Dig Deep Peak District Ultra
Ian Loombe from eightpointtwo sent us this race report:
The forecast was once again great for the 2 days of races we had planned. Last year’s heat was crippling so a slightly cooler forecast was welcome.
Friday night was kicked off with James Adams talking about his epic run through America followed by a showing of The Dragons Back which is an absolute classic and inspiring film. Most of the Ultra Tour of the Peak District (UTPD) runners registered Friday evening along with some of the Intro Ultra runners meaning that there was a good crowd developing in the campsite with nearly 100 happy campers and the smell of BBQ’s drifted over to the main barn at Whirlow Hall farm!
Saturday started bright and early with the UTPD leaving at 8am followed by the Intro Ultra’s at 10am. In both races the early leaders became the eventual winners. Sally Fawcett won the senior female UTPD race and broke the female course record in 10.43.25. Sally is having quite a season following her great run on the Highland Fling earlier in the year. Ken Sutor won the senior male category and had a very strong race with a winning time of 09.47.30.
The Bradwell feed station was the main stopping point for both ULTRA races. The buffet available for the runners was like a smorgasbord of all things great for ULTRA runners! From Pineapple to pork pies it was all there and seemed to be the highlight for many runners – some didn’t want to leave!!!
Mention must go to the back runners who carried on throughout the night. The last runner’s dibbed in at the finishing line 22 hours and 59 minutes after starting!
The Intro Ultra saw a determined Marcus Scotney win senior male by 30 minutes in an impressive time of 04.05.03. Could the course go in under 4 hours? We shall see! Most of the runners loved the hilly nature of the course but Win Hill is always a stopper for tired legs. However, the views from the top on Saturday were outstanding!Marcus was back with us on Saturday offering his insights in to the elite Ultra Runners World with his lecture. If you ever get an opportunity to go to one of Marcus’s lecture you should take it! A very inspiring and informative individual. Unfortunately Mammut sponsored runner Helen Bonsor was unable to talk because of a last minute illness – get well soon Helen!
Sunday dawned warm and sunny again and so the 12.12 and Whirlow 10k started at 10.15 and 10.30 respectively. Both races are quite hilly with the 12.12 going out over Burbage Moor on to Higger Tor and back via the Limb Valley – both exceptionally beautiful trails in spectacular scenery!
The Whirlow 10k is a fundraising event with every penny of the race going to the Whirlow Hall farm Trust. Nearly £2000 was raised from this race alone!
The total prize pot was nearly £5000. With over £2000 worth of prizes from Mammut and Outside, £2000 worth of prizes from Ultimate Direction and copies of Wild Running and Clif products there was plenty to go around. All 1st placed runners in all age categories in both the ULTRA’s and the 12.12 received a £100 voucher from Mammut/Outside plus other goodies.The feedback for the event has been overwhelming with so many kind comments. The team at 8.2 worked really hard to put the event together so were suitably proud. The date for next year’s event is set for the 15th and 16th August 2015 with booking available from August this year!
Many thanks to all the organisations and sponsors involved; Mammut, Outside (retail partner), Ultimate Direction, Clif, Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, Wild Running, Summit Fever and Fell Running Guide (Dave Taylor) and Shane Ohly (kind loan of the Dragons Back film).
Race Results
Dig Deep Peak District Ultra Results 2014
Dig Deep Peak District 2014 Intro Results
Dig Deep Peak District 2014 12.12 Results
Dig Deep Peak District 2014 10K Results
Race Details
Click here for more information on the Dig Deep Ultra Tour of the Peak District
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