy duty Fell shoes on. The next turning offroad is probably when many really start to struggle going from tarmac back to struggling uphill offroad for another two miles. My plan of challenging a Tideswell R.C runner and trying to catch as many Beeston R.C Runners (also out in force) has paid off well, although my descent through the quarry to the finish was pretty bad.
Back in a very good time I think and 1st Strider, A very shiny face Dan Valencia is next Strider home followed by a more calm looking Simon. Katie doing her first fell race isn’t far behind, an ecstatic John comes in to a rendition of Happy Birthday and then Steve Dewick complete the Striders team.
I think Katie summed it up best about these events `everyone’s just so friendly and laid back`, John `best one yet, loved it! `, totally excellent event and a great day all round. [Rob]