iROC Adventure Race Written on April 28, 2009, by annaf.
An adventure race with 6 stages and points to race for
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It was a brilliant weekend for family and friends, with a variety of events and distances for all to enjoy.
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The field was perfect for camping, the hot food caravans provided amazing energy foods and drinks and the marquee was cranking with a local band playing the lastest covers and beer being served.
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First up the 14km fell race. After months of not racing in the fells my legs were in shock as we headed straight through the mud and up a steep bank. We climbed up and up, over rough trails and moor lands before dropping into the quarry, down some paddocks to finish the first loop and then begin the second shorter loop back up another steep hill (which was to be climbed another 3-4 times over the weekend) to the forest path that we weaved in and out around and around and down to the finish. I finished 1st in the female category and 13th overall. Round 1: That was definatley a reminder on how tough fell racing really is and how much strength I have to gain back after time off the fells. Â
Race 2: Orienterring on a set course..time for a bit of family fun. I set of with Christian (9 years old) and Helen into the hills for a big walk around the hills to claim some check points. And at the same time welcome the sun on our faces and absorb the incredible views. Thanks you guys for the company!
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Next up, 7.30pm, a 1hour orienteering score format race. With slightly tired legs, and baked beans gurgling around in my tummy we set of up the hill, again, to search in all the ditched and high points for the check points. The beautiful long evenings made for great views over the moors and no need for the head torches…yet…
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9.30pm, Time for a quick refuel and change of mode to the bike. A quick night timetrial. With head torches locked on we set off in 3minute intervals in small groups of 4-5. Through the mud we charged off to the hill climb. This was a time to not be unprepared…as i found out as my light started to flicker out. Luckily my adopted cousin Marcus was there to be my saviour as I fumbled around what seemed like a month to change my batteries. Then came the forest downhill on narrow trails and some quite steep drop offs where I was once again left for dead as I climbed off my bike and ran down the hill…pathetic i know.
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11pm, last race of the day. A 10km fell race. We set off up the hill, again, with the band booming in the back ground, and the magical peace of running at night time. The two challenging loops and the downhill forest section were fantastic even though the legs were now completely knackered. Finishing 1st female and this time 8th overall.    Â
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Solid sleep followed and even a chance to sleep in before we geared up for the 4hour mountain bike enduro race which consisted of 2 loops which had to be done in order as many times as possible. I got to my 7th lap in about 3.30hours and decided that I was quite happy to call it a day and get my well deserved giant chocolate muffin.
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After a super weekend I even gained a 3rd place finish just to top it off.
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A highly recommened race for all levels of fitness, and perfect for freinds and families to have an active weekend out.
Anna
