On Saturday 27th April, Chris Hillam and Matt Thornton took on the Calderdale Way Ultra 30. Chris intended to use the course as training, alongside his brother, Mark, for longer races they have planned. Unfortunately, Mark was unable to run so Matt seized the opportunity to get out on the trails and run sections of the route he’d not visited before and gain some valuable training.
Matt also didn’t plan to race it and told Chris he had every intention of running the entire route with him but got in to a little groove on the climb out of Brookfoot so the pair ended up running solo. Matt sent Chris his apologies and Chris has accepted them although now refers to it as abandonment.
The race, renowned for its rugged terrain and stunning scenery, provided the perfect test for both runners. Despite the grueling nature of the course, which featured steep valleys, moorlands, and forest trails, both Matt and Chris found the experience to be tough yet thoroughly enjoyable.
Matt’s highlights:
* Slipping off a stone stile 2.75 miles in, scrapping his arm, twisting his ankle and wondering why he does this.
* Losing the will to live on the concrete track out of Todmorden 22 miles in.
* Finishing with a pint of Saltaire Blonde with the parents who arrived to watch him finish 5 minutes after he finished.
Chris’ highlights:
* The weather kept in his favour.
* Only 5 Nav errors.
* Getting to the top of the climb out of Todmorden and immediately turning the wrong way.
* His parents and 11 year old meeting him with 4 miles to go and the guy he was running with asking if it was his granddaughter
