Hardmoors 110

The adjective ‘iconic’ can be overused. But I think the Hardmoors 110 (miles) race probably deserves this title. With 2025 staging its 18^th edition, it started in 2008 as a small race with just 17 finishers. Ultra running was still very much a niche pursuit within the running community. As for me, in 2008 I had only recently taken up running (I started in October 2007) and was immensely pleased to be able to run a few miles through the fields from my home to the next village without stopping.

Since those early days Hardmoors has grown as a race organiser and now offers races across various distances from 15 all the way up to 200 miles, but the 110 probably remains its flagship race. Covering the entire Cleveland Way National Trail, starting in Filey, it heads north up the coast all the way to Saltburn, passing through Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar, Whitby, Runswick Bay and Staithes. At Saltburn the trail turns inland past Guisborough to Roseberry Topping, passing Kildale, Bloworth Crossing and the Three Sisters before turning south at Osmotherley all the way down the western edge of the moors to Sutton Bank and the White Horse. From there it heads east to the finish in Helmsley.

Not only do runners have to cover 110 miles, but there is also around 6000m (19,000ft) of elevation to deal with. Though my Strava eventually settled on 5000m. Anyway, it’s a lot. You have to complete the run inside 36 hours (starting on Saturday at 8 am) and there also are cut-offs along the way at several of the ten checkpoints.

Many runners on this race are crewed, i.e. they have family and/or friends supporting them in between the official checkpoints with food, drink and suitable encouragement. Runners are also allowed a support runner from Sandsend (36 miles) onwards. I chose to run unsupported; there are enough checkpoints along the route to be sure of always having enough water, we also were allowed three small drop bags (at miles 22, 40 and 68) so you did not have to carry all your fuel from the start, as that would have been too much. Unsupported runners had to pack a few more warm layers in their compulsory kit, and had to provide evidence of previous ultra experience. Even though I had no crew myself, it was lovely to receive encouragement as well as offers of supplies along the way from people who were supporting other runners. Whilst this was only my second Hardmoors event, I did know quite a few runners, from the ultra scene in general, and in particular from Punk Panther events, as there is quite an overlap between PP and Hardmoors when it comes to participants. The 110 race coincided in large part with the 160 mile ‘Ring of Steele’ race, the runners of which had set off on Friday at 5 pm from Sutton Bank, joining the 110 course at Scalby just north of Scarborough. These runners were easily recognisable by their red bib numbers (ours were blue) and received much admiration and encouragement from everyone on the trail. And no, I will not be lining up for the 160 any time soon (or ever!)

I had chosen to leave my car in Helmsley and take the 6 am coach laid on by the event to the start in Filey. This did require a very early start from home. I decided against spending money on a hotel the night before in Helmsley as I normally sleep badly the night before a race anyway. Not 100% sure if this was the right decision but every logistical solution has its pros and cons. Nice to chat to fellow F60 Olivia Hetreed whilst waiting for the coach in the Market Square, we had met on the Northern Traverse in April this year where Olivia had finished a whole 12 hours ahead of me! I was therefore fairly confident that I was unlikely to beat her on this race, and I turned out to be correct.

Registration in Filey Brigg was straightforward, and kit check simply consisted of showing one’s foil blanket, though of course mine just had to be right at the bottom of my bag, inside my first aid kit! Be assured that my survival bag is always closer to hand. Tracker taped to my vest, I then applied plenty of sun screen as it looked as if that was going to be very much needed. After Jon Steele’s race briefing we were off at 8 am.

It was warm right from the start, too warm for comfort really on the largely unshaded coastline. I was glad I had brought my smidge spray as at times there were large clouds of greenfly or blackfly. As the day wore on it became increasingly humid so I was grateful for the breeze which we did have quite a lot on the cliffs. We passed Scarborough, thankfully it was still relatively quiet on the sea front without the large ‘sunny half-term weekend’ crowds which we would definitely encounter at Whitby! I reached the first checkpoint at Ravenscar (22 miles) at 13:00, a time I was happy with, two hours inside the cut-off (over the course of the entire race I did not slow down too much, I tended to be around an hour and a half inside all other cut-offs including at the finish; confirmation that whilst I do not have much speed I do have consistency). I topped up my water/electrolytes, added gels and chews from my drop bag to my race vest, used the toilet, and briefly laid down on the grass outside to do my back mobility exercises. Having managed to complete the Northern Traverse without back pain or the dreaded ‘lean’ has given me some confidence, but not made me complacent! So looking after my back remains very high on my priority list, immediately after hydration and nutrition.

