Cloey Mason is the latest Barlicker to subject herself to the pain and suffering of long distance running. Here is her account of the day.
The Hardmoors 60 is a 62 mile race on the coast from Guisborough to Filey. The route of the 62 mile race follows the second half of the Hardmoors 110, along the beautiful Cleveland Coast, through Saltburn, Runswick Bay, Staithes, Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay, Ravenscar, Scarborough and into the finish location, the seaside resort of Filey.
Needless to say it was the toughest running I have ever done, especially 2 weeks after sinus surgery. I split the race into thirds in my head. I gained places in the first third from Guisborough and was steady away. Had the mid section blues in the second third from Runswick Bay to Ravenscar. I got a bit of tummy trouble and lost my mojo a little,but got support from other runners along this mid section, who were in the same boa - all keeping each others spirits up etc. Had a blinding last third 22 miles as I regained my wind, after a good hot feed at Ravenscar 41 mile checkpoint and a change of clothes. Saw my son Alex for the first time in the race as he had been up to Newcastle Uni visit all day with his dad so couldn't support. A little pep talk and I was told I was 17th lady with the next lady 5 mins ahead, so I was on my way again. I took back numerous places with only one man passing me all that way to the finish at Filey. I also made up 8 female places too in this last section, the last of which was less than a km from the finish line. I was running with her in the early miles and she originally passed me at mile 11 climbing out of Saltburn on Sea. My feet are quite sore and blistery as you would expect, and I would think that I will lose a couple of nails - one of the side effects of Ultra running. I have been working up to this race all year and it didn't disappoint!
81 Cloey Mason 14:58:37 (9th lady, 3rd F40)
250 starters - 40 DNF