Let me start by stating that I love this race. For those that have never done this race, here's a quick overview:

1) It's a 'fell' race. According to Wikipedia, the definition of fell racing is the sport of running and racing, off road, over upland country where the gradient climbed is a significant component of the difficulty. In other words, this is our normal Sunday run over the Chase once Steve Burnham has called out the route.

2) A trig point is a fixed surveying station for the geodetic surveying and other surveying projects on nearby areas (pre-GPS days). When all the trig points were in place, it was possible, in clear weather, to see at least two other trig points from any one trig point There are four of these on the Chase; Rifle Range, Castle Ring, Stile Cop and the Glacial Boulder. Hence, the concept of the race is to pass through eight checkpoints - the four trig points, plus the start, drink station (twice) and finish in a set order.

Between the trig points, the route is entirely up to you.

So the big two features of this race - one, you're going to climb; two, you may get lost.

Anyway, to the race....

Sunday January 15th - 10.15, the intrepid 'fell running branch' of Chase Harriers met at Milford Cricket Club for registration. The good news was that due to icy conditions, Castle Ring was removed from the route; thus only leaving seven checkpoints. However, race entry conditions were:

"FULL KIT is neccesary and a FULL KIT CHECK will take place, anyone not having the correct kit will NOT be allowed to take part, FULL KIT means:- waterproof whole body cover, other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions Map and Compass suitable for navigating the course whistle".

Given the conditions, this was entirely understandable. However, my mate who I race this with had also watched Bear Grylls for further survival skills; I don't think he had much confidence in my navigational skills. Anyway, 11.30am we were off up the first hill from Milford to the top of Sherbrook Valley, back down and then up Oasis to the first trig point at Rifle Range.

From here it's over to Marquis Drive and down Kit Bag hill and across the railway line to the drinks station (also a checkpoint) and up Morse Gorse to Stile Cop (the next trig point). Now at Stile Cop comes the first decision point. You need to get back to the drinks station. Option 1, you can turn around and go back the same way you came (the route I took) or, Option 2, you can cross the road and do some base jumping down a cycle track (the route Andy S took). Now comes the very hard part, irrespective of the route from Stile Cop, you have to climb back up Kit Bag hill. Writing the report, I would like to state that I confidently sprinted up this hill.

However, the reality was a lot different. In marathon running, they talk about the wall. Well in the Trig Race this is the hill. There is where muscle coordination goes out of the window and self-doubt casts a deep shadow over the soul. Mentally I was trying to remember the number for the Samaritans or the race organiser (neither came to mind); whilst my legs were burning like hell. Suddenly, a metre became a mile. My feet were slipping on the ice; anyone watching would have thought I'd had a few too many. Somehow I made it.

After every dark cloud, there's always a silver lining. At the top of Kit Bag hill (or as I know it, I hate that hill), I get a second wind. Suddently, I'm no longer trying to think of the Samaritan's or the race organiser's number but that I need to pick up the pace to get to the last trig point at the Glacial Boulder. So back up Marquis Drive, down to Sherbrook Valley to pick up the Heart of England route and then to the final trig point. From here's, it's a quick mile sprint to the finish line back at Milford. My mate and I completed the race in 1:39:24 (with a distance of 12.76 miles).

Back at Milford Cricket Club, a hot cup of soup and some caramel slices were waiting. The perfect end to the race. Just a few congratrulations to those who did the Trig Race - Andy S (first back for the Harriers in 1:34:49 and 15th place overall), Dave R, Clive J, Geoff P (second back in age group - all those hills you make us climb do pay off!!), Alan B, Neil C, Dave H, Yvonne N, Alan B, Phil C (hope you're ok) and Rob G.

However, the biggest thank you should go to the race organiser(s) and the marshalls who braved the weather to put on such a good race.

Would I recommend it - oh yes. Get training:)

Additional: Fantastic race report Steve, I bet the dog beat you to the finish ;-) For photos please check out the Chase Gallery

Cheers

David