North York Moors, 14 March, 2026

By Claire Macht

There are many reasons for choosing to run a fell race.Having the start and finish point being the second highest pub in England, and the subsequent promise of a roaring fire and substantial dinner portions may not be the most common but are no less legitimate. It is a rare race that can offer these, but the Blakey Blitz is one. Like its historically significant starting point, much of the organization is also old-school: Entry-on-the-day, cash only, and a handheld stopwatch to keep time. None of this means the race is any less official or well organized. Indeed, simplicity ensured a smooth process and the sun shone on the efforts of all. Literally. It was a rare sunny day that saw four Totleys on the top of Blakey Ridge giving 10 miles their best effort over the North York Moors.

Sunny if cold conditions made the route, with 700m of elevation, a pleasure to run. The route looped eastwards and was begun, interrupted at the turnaround point, and then ended by some steep climbs in and out of gills and gullies, one of which necessitated use of hands and some scrambling. The view from the front or rear of the pack extended almost to the sea, and the glorious weather added some extra fleetness of foot, with Totley Jamie Rutherford coming in second and Simon Rutherford and Rachel Rutherford a close 32nd and 34th respectively (I came in 91st). A post-race drink or meal at the Lion Inn allowed all the competitors a chance to enjoy the characterful hospitality of this refuge for walkers, runners and any others wandering across this most isolated area of North Yorkshire. Highly recommended.