Stretton Skyline fell race

Race: Stretton Skyline (19m/4500ft)
Peaks: Long Mynd, Ragleth, Caer Caradoc, The Lawley, Long Mynd
Time/Position: 3:01:35 (12th/94)
As a defensive measure, I didn't really confront the reality of this race - or even think about it - until I was at the start in Carding Mill. I was conscious that my last long run was the Borrowdale fell race six weeks ago, and fully expected to suffer badly as a result. In the event, Neil and I were both surprised by reasonable performances - treated it as a training run for forthcoming mountain marathons and, as a result, felt comfortable and relaxed throughout and really enjoyed the event which ticks all my boxes as a logical and obvious loop around these lovely hills. Perhaps not quite as scenic as the Long Mynd Valleys race, done in wonderful snowy conditions last February, but a delightful warm and sunny contrast. An easy climb out of Carding Mill leads up the valley to the Long Mynd plateau, then SW to the highpoint at Pole Bank. Glorious running along grassy tracks then contours Round Hill and Callow - perfect sunny views down to Ashes Hollow (familiar from last February). Relaxed and chatting as we ran through Little Stretton and crossed the A49 before the first really steep climb up Ragleth. All the steep bits are short-lived, however, and a run along the ridge led to a descent through Ragleth Wood to water in Church Stretton. Caer Caradoc was next on the agenda, a gradual climb up fields leads to the steep haul to the top before a great, fast descent down to Comley. Still really comfortable, able to eat and relax during the out-and-back climb to The Lawley at the far NE of the Skyline. Realised that we were now surprisingly well placed, but still felt very relaxed for the interminable series of stiles leading across the valley bottom to Dudgeley farm and the final very long (but gradual) climb back up Long Mynd to the final checkpoint at Mott's Road. Kept it going reasonably well on the climb, then enjoyed the excellent descent back down the valley to Carding Mill. Assumed I would break 3 hours easily, but then realised the finish was not where the start was - it was actually back in the town.