Only kidding, but after the Timberhonger on Sunday and now this sticky mid-week race, desert running feels like it should be second nature.

The Hope Wakes Fell race seemed like too good an opportunity to miss, given that I was up in Sheffield, just over the hill, for work.  Most Peak District villages have a wakes week, which was tradionally a week off work for everyone, and most wakes seem to have a fell race. 

Hope's was extended this year and was about 6 miles going up and over Win Hill, down towards Ladybower reservoir and back over again. I'm still not feeling very competitive, but enjoyed the race nonetheless - it had a good mix of terrains and inclines, and it was thankfully a bit cooler on top of the hill.

It also had good organisation, a fine atmosphere, and a range of free drinks and cakes to recommend it!

Paul F

Race website here, some pics here.

Time: 61:51

Position 132/246