Marathon competitors said.............
This has to be one of my favourite races in the whole of the UK. There can be few races which can match the feeling of running along the immaculate grassy trails of Dales Way to Kettlewell on a perfect summers day with a slight breeze and fantastic scenery in all directions.
I remember setting the course record in 2007 as it was only 2 weeks after I had won the Scottish National 100K championship.
Despite tired legs, I seemed to be lifted by the surroundings and had one of those days where everything just went right! I ran aggresively taking the lead right from the start and remember running along Dales Way to Kettlewell in perfect sunshine and feeling very hot. By the time I reached Kettlewell I turned round to see I had only one other runner for company. This spurred me on, and I climbed very strongly out of Kettlewell increasing my lead towards Arncliffe. After a brief stop for water I managed to run all the ascent out of Arncliffe and continued running hard to Malham Tarn into a welcome and cooling headwind. As I turned off Mastiles Lane towards Bordley Farm I started passing some of the Half Marathon runners which gave me a big lift. Descending towards the final ladder stile before hitting the road to Grassington for the last couple of miles I took one final look behind and knew no one would catch me. Now it was just me against the clock as I sprinted to the finish realising I could cross the line in under 3 hours. To finish in 2hours 58minutes and smash the course record was probably my perfect run on a perfect course. Paul Hart Dunfries Running Club Course Record Holder 2003-2011 Mens Marathon
"I don't enter off-road events often but the route was superb, it was really well organised and the support around the course was much appreciated. I'll definitely be back next year to improve on my Ladies Record" Sarah Jarvis - Course Record Holder Ladies Half Marathon
Wharfedale Marathon really does stand out for me in my running
career. There is nothing I don't like about it. Fantastic relaxed
atmosphere, friendly and considerate runners, great Marshals and catering
staff, and one the most stunning routes I have ever run. It is also
fantastic value.
I would recommend the race to everyone (although it might not be quite the same
if you get 1000 entrants!).
"If you are looking for a challenge,beautiful scenery,friendly atmosphere and good value, then this race is worth considering. Despite the severe climbs, the course has enough breath-taking vistas to almost take away the pain. Enjoy while it is still a hidden gem."
" Have run this race for the past three years and it gets better every time. I live in London and travel back with my brother to to run the Half ~Marathon each year. Well organised friendly race and great facilities. Before it gets too busy I recommend you run this one."
"It was my first mountain marathon and it hurt. But what a glorious hurt! I loved every second of it (though at the time my body was telling me something quite different). No words can describe the scenery you run through - absolutely breathtaking. The day was very hot, but with regular checkpoints I didn't once feel dehydrated. The course is very well marked out and very well organised. A great day that sorts the men from the boys, I don't think I'll ever run a road marathon again - how boring! Everyone should run this marathon once in their lives. TAKE TO THE HILLS!!!
"Run this race for the scenery and the hills!! Well organised again, third year on the trot for me but will keep coming back to this top notch race, but not for the faint hearted! More people are running it each year, if you run it once you will be back."
"Heard someone talking about this event with such enthusiasm on the train and just felt I had to enter. How right they were - what a gem".
RUGGER RAMBLE competitors said ................
"Brilliant just have to keep coming back - my 12th year".
"Cheerfull friendly event right from arrival to leaving several hours later, tired but fullfilled and what fabulous scenery".
"Well placed checkpoints with plenty of water on a very,very hot day. Everyone was so friendly, I particularly enjoyed the stop in Arncliffe. Great food at the finish".
"A great day out for all the family, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The scenery is unbelievable and the organisation brilliant with water stops in just the right places and the luxury of showers and a bar and food at the finish".
"A wonderful sporting experience, great organisation by friendly Dales people, fantastic route and excellent facilities, forget the events with a cast of '000's go for this whilst you can still get in"
