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Hardmoors 55

16-Mar-2019 Helmsley, Yorkshire & the Humber, UK (England)

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11 REVIEWS
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Trail Race Race Terrain
89KM / 55Miles
1 Day

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Intermediate  

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The Hardmoors 55 is runs from Helmsley to Guisborough through the North York Moors and the Cleveland Hills in winter conditions. It follows the Cleveland Way including the crest of the North York Moors and the Cleveland Hills, including Roseberry Topping. There is a coach for runners from Guisborough to Helmsley in the early hours before the start of the race and the race briefing, which is compulsory.

The cut off for this event is 16 hours and finishers will earn UTMB qualifying points.

There are 12 checkpoints, six with food and drink, and two for the non-returnable drop bags (9).

There is mandatory kit that will be check before and during the race.

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Event Organiser
Shirley Steele

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

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MorphinTaylor

11:51 19-04-19

Hardmoors55(50)

Hardmoors55 gave you everything that should be expected in a Northern Ultra in March. Mud, rain, 70mph winds & someone shouting 'Chuffin eck as the slid down Roseberry. Start of the race was very hectic, all cramped in the sea cadets hall listening to the RD (Jon's) brief. Due to the amount in there the race started 15 mins late.
On leaving the hall & meeting up with Gary who I've run s few events with we were off. Up the hill & into a queue waiting to get over a style. 
Approx 15 mins to get over this & off again, slipping & sliding in the muddy fields & regretting my choice of ro*****es after choosing them over mudclaws(we will cone back to this later). The assent up to Roseberry was a muddy slog with mud I've only ever seen in footage of the Somme. Up we went for our first assent, & down to CP 2, before the 2nd assent of Roseberry.
After this it was a nice run to Kildale 10 miles in.
The next section was about to cause chaos amongst the runners. Kildale to Osmotherley. Off we went up the Moors towards Clay bank. The food of the Moors we encountered 70mph wind & driving sleet & rain. This is where my choice of ro*****es proved to be the right choice. Hard paths, flooded paths with slippy rocks. In the past I've struggled with speedcross in these conditions, & I saw a few struggle in mudclaws. 
We made our decent down to Clay bank, I'm quicker ascending so passes 20 or so runners. Thinking Gary was behind me I got into the CP at 1.39pm. I'd lost Gary on the assent & waited for 10 mins for him to appear. It was hear that he pulled out, along with a number of other runners.
The conditions really took there till, & wainstones was just as brutal. After running & decending to a CP at Scugdale at 26 miles. Felt really good in myself & the weather was getting slightly better. Scugdale time 3.48pm.
Off towards Osmotherly up & over Scarth wood moor, finally running into the beautiful village of Osmotherley. Reaching Osmotherley at 5.03pm, quick cuppa & a jam sponge. Lots of people getting s change of clothes, never bothered with a drop bag, I'd layered up well & apart from a bit of damp near my zip my OMM jacket had worked well, along with my salomon bonatti WP pants. 
Saw a number of further runners drop out here, lots of shivering & doubts in there minds.
10 mins & off I went. 
Next section to Snack Yate & white horse had some good runnable sections. Took a bit of a wrong turn, which added a mile on to my distance, taking 2 runners with me(sorry lads). The assent into the Cp at white horse is one to get you moaning. Steep steps & mud, lots of slagging off the organisers going down here. 
Into white horse at 9.23pm & off up the horrible steps to accend towards the finish.
Last section towards Helmsley was mud filled paths, runnable trails & one final assent towards the finish. Eventually getting in before Cut off at 12.05am. 
Finishing the race in 15 hours 49 mins.
Enjoyed every thing Hardmoors had to offer, the horrible relentless weather made this race what it was. The Marshall's where amazing, the CPs couldn't be faulted & the Cleveland way is a beautiful place. I will be back to run it again, & will be looking into other Hardmoors events in the future. Highly recommend to any runners who love a great challenge.

