Some time in summer 2024 it was suggested by an enthusiastic member that York MC should put together a team to enter the Penmaenmawr Fell Race, North Wales due to be held on the Saturday morning of the 16th of November. The annual race is a popular ten mile event with an altitude gain of approximately 500m but with no technical problems. The Club backed the idea, booked accommodation and found five barking mad volunteers willing to have a go, the event being the first excursion for most into the dark art of fell running.
Dave M and Ed H were fortunate to be able to leave York early on Friday morning, arriving at Idwal Cottage YHA just after lunchtime. The weather was good enough to make the twenty minute walk across to Bochlwyd Buttress and climb a quick two-pitch route. Arete and Slab (VDiff) was comfortably and swiftly achieved but rather than climb again, risking rain and headtorch descent, the pair wandered along the valley side to explore Milesone Buttress and back again to the Idwal Slabs area before settling into the hostel.
The rest of the running team arrived later in the evening. Serious preparation and route study was undertaken because the weather was expected to be overcast with rain, fog and a cold north-westerly wind. The fashion police would have had a field day with our individual wardrobe choice but we had a determined intention to survive.
The race started in two groups. The first and slowest group (Dave, Ewart and Derek) started at 10am with the athletes (Ed and Max) setting off half an hour later. During the ascent onto the top of the fell, Dave found himself at the very front of the race and after turning south at the first check point endured a great test of responsibility when crossing the bog in 100m visibilty in the fog, rain and wind. After many checks of the compass the defined track was eventually regained and the navigation from thereon was thankfully straight forward.
Despite the atrocious conditions we, all five of our team, completed the race in respectable times and without injury. Ed put in a fantastic effort coming in third in his age category with 1:34:27. Max after slithering around in his less than ideal footwear, especially on the grass and in descent made 1:43:58. Dave, managing to lead the slow group around until the very last descent did a time of 1:58:54. Ewart improved on his previous race results finishing at 2:10:11 and Derek after getting over his mini-tantrum when getting his feet and socks wet came in at a very respectable 2:22:55.
The event was great fun, a challenge in many ways but well worth giving it a try. Hot soup, cakes and tea were all on the go at the finish. We remained at the Fairy Glen Pub in Capelulo for the sociable conclusion of the event and trophy ceremony before heading back to Idwal Cottage. Hot showers beckoned, wet kit was deposited into the drying room and a complimentary bottle of local beer given to all race entrants was waiting to be consumed.
The team had a restful evening, took on plenty of calories and considered their plans for the following morning. The weather was fine at first but heading downhill so Dave, Ewart and Derek had an easy, leg loosening, local walk around the Idwal area while Max and Ed took a short, circular run around Llyn Ogwen. We were out of the YHA car park by 10am to avoid parking charges and made our ways home. Max stopped off at Conwy for a spot of tourism therapy and from his vantage point in the castle coffee shop was able to see the finishers of the Conwy Half-Marathon.
It was a different sort of weekend away but great to try something new and it was well worth the effort. Thanks to Ewart for being an enthusiastic club member and for proposing the idea and to Ed, Derek and Max for making the first York MC team foray (in my experience) into fell racing such a good natured and successful venture. I'd certainly be interested in having another go.
Cheers!
Dave M
