Kinder Trog - Age before Beauty
The Kinder Trog is 16 miles and 3,500 ft of climbing and one of the harder fell races in Derbyshire. From the start in Hayfield the route climbs up Lantern Pike before dropping back down to cross the main road and the long slog up to Mill Hill. From here the race follows the edge path via Kinder Downfall to Edale Cross then the route drops down into a gully before a sharp climb out takes you round South Head to cross the road at Peep-O-Day. A lane then leads south west before you turn to climb Big Stone and enjoy the long mostly downhill run back to Hayfield.
Four LERC runners made the trip to Hayfield with promises of running in pairs. Conditions were good although soft underfoot following the recent heavy downpours. Ian Wallis, still suffering with post-injury niggles was encouraged by Colin Bostock while Phil Abbott escorted Vicky Yeomans on the longest run of her fell career to date. Friendly banter between the pairs at the start turned serious on the first climb and Ian struggled to hold the early pace but his good downhill form took him past Vicky and Phil as he rejoined Colin on the run to the road crossing. All four were close together for a while after this but the relentless uphill slog needed strong legs and strong resolve and the older pair pulled away by Mill Hill. By the Downfall the youngsters were nowhere to be seen - Vicky was getting intimate with the ground along this section so watch out for big puddles next time.
At South Head Ian ran out of steam so the pair separated although were within sight of each other for much of the remaining miles. Colin finished first for the Club in 2 hours 45 with Ian just 3 minutes behind. An exhausted Vicky crossed the line just 1 minute after her 3 hour target, an excellent run and a good target for next year.
All four members are on target for places in the Hayfield Championships although none have entered yet. The remaining 2 races must be competed in, the final race being held as part of the excellent Hayfield Sheepdog Trials and show.
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