The Peak Divide is categorically not a race. It is in fact, a shuffle and a journey. It runs from the Vimto statue in Manchester to just past the Henderson's Relish factory in Sheffield and comes in two formats: the classic two day event and the oner. The classic has the joy of more pizza, camping, the best breakfast and spreading out the fun over even longer.
I didn't really know what to make of this event as it has long stretches of actual running, then stretches of relatively technical trail and to add to that it has camping. Having never done multiday, I was entirely unsure how my body would respond. And the training hadn't been great (despite this my coach was unendingly sure I could do it), with multiple illnesses, a lack of discipline and non-existent strenght training. So I had hoped the registration process would be relatively seemless.....but the laptop had run out of battey before I got there and I found myself standing awkwardly in a brewery not knowing anyone the night before my race. Yes, it starts in a brewery. It finishes in a Taphouse. It works. It would have been better if I had someone to sit and enjoy a pizza with at registration but its still a pretty good vibe. The lack of pizza company is also probably why I ended up parting with a not insubstantial amount of money for a hat but I wasn't going to miss out on merch like I did at Lakeland 50.
So all I had to do the next day was turn up and chop my toothbrush in half. Yes, that is also a thing and a wooden tooth brush is provided for this purpose, along with your brevet card at registration. My husband and dog had come to watch us go off and I bumped in to Nat who was also running and I know from Chorlton Runners. She was running with Bird Outside who were a lovely bunch of girls who focus on getting on outdoor adventures together which is very up my street. We chatted, and I chatted to a few other people. Lots of people came to pet the dog which meant a bit more chatting, including to a chap who was very useful in talking about the Great Lakeland 3 day which we were booked in for the following week. Talking about the future somehow helped calm the nerves. I did not feel fit.
And then suddenly there was a kind of a briefing. It was pretty informal and included the old raise your hand if you aren't here problem (not entirely reassuring with regards the event safety but its a very relaxed event). And then we began to walk down to the Vimto statue, flags waving and stopping traffic as 250 people tried to cross a road in central Manchester on a Saturday morning.
At the Vimto statue there was some chat that very few could here, a big group photo and then we were off on a job down the canal at what was described as a neutralised pace. There was a lot more traffic disgruntlement and then some serious dog walker disgruntlement as we all tried to head off first through streets then down on to the tow path. Luckily, most people were quite calm about it, or maybe just bemused. I chatted to a lady from Dorset for a while and realised I was going a touch faster than I really ought given the distance. But as we got to the Etihad Stadium, we stopped for a final regroup. I was also aware I now needed the loo and there wasn't one for some time....
At the regroup I found the Bird Outside girls and for the next few miles ran with them, getting to know them and their lives a bit. We also chatted to the odd other person going at a similar pace. The canal (like many) goes through a lot of old industrial and round the back of some slightly less nice housing blocks. But we ate up the miles with chat until we all found a small park with a bush we could all wee in. This naturally took some time and as we rejoined the canal the sweeper came right past us. I was a bit surprised as I thought we weren't moving particularly slowly.
I was pleased to get off the first canal and do a bit of a wiggle through some old scrub land to join the more scenic Peak Forest canal. In this nature area, I nearly got the directions wrong but fortunately someone spotted the mistake and we averted disaster. The section of Peak Forest canal we did was new to me, and a mixture of ponies, the backs of houses and sweeping bends. It was nice just chugging along, trying not to think about the journey ahead, having chats and making sure I kept eating and drinking.
The first water stop came at the end of the canal before we crossed the bridge to Gee Cross. It was literally one of the organisers Dad's and a few soft flask water bowsers plus a few people cheering. But it was nice to know the canal section was done.
The group had split on the canal and there was some discussion as to waiting but we figured the Tesco was near so why not wait there with food. So we started to jog up the first real hill. I hadn't really appreciated that the tesco was more than a few turns away from the canal but we go there eventually. Many people were sitting on the bank outside eating various food stuff and admiring the blossom of the cherry tree. I went for a ginger shot (high risk strategy but it worked) and couple of bananas but I am a snacker when I run, whereas others wanted proper sandwiches.
This stop was a bit longer than I probably would have opted for on my own (I rush check points) and I did end up a little chilly. I needed to remember it was journey not a race and no time would be recorded. That said, there was more lovely chatting including to the Moi Outside team who were doing the event. I love their cafe in Hebden and have determined I will make one of their events soon. But we had all regrouped, stretched, refuelled and the sweeper once again came in to sight. So we got moving up toward Werneth Lowe, which was a walking climb for the most part.
Thank goodness for the loos at the visitor centre. Again, this took a bit of time. But it was better than sharing a bush.