Onwards towards Robin Hood’s Bay. By now there were quite a lot of tourists and walkers out on the trail. Whilst (slowly) negotiating some of the very steep steps up around Boggle Hole with another runner a tourist asked us if we were at the head of the race 🤣🤣 We explained that this was very much NOT the case! He then went on to ask ‘well if this is a race why are you not running or at least jogging?’ I suggested he try it for himself on those steps! I mean, what can you say?

It was nice to climb through Robin Hood’s Bay and revisit and relive the finish of the Northern Traverse last April. Shortly I was back on the cliff tops making my way to Whitby. Nice to see the Abbey coming into view from afar. Sadly though I had to traverse Whitby itself, down the 199 steps, through the cobbled street, over the bridge and along the front on the other side to the Khyber Pass. It would have been nice to just fly over it somehow. It was totally rammed 😳, not unexpected but nevertheless deeply unpleasant. Whilst we met lots of people on the trail these were all walkers, either of the serious kind or at least interested in having some outdoor exercise. Whereas the crowds that stayed in ‘downtown’ Whitby seemed mainly focussed on moving very slowly and eating, without any regard for anyone who might just wish to be passing. Once over the bridge I attempted to run in the road for a bit, but the arrival of a bus took away that possibility. I slogged it out on the pavement amidst pedestrians, dogs, prams and mobility scooters. After the climb up to the whalebone arch the crowds thinned out to my great relief and I could run again. By now I had adopted a run/walk approach, largely sticking to running to a count of 45 and walking to a count of 30.

Sandsend was the next village I passed, I availed myself of the toilets here. This was also the place where some participants picked up their first support runner. It was very warm now and humid. After a stretch along the disused railway there were some very steep steps in a wooded section, tackling these I started to feel decidedly dizzy, and had to sit down awhile on the steps with my head between my knees, sweat pouring off me. Though I had been eating and drinking plenty I decided to take a salt capsule in case that was the problem. After a few minutes I managed to stand up without fainting so I got going again, and thankfully after the steps I emerged into a field where there was a pleasant breeze which made me feel a lot better.

Next destination Runswick Bay at mile 40. By now I had finally found my ‘groove’. I always need quite a while before the incessant ‘how much further, how much longer’ ruminations stop and I can just be content with moving forward without too much thought about anything at all. I started to really enjoy looking at the landscape which was especially beautiful in the early evening light. I did not take any photos, I generally don’t on races as it is a distraction and I do not really have the running speed to take time out beyond attending to the essentials: drinking, eating, toilets, wearing the right layers, looking after my back. It was a tough climb up to the checkpoint in Runswick Bay (having had to drop down all the way to the beach first) and I picked up my second drop bag here. I had some coke and peanuts from the checkpoint too, sorted out my own supplies, and put my cap and sunglasses away and put my buff on my head, ready for my head torch later. In my drop bag I had a can of chocolate milk and also a can of Starbucks ‘double espresso’ mocha drink. I downed the latter and took the former away with me to drink at Saltburn.

From Runswick Bay onto Staithes, then towards Skinningrove. Another welcome toilet! To my great relief the disabled toilet was unlocked, I think it was because someone crewing had a radar key. The normal toilets had been closed due to vandalism I read on a notice. This is such a shame ☹, we all need toilets surely. I guess as a runner you become hyper aware of the availability or lack thereof of facilities.

I enjoyed the section from Skinningrove down to Saltburn, which, after I had negotiated the sandy dunes, was a lovely grassy gentle downhill that I ran all the way as darkness fell. I briefly stopped at the Charm Bracelet to put my head torch on my head. Eventually I could see Saltburn twinkling down below and there was a firework display on the beach, it was a lovely view. I reached the checkpoint at the Saltburn Bandstand at 22:30. Drank my chocolate milk which I had carried from Runswick Bay. Lovely to see my friend Jen O’Neill there who was crewing for another runner who was a little behind me, I would see Jen several times more from there on.

Saltburn was about halfway, always a good feeling, and it was now dark, or at least as dark as it would get during these short nights. There was also lots of light coming from Middlesbrough in the distance. I always enjoy night running, and it was no different this time. On the way to Roseberry Topping I was delighted to catch up with my friend Andy Pickering, who was running the 160. We had reccied this very section recently, for my benefit rather than Andy’s I should say, who knows it like the back of his hand. Andy had been making fantastic progress on the 160 so far, but was now unfortunately struggling to maintain sufficient pace, and was getting cold. So after a few minutes together I pressed on by myself, after stopping briefly to put my windproof on. Andy sensibly but sadly decided to bail just before Roseberry Topping by missing out the ascent and dropping down straight to his crew at Gribdale car park.

