On Friday, Olivia Mulligan took part in an exciting 4mile uphill race at Skiddaw, Cumbria. Organised by British Athletics, the race is part of the Senior Uphill Only Trial for World Mountain & Trail Running Championships so there were many elite runners taking part. The route starts in a parking bay at Dodd Wood, follows a marked track through the woods to the base of the ridge which then takes in Ullock Pike, Long Side, around Carl Side up the rising traverse path to the summit on Skiddaw. The course is marked and marshalled with a cut off time at Carlside (cairn) at 50 minutes. The course is designed to replicate the course in Canfranc.
Olivia kindly provided the following comments on the race:
UPHILL RACE. 6.4km/4.0ml, 905m/2969ft ascent
Skiddaw. Start at the bottom. Finish at the top. What a day!
Turns out it was also a qualifier race for the GB team (lol). Obviously not why I was there. I have just always wanted to race up a mountain. But because it was a qualifier, I have never done a race with such a high standard before. When I pulled up in the carpark a guy said, “you here for the trials?” Not even, ‘you here for the run?’ or ‘you here for the race?’
TRIALS 😂
It was brutal, as expected. But brilliant, as hoped for. My lungs and calves were screaming, the knee I dislocated a couple of years ago wasn’t having the best time, but my mind was in that lovely quiet, hyperfocus place. I was towards the back of the pack but I got to the finish line, finishing strong at the summit in just under an hour which I am actually pretty proud of 🥲
It was insanely challenging and also very humbling to be surrounded by such amazing athletes. I was in awe!
I had entered a week ago on a bit of a whim, but have been inspired to enter again next year and get some specific training until my belt.
If you’re reading this, see this as your sign to enter something that scares you a little. Turn the fear into excitement and give it your best.