Over the top of Werneth Lowe we met some work colleagues of one of the girls who were very lovely, offering snacks. And then it was the long down hill toward Broadbottom. The road section was fine but the path is a bit of a one- the first section stinks of manure, the next section is really loose but then its field and a lovely wood footpath. We popped out at the bottom to a sign my colleague had place on the gate of the (gorgeous) house saying 'Go Hannah Go!' which was so cute. But I was aware we were drifting towards the back of the pack so kept the girls moving to head up the next hill. I had recce'd this section and was glad for it as its a bit windy.
It was mostly a walk towards the top of Cown Edge and the gnocchi gap sign. But we weaved between farms and along tracks before passing the Picking Stones where my club have had many photos taken on head torch nights. Nat and I got a photo but in general she was running much more strongly than I. The group had spread a bit and we arrived in Gnocchi gap with a bit of spread.
Gnocchi gap is the main day one checkpoint and serve Gnocchi (gnochetti this year) with a fab tomato sauce and a selection of toppings, as well as sweats and Kickback coffee. Whilst I can't risk coffee on a run, these guys do know their stuff and I need to go over a make a purchase at their store soon (mostly as its lovely to visit). The Gnocchi went down surprisingly well and probably made me a bit bold for the following day (where the gamble went less well). It was a relief as my snack pack was getting a bit sticky now, with dates smooshed in to sports nutrition. Lesson learnt there...
I felt a bit rude but I wanted to get going after this point and so politely got running again. After the first uphill field two of the girls had already caught me and we would run within sight of each other to the end of the day. This section was a bit meh as its over a hill and farmland to drop back on to the road you basically on, where the cars try to run you down before you cross a very fast road to a stile....
But then the route really takes off. This section was flagged and uphill. I was a mixture of running and walking. It altered gradient quite a lot so I just took it insections. And I was catching quite a few people which was pleasant (though, it isn't a race, feeling strong is always nice). I didn't know this section but I knew the area so knew where we were heading: Ashop Head looming large in the distance. I chatted to a few people as I passed, including someone who had travelled from the continent to do the event. The moor opened up around us, and we passed the remains of one of the lost aircraft on the moor. There was the odd skylark despite the steady snake of people. I tried not to wander at how long I would feel okay for.
Eventually we were on the rise before Ashop's head climb. I had caught up the two other girls and we had all elected to put music on. This was a good choice. I listened to the calming tones of Einauldi as I made the climb up the steep face of Ashop's head. It actually wasn't bad and I am used to moving over the terrain we were starting to encounter. The Kinder Plateau is a mixture of gritstone path, boulders and, as you hit the south edge, bog. However, the plateau was mostly dry and as the playlist shifted to my usual skater rock and naughties indie, I felt I was getting a bit of a rhythm. Lots of walkers were up on the plateau, and who can blame them? The morning cloud have lifted and the beautiful views had opened up.
Once again, I was moving well through the pack, but I could feel my legs fatigueing and was VERY glad to see the trig of Kinder Low, and the girls stood by it. The next short section was fun as we ran along old sections of heather that had died back leaving springy surface to run on. We were followed by a couple of lads who were, I suspect, glad to have someone else pick the line.
We dodged the large boulders, and started to spread out on the erratic path that takes you along the front of Kinder. I was ever glad of people coming the other way to not miss any turns, and in the distance could see a man waving a flag on top of one of the rises- was this the mythical Mt Malibu?
It turns out not. Whilst I was mostly running well, this section did seem to go on longer than it should and I was glad to see another flag with the guys from OGT at the right turn to take us off the plateau before Grindsbrook knoll. The didn't want to photo or interview me as I was clearly a fat frumpy middle age woman, and not the cool young thing they wanted in the their promotional material. Which was fine as I was ready to finish and also very short on water.
The descent down the field would have been lovely on fresh legs. But the Mt Malibu stop was still a delight even if I went for the non-alcoholic option to make up for my lack of water. Just a few km to go but it was down a steep, loose path so it was a bit slower going than I might have liked. Oh well, i was back running with the girls and giggling as our legs refused to do what they were told. We managed a jog across the field at the bottom and in to Edale. The run up the drive to the campsite felt like miles....
After signing in (again, emphasing there is no time), and being handed my beer, I was a bit antisocial and focussed on getting my tent set up, some fluid in, and general kit admin. Fortunately, a very kind volunteer had set up the hired tents so all I needed to do was put my blow up mattress and sleeping bag in there, and sort myself out. I also was very grateful to myself for packing my mini stool as sitting on the ground was not really an option.
My husband and dog appeared serendipitously as I was walking across the drive. Pleased to see me, my dog immediately climbed in the tent and snoozed on my sleeping bag. Martin kidly offered to collect my pizza slice whilst I showered. FYI, the top shower block at Newlands Farm is excellent and I cam out feeling if not amazing, certainly acceptable. I was remarkably unchaffed and unblistered which was a good omen.
