Hardmoors (110) Heroes

The Hardmoors 110 is a new race to the ultra running calendar and from the evidence of it's first running last weekend (26-28 September 2008) it will grow and become a great success in years to come. The UK has very few ultra trail races above 80miles in distance, in fact you could probably count them on one hand, so it is great to see a new event established.

In my view a classic route is the most important criteria for a successful trail race and that's where Hardmoors scores maximum points. There is no doubting the Cleveland Way, which runs 110 miles from Helmsley to Filey, is an absolute classic, and extremely tough at the same time. It combines classic rolling hills, remote moorland, coastal cliff paths and plenty of cumulative ascent/ descent. The runners reported it was more UTMB than WHW, in other words a serious challenge.

I was due to be marshalling a checkpoint for the race but unfortunately had to pull out due to commitments elsewhere, so instead I attended the prizegiving in Filey on Sunday lunchtime where there was a fantastic post race atmosphere, and plenty of talk about a hugely successful race.

The race organisers, Jon and Martin, deserved all the praise they got for putting on an excellent event, and all the signs are that it will grow to be as successful as races like the WHW race which this year filled it's 175 places in a matter of weeks.

















L to R: Mike Mason, Jon Steele (Race Director), Julian Pansiot, Mark Barnes, Murdo McEwan, Jez Bragg