Race Date: Sunday 2nd June 2024

Distance: 15.7km / 9.8m

Climb: 565m / 1854ft

Race report by Hannah Wright

Note to self: read the distance and elevation prior to booking.

As a newbie to the BM category to fell racing I thought why not give it a go. I had never been to the Roaches before and was ready for an adventure.

With the sun shining I set off for the race which started at 11am. A scenic drive over to Tittesworth Reservoir where we were advised to park. Plenty of parking and the parking meter took cash and card. I picked up my race number (cash only) and used the facilities (real toilets not portaloos). I also bumped into a fellow Strider (my apologies I am rubbish at remembering names).

The start line was in the field next to the visitors center. Due to the good weather minimum FRA kit was not required. I still opted for my bumbag with water bottle due to the heat. Race briefing included advice about the section through the wooded area of the race where runners are known to get lost.

Once we were all lined up we were off down the path and out of Tittesworth Reservoir. The terrain was varied with road, rocks, tussocky fields, styles and of course bogs.

It wasn’t long till I was at the back of the pack (I never claim to be fast), with the tail runners who were brilliant and supportive. This ended up being a navigational advantage. The race is PM with some sections very well marked and marshalled and other sections with not a marker in sight. There was a few times I wondered if I had gone the right way.

There was water available at half way and a 90-minute cut off at Roach End.

The route takes you to some stunning views such as Ramshaw Rocks, The Roaches (don’t forget to bag the trig point) and the last climb of the race to Hen Cloud.

After descending Hen Cloud I came to the wooded area we were warned about in the briefing. Kept the pointers from the briefing in mind, arrived at the marshalled cattle grid and then back to Tittesworth Reservoir. Mustered up all the strength left in my legs for a sprint finish.

As a newbie to BM I found the race tough but thoroughly enjoyable. I would advise anyone with a sense of adventure to give it a go.

Congratulations to the 2024 winners:

• Female winner: Joanne Mosley, unattached, 1:30:25
• Male winner: Harry Bond, Staff Moorlands, 1:13:58

Striders results