Trip Report - Self-Supported FKT – Yorkshire Wolds Way
Start time: 16.46pm, 17/07/23
Finish time: 13.44pm, 18/07/23
121km, 20 hrs 58 mins 25 secs, Hessle to Filey, full Yorkshire Wolds Way
In terms of logistics and travel, I drove to end of the trail at Filey, parked my car and then took a train to Hull. Unfortunately a problem on the track meant a two-hour delay on the trains, but – after an impromptu taxi ride from Hull train station to Hessle – I made it to the start of the trail. I set off a few hours later than planned, but I was excited about the challenge ahead.
I ran at a good pace for the first 45km (ish) in daylight, with good, dry, warm weather and favourable conditions underfoot. My aim was to reach Market Weighton to re-supply with food and drink in the small town before the shops closed and darkness descended. I made it in time and readied myself for the long night ahead.
Overnight I continued at a fast-walking pace, using a headtorch to guide the way ahead. It was the first time I had ever hiked all night without sleeping and I was anxious about how I would find it. But adrenaline kicked in and surprisingly I didn’t feel tired. Instead I felt totally wired by the slightly other-worldly experience and I made decent progress, without any stops, although overall I would say I endured rather enjoyed the night running.
The arrival of dawn felt like a wonderful moment and boosted my morale. I pressed on, feeling reasonably strong, and made it to the 100km mark, going slightly off trail to re-supply at Sherburn. At this point I felt that a sub-20 hour time might have been achievable, but I really struggled for the next 15km or so, before getting a final energy boost as I neared the finish line to complete the trail at a good pace, clocking in at just under 21 hours. I completed the whole route solo, without any help or support. I carried everything I needed with me in a 5L race vest, and I re-supplied water and food on a couple of occasions en route.