We spent the evening sitting with people chatting, comparing journeys, eating bowls of pasta and custard cakes and generally chilling. Fire pits were lit but it was difficult to get a chair near one. Cups of tea were served by SUMs socks, and the bar was open. I had a hot chocolate with Baileys before bed, just as the egg and spork races were commencing. But by 10 very people were awake and I was certainly in my tent.
I don't camp often and I don't sleep wonderfully, but I did sleep, waking cold in the night a few times and rotating various layers. At about 2am I went to the loo, and looked up at the stars which were so innumerable it took my breath away (I miss starry skies from my childhood so much now I live in Manchester). There were a surprising number of people about shuffling to and from the loo at this time- beer, electrolytes and a bit of fluid regulation from the kidneys I suspect.
I crept out of my tent in the morning, cautiously testing everything. It mostly seemed to work though there was a definite stiff and achiness to the lower limbs. I hoped it would warm up with movement. Tea and coffee were being served, and then an amazing breakfast of croissants, overnight oats, amazing bread, berries, PB and nutella were served. Despite the number of carbs I had eaten the night before, I found room for more.I also managed to get my tent and bag packed and stacked in time for a second cup of tea before we all set off together around 9am.
Now it was the turn of Edale to have 250 people jame the road and some people were fine with it, others a bit less so. Especially when we had to cross a single file bridge. It was a bit manic. But then we were climbing up the field and on to the path to Ringing Roger that would take us back on to Kinder Plateau. I had my poles out but it was so follow the leader I think it made little difference. It was nice to just chat and follow the person in front, not worrying about pace. I was a bit anxious about today having not done multiday before, but at least i had recce'd the route to Stannage Edge. The last 10 miles would be all new territory though.
Up on the plateau it remained fairly single file but at a reasonable pace so I trotted along. People were good at different sections. But then we turned on to the path off Kinder and down across to Win Hill. At this point the girls and I started to spread out and that was fine. I was holding them up and happy to potter at my own pace. I ran more of the long steady section up to the foot of Win Hill that I thought I might but it was by no means fast. The views were stunning though. The temperature was also rising.
Having been up Win Hill a fair few times, I didn't take long at the top for photos. I got my poles out and started down the long descent to Bamford and the reservoirs. Win hill is increasingly busy these days, I think due to Instagram, and the steep section off the top was awash with people heading up and down so I just took it as it came. Then it was in to the woods and some nice cool air. It was a bit muddy on the middle track but otherwise fantastic running until the steep shoot that spits you out near the dam. An American chap behind me commented on how beautiful it all was. And it gets better I told him.
The concrete section round to the checkpoint at the car park was a bit of a drag but I think I ran most of it, poles in hand. I might have missed some nutrition in this section but thought I might make it up in the checkpoint.
The checkpoint was mobbed; the queue for water was very long despite tap, water fountain and toilets. But it was warm and people were getting though a lot. It was also a busy place with people parking up for walks (it is a car park I avoid as its so busy and an awkward shape). Trays of bread pudding were being handed out and it felt rude to take the sorren instead. And this is where my gambles with nutrition took a turn for the worse, but not in my usual way. I queued for the tap nibbling this large bit of pudding. And by the time I got there I had eaten it all. It felt a bit heavy initially but I could walk it off on the climb I was sure. I quickly applied two blister plasters and then started off down the path, initially jogging and then walking, feeling fatigued and heavy.
The climb to Bamford Edge is fairly steep anyway, so I had planned to walk this. But as I hit the top, people were pulling past and away from me. I was mostly walking, even though it was very much runnable. I felt heavy and tired and a bit sick. I just kept plodding, past the groups of people taking photos on the ledge. Sadly I was in no mood to take photos though the views in this section were stunning.
Despite my recce'ing, I was glad to follow people on the left hand turn as the path crossed the moss towards Stannage. A little group of us had formed as we followed the trod across the moor and in to the bog. I skipped across it but some people were less confident, having come from less boggy places. I even got complimented on my bog hopping skill, which was nice. But we were climbing again and somehow I missed the right turn on the path to take us under the edge, leading several people with me. It wasn't a long diversion, but we then cut cross country to get back on the path. I kept trying to jog but it was very hit and miss (mostly miss). the little group broke up and I tried not to get too disheartened as they pulled away.
I chatted to a chap from Milton Keynes was as we climbed the bridleway up to Stannage Edge. He had taken a nasty tumble the day before and actually ended up in hospital for the evening. He was using poles and being very cautious on the uneven footing of the top of Stannage. I sensed he was frustrated by his steadier pace. Around now a group of the guys from Left Hand Giant came past, making good progress. I later caught up with one of them (who also had bread pudding issues on top of gut issues) and had a chat. She was doing UTS in a few weeks so this was just a test run; I was suitably impressed.
