Recce of Shelf Moor Fell Race

What glorious weather we had for our run around the Shelf Moor fell race route this morning - sunshine, slight breeze on the tops to keep us cool, and some welcome cloud cover to reduce the risk of sunburn! The race is advertised as 9.1km / 5.7m with 457m / 1499ft of ascent (most of which is in the first climb up James Thorn). Here's a few photographs to give you a taste of the route:

The steep climb up James Thorn from Doctors Gate 

James Thorn looming up ahead

At Lower Shelf Stones, with Higher Shelf Stones behind

At Lower Shelf Stones, looking back towards Glossop

Carved rocks at Higher Shelf Stones

Higher Shelf Stones trig point (621m)

Running across Shelf Moor, Bleaklow

Heading towards Dog Rock and the delightful descent down Lightside

Today's run was at a leisurely pace, plenty of stops to admire the superb views and we took about 1hr50 (though strava moving time is logged at 1hr 25). Amazingly the course records on the race are held by Colin Donnelly from 1989 in a staggering 39:45 and Carol Greenwood from 1986 in 47:17.

If you are interested in running on race day then keep 7th September free, its a 11am start from Old Glossop - details over on the Glossopdale Harriers website or on the FRA race calendar.  I'm available for recces of the route beforehand - just contact me to set up a date.