The ascent of Roseberry Topping is an out-and-back from the main trail, down from Little Roseberry and up Roseberry Topping itself, and then down and up yet again to regain the path! The trig point had been decorated with Christmas lights which looked lovely, and there was a lonely and rather chilly marshal, Justin Bramall, stationed up there who brought me some cheer. Kudos for being up there!

Via Gribdale, where I said hello to Jen again, on to Captain Cook’s monument, and then down to Kildale (68 miles) and its indoor checkpoint which I reached at 03:40. Andy was here with his crew Grant, having come to return his tracker 😥. Also Karen Saward, who I would leapfrog with more or less from Kildale to the finish. I had a cup of tea and a lovely hot (rehydrated) meal which I had packed in my drop bag, vegetarian shepherd’s pie. I lay on the floor and did my back exercises, and I brushed my teeth. All good things to do and I felt a lot better for them. Unfortunately I had also started to feel dizzy when standing still, and this problem stayed with me for the rest of the race. I mentally ran through my fuelling and electrolyte status, and I was pretty sure I was on top of my sugar and salt intake. I was sleep deprived but not so much as to make me dizzy. In the end I concluded it had to be low blood pressure related, not helped by a touch of dehydration despite drinking well. With the muscular contractions of the legs aiding venous return whilst moving, some runners have problems when stopped as blood pools in the legs reducing flow to the brain. I have had this quite a few times, but mainly after races. Most notably after the Paris Marathon when eventually security staff kindly took me to the front of the queue of the Eurostar security check at Gare du Nord, like a VIP, as I kept sitting down on the floor! It’s not a big thing as long as you keep moving, and sit down when stopped! The proper term for it is Exercise Associated Postural Hypotension.

I decided I just had to crack on and see, reassess after a bit and if I became more dizzy I could always return to the safety of the Kildale checkpoint. Thankfully it transpired that as long as I kept moving I felt OK. When stopping was essential, e.g. to refill my water bottles at a checkpoint, I just had to ask for a chair to sit down. So I was on my way up the hill, along the road initially, which eventually turned into a track, the disused Rosedale Railway, leading to Bloworth Crossing and Urra Moor. It had been light already when I left Kildale, but it was very overcast, cold and windy. I pulled the sleeves of my windproof halfway down over my hands and just about managed to get away without getting my gloves out, but it was borderline really. There were quite a few of us on this stretch, mainly running/marching singly or in pairs. You could feel everyone’s determination to get this somewhat grim stretch out of the way as quickly as possible. I reached the check point at Clay Bank just before 7 am, by then it had become a bit warmer and the sun was trying to come through. Yet another happy encounter with Jen. I was also pleased to see Sharon Dyson working at the checkpoint, who had promised me a cup of tea in her van. The tea was lovely, but as soon as I sat down in the van I realised that even sitting down I was about to faint, and I had to lie down! Sharon looked after me and let me rest there for ten minutes. I hoped for a powernap but I don’t think I slept at all. However, I did feel able to get up again which was progress, and on I went. Jen said she would drive to Lordstones, at the other side of the Three Sisters, to see me there in case I wasn’t feeling great, which was very kind. I must say I started the climb out of Clay Bank with some trepidation. This would be a stupid place to faint! But again, as soon as I was moving I felt better so I went for it. Soon I was at the Wainstones, remembering clambering through them in the other direction on the Northern Traverse, with the photographer there getting some nice snaps. Next Cold Moor and then Cringle Moor and the Three Sisters had been ticked off and I was descending down to Lordstones. I found travelling in this direction definitely easier, as the steepest steps are ascents this way around, which for a poor descender like myself is a plus.

I had stopped briefly somewhere on this section to take my windproof layer off, and I had removed one shoe as I thought there was a little stone stuck under my foot. What I found was a load of sand, probably still from the dunes at Skinningrove, no stone, but a small blister under the ball of my foot. Of course I should have dealt with that blister there and then, or at the latest at Lordstones. And I should have looked at the other foot. It would probably have cost me 15 minutes at most. I had all the gear in my pack. But I was too worried about losing time and in my hurry I decided it was too late now anyway. Which it wasn’t. By doing nothing I allowed two small blisters (one under each foot) to become two big blisters which caused me a lot of pain. They eventually burst somewhere around Sutton Bank, not a pleasant experience, and at the time of writing five days later I am still hobbling because of them. Not smart, and I should have known better, I have enough ultra experience. Saying that, blisters are actually quite new to me, so my knowledge about what to do is largely from reading about it. I had some blisters on the Northern Traverse and that was the first time ever in my ultra running life. I think the dry and hard ground this year has a lot to answer for.

