Heptonstall fell race

Race: Heptonstall fell race, Yorkshire (15m+/3200ft/BL)
Time/Position: 2.26.40 (87th from 279)
After enjoying the Haworth Hobble last year, it was nice to have an excuse to return to this area: terra incognita for us to an extent. This was a supremely enjoyable event taken at training pace - in perfect early spring conditions of light cloud, bright sun and a distinctly chilly wind preventing us from over-heating. The climb from Hebden Bridge up to Heptonstall is ingrained in my memory from the Hobble - so it was nice to start on the cobbled streets of Heptonstall itself! A vicar with air horn made it more memorable, as did the early descent down to Colden Clough, then up and round tracks to the 'navigation section' over the moorland of Black Mires to Standing Stone hill - classic Yorkshire scenery - then down via Ling Hollow to the valley (Hebden Dale). After this, a steep climb on tarmac initially north onto the moors again in sunshine and bracing wind. Just after the high point (Greave Height), I turned my ankle, an old weakness, and had to hobble for a while until it righted itself. This is a familiar routine, however, and by the time we had descended to the remote reservoir at Walshaw Dean, it was OK - and I felt good for the gentle climb up to High Rakes/Wadsworth, particularly after a gel. An unfeasibly long descent (didn't seem commensurate with the climb, which is unusual!), all the way to Walshaw farm, where a long extra loop (which looks illogical on the map but isn't) commences to Hardcastle crags, then round to climb up Turn Hill after drinks at Lady Royd farm, then down to Walshaw again. With no local knowledge at all, I was completely unaware it was the end of loop, thinking we had much further to go. With distance in my legs, I was thoroughly enjoying myself, skipping through delightful woodland. Another climb, then south skirting Crimsworth Dean Beck (the route to Haworth) to New Bridge and the notorious last mile and a bit, up hundreds of steps (the 'staircase to heaven') back up to the village. I only realised we were near the end when I saw Heptonstall high above the valley as we emerged from the woods near Midgeholes.