After Stannage we headed around the corner and the main checkpoint was there. They were serving some epic looking mozarella and tomatoe sandwiches but I was once bitten, twice shy and so filled up my water, sorted my socks which were rolling down, and chatted to someone who had decided to stop at the first checkpoint (and was now making a good go of cheering everyone else which is very good form). And then it was off to Burbage along a short section of road (again fast, again people trying to kill you) before on to the moor.
I think here I started to pick up again. There was no way I would catch up with the girls but I wanted to make it to Sheffield before 3pm so Martin wasn't waiting (he gets grumpy). Plus, it was now very much net downhill. I ran most of the moorland section, and down in to Lady Cannings plantation which was both cool from the trees and a nice easy running surface. I worried about getting lost and would pull up the map on my phone, part as reassurance, partly to rest a bit. But it was mostly straight on. Mountain bikers were coming up the way, and I did not envy the climb but the wheels seemed a good idea.
As I popped out the otherside, in to a small parking area, I managed a spurt of reasonable pace as I headed in to the village of Ringlow. The pub was reasonably busy as was the road and I tried not to get hit by anyone reversing/parking, nor annoy any drivers. I think i probably had a 1000mile stare on, but I also started my music somewhere here.
I caught a couple of lads as we turned left into a footpath and i think they were surprised I wanted to run. But I kept running, over the next two fields, straight down, my fell running legs somehow absorbing the steepness of the slope. Fleetwood Mac The Chain played in my ears as I tipped down the slope; someone even commented their surprise at my movement (fat girls at speed are alarming to many people).
Then I bumped out on the track that marks the start of Endcliffe park. It would be to-ing and froing with various people to the end now. Most people were in groups but I was quite happy with my own pace. It wasn't hard to navigate but it seemed to go one for a long while and I feared ending up the wrong side of the river. The path dipped and bent, winding with the river but also under shady trees. Ordinarily it woul dbe very pleasant but I was fatiguing and aware any minute I would crash. I had a vague idea of picking up a lemonade at the cafe but the queue was insane so I carried on. How long was this path? Would I be able to run the road section after? Or even navigate it? (I find urban navigation worse than rural where there is usually one path)
People passed me, I passed people. It wasn't a race but people were run walking as was I and we would all hit the walk phase at different times. I felt overall I was slipping back but who really knows.
The park formalised and I saw a coffee van. She had San Pelligrino. I decided a well times lemonade would help me for the last section. However, the lady at the coffee van was a chatter, and I got stuck there longer than I might have wanted. Eventually, I got my lemonade and ran on out of the park and in to the streets of Sheffield.
Its a few weeks on now, and this next section is a bit of a dream sequence. Seperated from the people I had been around, I wa snow in a bit of a gap but would occassionally over take or be over taken. I think I ran more of it than I walked. It was warm and the light limestone of Sheffield buildings and pavements looked very white in the light. Sheffield felt charming and we passed parks and university buildings, up and down roads, winding towards the centre. I had in my mind it was two miles from the edge of the park. I just kept moving forward, checking my phone for route details.
And then suddently I was at th ebit of the map I had failed to understand though it made sense when I saw the tram stop and the crossing (no large bridge with steps- hurray). And I was on pedestrianised street next to the Henderson's relish factory, and left turn down a side street, across a road (thank you wonderful person who checked the road crossing for me as my brain was fudge by now), through an alley (I'd not have seen that if not for road crossing lady) and up the seemingly steepest street ever....to finish.
There were cow bells and clapping but it felt a bit odd. I didn't know whether to stand and chat, but eventually wobbled inside to sign in and collect my Hendersons relish medal. The girls were at a table right in the middle of the outside part of the pub. It was bustling. Big hugs and photos. I thn tried to queue for the bar before realising I needed to sit down before that massive undertaking! The journey was over and I exchanged stories, before Martin arrived and kindly again queued for my pizza. I think I ate more pizza and pasta over this weekend than I usually do in several months....needs must. We sat for a few hours, trying to get to the bar, eating pizza, clapping in people. It was a lovely vibe though the pub needed twice as much space really, as it was very short on chairs. Eventually, Martin very kindly drove me home to fall asleep on the sofa with a Chinese takeway (I am usually a healthy eater I promise but you can see why I am the size I am now).
The more I reflect on the event, the more I loved it. It is incredibly idiosyncratic. The WhatsApp chat was like the wild west. But I had so much fun. I don't think it was the run of a life time for me (That is still the Lakeland 50) but I ran okay. I problem solved. I have some plans of how I would do it different next time. I'd definitely recommend it, but you need to be adventure not time orientated, and curious but reasonably competent to Shuffle. I met some fab people and it has made me reflect that maybe I need to stop going to events with a time focus and perhaps focus more on adventure running with friends in future.
Official finish photo, Peak Divide
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