Second go at putting down a women’s time for this route - the first time I messed up the navigation a bit and think I might have missed some vert so didn’t want to post the time.
Started at the Stepping Stones and ran anti-clockwise, mostly because I was coming on the train so didn’t have much choice - but I also think this is a good option. 1) doable on public transport. 2) you get the worst of the steep climbs out the way early. 3) if you start at the stepping stones you can avoid getting stuck in a queue there. 4) you get to finish on a fun descent and then road sprint. 5) most importantly, option to dunk in the river at the end. (Although I did then get really cold on the train home.)
Stunning day - lots of autumn colours, misty down in the valleys and then got above the cloud and into the sunshine on the hill. Trails were pretty slick and muddy - time to get the winter shoes out I think.
Hats off to Mark Kerry for a beaut of a route - I’ve had a lot of fun both times I’ve run it, thank you!