2018 Trigger Race

14th January 2018 - Trigger Race day

After last year's rain and deep river crossings this year's weather was just so much better! Charmian Heaton had taken over as Race Organisor and with Mountain Rescue we had worked towards being super tight on runner tracking. It was the shear number of dropouts in 2017 that caused the confusions - 34 instead of our usual 4/5!

But as usual we had loads more systems in place and with conditions being good we had 177 starters and only 4 dropped out!

This year I felt fit and was able to run. Of course with organisation I didn't sleep much and so thought I would take it easy (as usual!). I never have time to recce it and made a hash of finding the lines but after Bleaklow Head I felt strong and enjoyed the run to Higher Shelf Trig. It was surprising to meet lots of Spine racers floudering around the moors and I wondered how many would get to the Finish! I was on my own now but could see a trail of runners behind me down to the Snake.

I thought I could also see the purple jacket of Sally Fawcett in front of me which gave me a boost. Nichola Jackson was running so I knew she would be 30 minutes ahead but thinking I was about 3rd would make Sally 2nd. Having a quick stop at the Snake for some warm water I set off along the flags. This year it was clear but lots of people were opting for the longer flagged option before cutting down to the Wreck. I didn't get a great line but could see the CP with all the Mountain Rescue guys in bright jackets so made a beeline for it. Sally was halfway up the hill to the Fence Corner. I was happy and enjoying my race but also enjoying seeing all the runners and the marshalls having a good day out.

I caught Sally along the Kinder path and we chatted while picking up the pace and leaving the guys that were with us. We chatted about route choice from Kinder Low Trig. As in 2015 Sally was going to drop down whereas I was going to stay high as I love the edge path and also the final descent round Grineslow Knoll. So we parted after the CP and I ran on not seeing another runner till nearly at the Finish. The first thing I asked when I finished was "Is Sally in yet?" and the answer was No. Sally came in and without seeing me the first thing she asked was "Is Nicky in yet?". It's lovely to have some inter club competition and together with Clare Oliffe we won the Team Prize.

Overall the day went so smoothly and I was very happy to be packing away in daylight. Many thanks to Woodhead Mountain Rescue and Charmian Heaton for organising this. Thanks also to all the landowners, Marsden Cricket Club and Fieldhead campsite. Also to Scott at the Spine race for paying for Edale village hall for the whole weekend and then letting us take over on Sunday once he has finished. There are loads of other helpers at the start and the finish too - Steve Burgess, my husband, for doing bag drop, Domonic Watts on the finish along with John and Julie.

MyRaceKit, The Huntsman and Bradfield Brewery provided the prizes and Woodhead Mountain Rescue Support Team all the food. Well done all.