FKT: Max Driscoll - Kinder Loop (United Kingdom) - 2020-09-05

Following the route as described by Peak Horsepower, I ran the loop in an anti-clockwise direction, starting and finishing from the Derwent Overlook car park, near Fairholmes. I started at 07:16am in order to complete the challenge in daylight.
I had 2 support crew, and a few friends cheering.

I split the challenge into 5 legs of approximately 10 miles and had the support waiting at the corresponding 4 checkpoints. I ran the first and third legs solo, and had a single pacer run with me for the second, fourth and fifth legs. So I didn't need to carry too much, the support crew had food and fluids waiting for me at each checkpoint, and spare shoes and clothes, which I really needed due to the changing/varied terrain and conditions.

The first leg flew by and although it was wet and a little boggy over the first moor (cut gate), it was a simple-enough leg to run. The second and third legs contain a lot of mentally-tough tarmac to run on and a few steep bits of hills. I also had a little abdominal discomfort through these legs too, and fueling was tricky. The fourth and fifth legs (last 20 miles) are the toughest terrain with the most altitude. Although I had banked some 30 minutes of time ahead of my approximate schedule after the first 3 legs, I really needed it as it was fairly slow-going for those last 20 miles on tired legs. There are also some steep and some technical terrains to navigate right to the very end.

If anyone else fancies this very varied challenge, please give me a shout and I'll gladly give my support.