Marathon Comments
It was great to see 57 riders setting off in the sunshine on Sunday morning which was twice as many as last year. Everyone seemed to enjoy their rides and the tracks were much drier than they have been all year but the westerly wind was tough to ride against across the moors.
Thanks to the Fox and Rabbit who allowed us to park for free, FC for not charging the permit fee and Jens Strain for drawing an excellent map. Thanks also to Keith Butler at Whitbourne Mugworks for providing the excellent commemorative mugs at an excellent price. I ordered 36 originally and he had 18 more delivered within 24 hours on Friday and has also posted an extra one to Phil Moorhouse, the 55th finisher.
We had decided to change the route after Louven Howe to avoid the muddy bridleway but most riders missed the left turn in Sneaton Forest and took the next left along a forest road which meant they had to find their way out onto the bridleway on the moor. I'll probably tape it next year. We had also changed the route across the Murk Esk to avoid the slippery ford and the narrow footbridge and steps near Grosmont Church, I hope you didn't curse me too much on the climb up the road from Esk Valley. I also moved #7 west of Yatts Farm so that C course riders weren't tempted to use the road – and there was also a convenient fingerpost to attach the control. Unfortunately, a few riders missed it!! I will mark the manned and unmanned controls next year and change the text at the junction north of #7 where the 300m of muddy track confused a few riders. Hopefully, none of the above spoilt anyone's ride and you'll be back next year with even more mates!!
The mountain rescue team had to leave the control at Bloworth Crossing to deal with 2 incidents. So I was very grateful that they went back to collect it in afterwards.
We have donated £350 to the Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team who's Just Giving web page is at http://www.srmrt.org.uk/get-involved/donate/
We also donated £50 to the Northern Congenital Hyperinsulinism Service (NORCHI) in support of Matthew Streets' fundraising efforts on behalf of his daughter Grace. Their web page is at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Streetsswanborough1
Thanks also to everyone who helped on the day. Barbara at Registration and the control marshals - John Dixon, Jens & Eileen Strain, Michael Brough, Roger Hartley & SRMRT plus Brendon Smurthwaite who collected 6 & 7 when you had all finished.
Hopefully, we will repeat the event next July so I hope you will be riding again and bringing more mates – as well as a few more to NYMBO events in between.
Cheers
Steve Willis
Event Organiser

Splits on the NYMBO and EBOR web pages