Race Date: Sunday 4th February 2024
Race Report by: Letty Hancock
The Hardmoors Saltburn trail half marathon is part of the Hardmoors 26.2 series.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Saltburn over the years, it being husband’s hometown, and I’d been meaning to try one of the Hardmoors Saltburn races since I became aware of them a few years ago. Two babies later I eventually got around to getting myself signed up to the half marathon; my first half since baby number 2. Part of the Hardmoors 26.2 race series, there were marathon, half marathon and 10k distances available, though the distances should be taken with a large pinch of salt… the race briefing informed us that the 10k was about 7 miles long, and the half was about 14.5 miles.
This was to be my first proper foray into trail running; the first race I’ve done with a mandatory kit list and unmarked course. So, map, emergency blanket and taped seam jacket packed, we set off from Saltburn Learning Centre for the woodland decent to the sea front through Saltburn Valley Gardens. Spurred on by some cheers from my in-laws and son, and very overexcited about racing again, I set off at an ambitious pace, which was soon tempered by the steep stairs climbing up to the cliff tops.
The route took us along the coast following the Cleveland Way, accompanied by some beautiful views and even a small glint of sunshine between the largely grey February backdrop. We dropped down into Skinningrove to run along the sand dunes for a while (extremely hard work!), then it was back up another big climb (more steps) before heading inland for a mixture of fields, trails, lanes and some pavement. I managed to keep another runner or two in sight for the vast majority of the race, and knew some of the route already, so navigationally it was fine thankfully, and the map stayed in my pocket. I felt good up until around 9 miles, then started to get quite a niggly left hip which meant slowing up, particularly on the downhills. Thankfully the niggle eased off quite a bit, and with a second wind I headed through Skelton and back to Saltburn, past the impressive viaduct on the way.
The final mileage by my measurement came out at 14.87 miles… possibly the longest half I’ve ever done, and, at 2060 ft of elevation, probably the hilliest too. A tough race (I was probably a bit underprepared!), but an enjoyable one, and it was fantastic to be back in the green and gold racing again. I even found myself googling trail ultras the following day, so who knows, maybe there’s a future ahead in off-road running for me!
The half marathon race was won by Paul Elwell of Wetherby Runners AC in 1:53:50. The first female over the finish line was Caitlin Mortar of Redcar Triathlon Club in 2:14:58.
I was the only Strider in attendance and here is my result:
| Position | Name | Category | Time |
| 43 | Letitia Hancock | F | 02:41:20 |
Results for all the distances can be viewed here.