Where Liskeard, Cornwall
When March 22, 2009
First Man Neil Holmes 1:11:30
First Woman Sharon Daw 1:20:44
Last Finisher 2:53:08
No. of Finishers 150
The route of the 5 Tors Moorland 11 is the stuff of legend – the Beast of Bodmin and all that – but for this year's group of runners this rough and rugged fell race was very much reality.
Like all moorland runs, the nature of this race depends entirely on the weather, and a favourite way of filling the time before the start was to reminisce about previous runs – the fog, the bogs, the rain and the cold.
But 5 Tors 2009 was dominated by sunshine and, because of a week of dry weather prior to the race, Bodmin Moor was largely hazard-free – although the route was hard on the ankles and knees and some of the climbs were no picnic either.
As the name suggests, the race takes in five tors (large rock formations). It starts at Minions and takes in Sharp Tor, Bearah Tor, Kilmar Tor, the Cheesewring and Tregarrick Tor, passing along the way the deep, clear waters of the ‘Goldiggers' quarry lakes, as well as ruined, abandoned tin and stone mine quarry houses.
It then descends to Siblyback reservoir before a slow ascent back to Minions via the muddy marshlands around Great Gimble.
The race was fantastically well-organised, challenging and fun with some beautiful views. Although it's not worth thinking about what it would be like in the rain…
