What goes up...

Date: 8 August 2010

Location: Hawes/Semerwater, North Yorkshire

Format: Equivalent to a Middle Distance (1800m lake swim, 42 mile hilly bike, 12 mile fell run)

Organiser: Kudu Bikes Triathlon Club

Website: http://www.kbtc.co.uk/

Wensleydale triathlon is a small sized event held around the market town of Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales. Given its low key nature and bucolic surroundings, you could be led into thinking that the race might consist of a gentle day out in the countryside. However, the race has a well deserved reputation for being one of the toughest in the country: the bike route has numerous 25% climbs and rapid descents, and the run consists of getting to the top of Yorkshire’s 3^rd highest hill! Anyone competing is bound to require plenty of Yorkshire Grit (or their regional equivalent…) just to get round.

The 1800m swim takes place in Semerwater, which is North Yorkshire’s largest natural lake. Situated in a valley surrounded by magnificent green hills, the lake is a simply stunning and beautiful place to swim. The route consists of two clockwise laps of a triangular course before swimming to the pebble strewn shore and transition. The swim-bike and bike-run transitions are situated in separate locations – T1is located on the edge of Semerwater, whilst T2 is located in Hawes, some 5km away. The event organisers helpfully transport used wetsuits from the lake to the finish whilst everyone is out racing.

Straight after getting out of the water and onto the bike, competitors are confronted with a 1‑in‑4 climb lasting 500m. This formidable start dispels any idea of the ride being easy! The route makes its way from valley to valley, with four big climbs to complete over the course. There is no chance of rest after any of them, as each ascent is invariably followed by a steep downhill section. These descents are seriously exhilarating, with riders regularly reaching speeds over 60 kmph, but having to be constantly ready to negotiate some tight and fast turns. Care needs to be taken on the occasionally narrow and gravelly roads, especially as they can entail the unfamiliar hazard of the odd stray sheep! Amazing scenery crawls or flashes by (depending on whether you are going up or down), including the Buttertubs limestone rock formation, an enormous viaduct on the Settle-Carlisle railway, sweeping vistas over the fells, and picturesque villages complete with friendly supporters. After the final climb, there is a relatively quick section along a rolling road back to Hawes, followed by a tantalising loop around the outside of the town, just when you think you have finished.

The run course is equally epic. The fact that the organisers ensure that competitors run with waterproofs and a map, whistle and spare food gives a clue of what the terrain and weather could offer at worst– though luckily in 2010 the only thing to contend with was a little bit of mist. Beginning with a short section on road to leave Hawes, the run route joins the Pennine Way walking route, and is essentially 6 miles of gradual climbing up to the summit of Great Shunner Fell. At the top, runners are greeted by a friendly marshal and turn round to follow the same route back down, now moving at a considerably higher pace with gravity on their side. The surface underfoot generally consists of stony tracks and rough flagstone paved paths, though some of the higher parts are quite wet and boggy. I managed to lose a shoe momentarily at one point – perhaps those elastic laces weren’t the best choice! People familiar with running on fells or off road can make up a lot of time on the run and will enjoy gradually chasing after people in front of them. The run and race finish back in Hawes outside the Kudu Bikes store, amidst cheering and clapping from yet more local supporters. Slices of homemade cake and tea are available for post-race recovery and come highly recommended!

Stunning scenery, arduous ascents and thrilling downhill sections all contribute to make Wensleydale triathlon a unique race. Although shorter ‘as the crow flies’ than a normal half ironman, the abundance of hills on the route provides more than enough to generate a serious sense of achievement on finishing! In addition to its challenging nature, the most notable feature of the race is the enthusiasm and good nature of its organisers, who really take care to ensure that the day is a success.

Rich Hunt came first in an astounding time of 04:12:34, almost 15 minutes in front of second place Richard Anderson (04:27:23). The first lady back was Donna Edmonson in 05:16:17.

Do this race next year if:

• You love tough and challenging events.
• You want to do a race that is out of the ordinary.
• You’re a bargain hunter – only £40 for a middle distance race!

Don’t do this race if:

• You enjoy the atmosphere of a large scale event – the field is small and you will probably spend a fair bit of time cycling or running on your own.
• You are not confident on the bike – the 25% ascents and 60kmph descents are pretty testing!
• You don’t like to run offroad or getting muddy.

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