Swaledale Road Runners

In September Carol Murray did an unsupported run of the Cleveland Way  - 110miles from Helmsley to Filey. It  took her 5 days, with a total of 30 hours 58 mins running time. This was all the more impressive as she did the majority of it as a solo run, with the exception of day 3 when she was joined by Andy Broadley and Chris Kirby.

The Cleveland Way is a 110 mile (177km) National Trail from Helmsley to Filey Brigg, taking in many well-known land marks throughout the North York Moors National Park and the rugged Cleveland coast, including Rievaulx Abbey, Sutton Bank, Osmotherley, Captain Cook’s monument, Roseberry Topping, Boulby Cliff, Staithes, Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay, and Scarborough.

 It involves a total of around 2,900m ascent, is well maintained and signposted, and is often recommended to be walked in 1½ weeks. But why walk when you have the perfect trail run? The idea to run the trail came to me about a year ago when I was looking through a book of national walking trails. I had already run the first part of the Cleveland way whilst preparing for the Lyke Wake Race in July, and had become smitten by the fantastic scenery and total relaxation to be found up on the moors. Over time I had become more confident with compass and navigation skills, and with running solo in remote areas.

So I decided to run the Trail and set myself 5 days in which to complete it. I restricted myself to running in full daylight with the maximum run in any one day being 29 miles. I ran solo with the exception of a 13 mile section between Guisborough and Staithes when Andy Broadley and Chris Kirby joined me for the day (important note to anyone planning the same: after a couple of days on the trail it is incredibly difficult to return to the pace of people running with fresh legs! Prepare to spend a lot of time trailing behind!)There was no support crew and I carried most of my own supplies, posting heavier items on ahead.

My total run time (including all daytime breaks for hydration, re-fuelling and answering nature’s call) was 30 hours, 58 minutes: a mere shuffle pace until one stops to recall the gradients and cumulative effect of trail running with a back pack!

 I celebrated the finish with a  well earned mug of tea at the café at Filey Brigg campsite, and with an immense sense of satisfaction, recorded my details in the Cleveland way log book at the café.

 I can’t recommend this trail enough. The scenery, from wooded valleys, craggy hills, and peaceful moors, to tiny coastal villages, tourist resorts and stunning cliff tops is breathtaking and ever changing. There are plenty of convenient rest stops for both overnight accomodation and food if you plan carefully. The route itself is so well maintained that navigation is never an issue and you can stop concentrating and just enjoy the running. Although caution is advised in some of the coastal sections where erosion is a threat to the trail (and some homes), detours are marked out and forewarning can be found via the internet

All this and it is right on our doorstep!

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