Cold Brew Events have been responsible for some of the most innovative and challenging running races in our region over the past few years. What sets them apart from the rest is the amalgamation of local culture and history, immersed within the challenging and beautiful terrain of our county. One need only look to their two most recent offerings for confirmation of this:
A night time half marathon through the Simondside hills, inspired by the Simonside Dwarfs that lend the run its name. Duergar are said to take great satisfaction in leading travellers astray after nightfall, using their torches to lead travellers over precipices or into bogs and their untimely demise. Despite that, hundreds of local runners took part, and managed to brave the horizontal sleet and knee deep mud. God knows what the dwarfs thought at the sight of over 100 head torches snaking their way through their back garden. For a certain type of person this is absolutely brilliant fun.
An altogether different animal. A gruelling 150 or 75km run from the rivers’ source to the sea. As a running premise it is as geo-culturally simple as it is barbarically difficult. Following the principle artery of the region, you run the historical tapestry of the North East, crescendoing through the modern city from its rich rural bosom to dip your toes in the sea.
INTRODUCING: THE MONTANE CHEVIOT GOAT
This most recent offering is an amalgamation of the two; a 55 mile sweep through the heart of the Cheviot hills with over 9000ft of ascent during the most inhospitable time of year and only braved by the hardy and wild Cheviot Mountain Goats. No wonder Montane – easily one of the most active brands in this industry sector both product and event wise – are involved.
Arching through the hills in a loop from the start/finish at Ingram, the route scythes its way through the region’s lowlands, before cutting North along the Anglo-Caledonian border towards the mighty peaks of the Cheviot and Hedgehope, from which you wearily descend to the finish line. It is almost a shame two thirds of it will be done in darkness, as the scenery promises to be spectacular.
A return to grass-roots distance running; Once you pass the start line, bar the odd checkpoint you are effectively on your own. Good navigational skills and an iron will will be vital to finishing – let alone getting a respectable time
What appealed to me about this run is not only the physical and mental challenge, but that it is a love letter to one of my favourite places. I am aching to be fully immersed in this beautiful place when it is at its best; the beast-churned ground frozen into nobbled crenulations, the trees bracing against a bitter wind, and the heather dusted with hoar frost. In order to succeed in this event – and this environment – you must become the environment; as braced as the heather, yet stoic and at peace as the trees. The nobbling comes as a matter of course.
Having walked and ran the Northern sections of the route numerous times, I made a recce of one of the Southern sections this weekend. Starting at Prendwick Farm, my plan was to join the route where it turns North off the Checkers road, and follow it back down towards Alnham. A nice tidy 15-odd miles, with a few more getting to-and-from the races’ intended course.
With Shop Dog Margot in tow, we also gained the company of Prendwick’s farm dog Wilf, who decided to join us from the start. Having his local knowledge was a great load off my mind, and watching him vault 5 bar fences all day never ceased to amaze. Margot was equally impressive at jumping over heather for hours on end – something Wilf had no problem with!
Shop Dog Margo in her element
Being in the tail-end of Storm Ophelia, the weather was relatively dry but VERY windy. Ideal conditions to test my new
Berghaus Hyper Jacket. Chosen because of its weight and breathe ability, it was equally happy acting as wind-breaker as in the intermittent showers. A great piece of gear to put in your bag and forget about for emergencies, and it will almost certainly be in my race-day kit!
The joy of this particular route was that it is part of a patchwork of walks across the area, meaning routes can be linked together, or sections Frankensteined into your own creations. I am looking forward to spending more time exploring this beautiful part of the world.
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