I checked in with Jen at Lordstones and was pleased to report I was feeling OK as long as I kept moving forward so I pressed on, apart from using the toilets, I had been somewhat desperate since around Bloworth Crossing which was a long time ago, but there had been no shelter whatsoever since then, not a tree in sight! Then up to Carlton Bank, the last of this series of hills. As I came out of the woods at Huthwaite Green there were some crews parked up waiting for their runners, and I gratefully accepted the offer of some coke whilst I briefly sat down on a bench. Then only a short section to the next checkpoint at Scarth Nick where I topped up my water and ate some peanuts, cosily sitting in the back of a van next to another runner, as their sole chair was in use, and I definitely needed to sit down. One of the marshals asked if we had been running all the way together, we must have looked very cosy but I had never seen this man until that moment 😆 It was 10:30 now. It had started raining and I donned my waterproof as the section over Scarth Wood Moor is quite exposed. The next few hours would bring quite a lot of intermittent showers and a lot of faffing with waterproof on and off on my part. Which is totally not my style and I got irritated with myself! I had brought my lighter waterproof for this race, but the downside is that it’s not so breathable, so in warm conditions it soon needs to come off. Another gear purchase might be ‘necessary’ 😉, in particular perhaps one of those waterproofs that fits over your race pack. One of the runners I was leapfrogging with on that section, Kev Tyerman on the 160, had one of those and I looked on with some envy!

I breezed through lovely Osmotherley and made my way up to Square Corner, where I received yet another mental boost from Jen. I was feeling pretty tired now but with around 20 miles to go I knew it was doable. I had recently reccied the section from Osmotherley to the finish in Helmsley, so that came into use now. I am definitely someone who is helped by knowing what lies ahead.

The miles along the track at the edge of the moor felt long, it was intermittently cold, wet and windy, and then sunny and warm. Eventually as the afternoon wore on it just remained sunny and warm. Here I was overtaken by Moira Westley, another F60 in this race, who put in a strong power hiking performance at this point with her support runner, which I could not quite keep up with despite trying to stick to my run/walk routine. However, Moira was struggling with sickness and had to keep stopping to vomit, when I would overtake her, only for her to come past me again shortly afterwards. And so we leapfrogged for several miles all the way to Sutton Bank. I felt sorry for Moira, but the scenario did give me something to focus on at least. And I am delighted to report Moira finished, which means all three of us F60’s completed this race, which had a 40% DNF rate. Let’s hear it for older women!

I reached Sutton Bank and tackled the White Horse loop, which by now felt like an ‘unnecessary’ and cruel diversion from the main aim of getting to Helmsley. A welcome short break for a water re-fill at the checkpoint in the White Horse car park which I reached at 15:35, still an hour and a half inside the cut-off. The steps back up to the path from the car park felt like a major mountain and I hauled myself up holding on to the handrail! Nine miles to go now and despite my best efforts to keep running for short stretches I was barely getting above three miles per hour pace, though even at this snail’s pace I overtook a few others. I passed through Hambleton, Cold Kirby and Rievaulx, and finally blessed Helmsley came into view. My feet were causing me a lot of pain now especially on the tracks full of sharp broken stones. The road through Helmsley towards the lido and the rec also suddenly felt to be uphill despite looking pretty flat! But I was delighted to manage a celebratory jog across the cricket ground to the finish line.

I finished in 34:26:21, as 48th of 64 finishers, and second F60 out of three. 108 runners had started the race, 44 did not finish. Results

I received my medal and t-shirt and enjoyed a cup of tea and some pizza, after which I had to lie down as my head was spinning again. There was a mattress in the corner of the pavilion which a volunteer kindly pointed me towards. After about ten minutes I decided I just needed to be somewhere with a bit more peace and quiet. Having planned to sleep in the car for a couple of hours before going home, I now realised there was no way I could drive home that evening feeling so dizzy. So I got my stuff together and hobbled back down into Helmsley where I managed to get a room in the Black Swan Hotel. I was grateful they let me in: this dishevelled looking and rather smelly runner who had to keep sitting down! I felt 100% better by the next morning and as a bonus had a lovely breakfast with Alice Kershaw (winner of the women’s race and fourth overall) and her parents, who were also staying there.