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Paintedrunner

09:14 07-04-19

I have run this event before, it is run in March and weather can be an issue. This year, 2019, to celebrate 50 years of the Cleveland Way, the route was altered, shorter with more ascent, the race had 2 ascents of Roseberry Topping in the first 10 miles. The route was taped at the beginning and on the way to the White Horse, the rest of the route is way marked with Cleveland Way signage.
The weather was an issue this year, high winds and strong wind mad going difficult, but the route was easy to find. There were 2 indoor checkpoints. The route was a mix of mud, slabs and trail with a little road.
I personally had a good run even though I was not keen on the high points in the wind. I wore full waterproofs and Brooks Cascadias for the full race.
I recommend this race to anyone wanting to run around 50 challenging miles.

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neddyjohns

08:53 19-03-19

My mood was about as dark as the rain clouds as we arrived at the start of this years Hardmoors 55. I'd felt under the weather all week and for the next 16 hours or so I was about to be under the weather for a little longer.
Briefing and checks done, it was then up onto the Cleveland Way along some wet and muddy tracks. I'd already lost my running mates but would later meet up with them. The rain persisted and the wind was gradually picking up. A quick ish run up Roseberry Topping, down and then back up again, was a reminder of how this run would play with your head and legs. A lovely stretch along to the first food stop at Kildale and my mood had picked up. A cup of tea, waterproof bottoms on, then away up to Bloworth Crossing.
It's fair to say this part of the Cleveland Way can be bleak, even in a heatwave. It rained heavily and the wind smashed rain drops into my face. Luckily I had a pair of snow goggles on me. I looked ridiculous but I could see and I was happy with that.
A descent into Clay Bank was a welcome rest. There were many supporters there helping runners with food and changes of clothing. I was envious of this as it seemed to give the runners a real boost. I would just have to wave myself off and meet myself at the end.
Along to Wain Stones and a quick stop at Lord Stones. My knee was struggling at this point and a quick walk was all I could now manage. I did laugh when a woman asked for directions to Chop Gate. A local I was with had to twice correct her pronunciation. It's 'Chop Yate!' He politely told her. I don't think she understood.
The stretch into Osmotherley dragged on for me and the food stop was a welcome rest. I bumped into my running partners/mates (right term?) and we left together. They had passed me on the route but neither of us could work out where. It's still bothering me now how I missed them.
From here we made our way along the endless route to Sutton Bank. The rain had stopped and now a cold, cloudless night had replaced the storm. From Sutton Bank, a loop around the Whte Horse began the end of the route. We were starting to clock watch and realised we might not make the 16 hour cut off. We shuffled past the glider station and the gliders in their trailers looked a little spooky shilloueted against the darkness.
From here we shifted to the end in Helmsley as fast as we could and made it just in time for a tee shirt and medal. We were all relieved to have finished but there was not much smiling. The marshals and volunteers did all the smiling for us. Thank you for that.
This was a tricky race and in difficult conditions. The Hardmoors are aptly named and have a knack of finding you out. Any ***** in your armour will be revealed like a prize on a game show. Please don't ever change.

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Peaks Princess

05:54 18-03-19

All the Hardmoors races are fantastically organised and run. This particular event didn't let us down with gale force winds and a month's worth of rain in a day! The double ascent of Roseberry Topping was the cherry on the top. The race tends to alternate the direction and this year it was Guisborough to Helmsley, which I mistakenly thought would be easier than the other direction which I did in 2016 as the last 10 miles are mostly downhill. However I didn't allow for my legs to be in the bits and pieces they were. The checkpoints are great, fantastic volunteers and an event never to be forgotten for sure.

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petem

05:11 18-03-19

2019.
Run Guisborough to Helmsley this year, the event was certainly tough. Weather was testing with strong headwinds for much of the route, and almost constant rain through the day. Most of the hilly stuff in the first half, with a double climb of Roseberry Topping so that the runners all got to say hello to each other on the out and back.
Marshals and checkpoints were awesome, especially the feast at Osmotherley. As the finisher shirt says "One big birthday party !!" for 10th edition of the race, and 50 years of the Cleveland Way.

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erinvictoriaking

11:16 17-07-17

Ran in 2015. Excellent race, loved the demotivational signage! The route was reverse this year, so there was a very tough first section to tire you out for the second half. Well organised, good aid stations and friendly marshals; well worth the entry fee.

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thelongesttry

08:09 04-04-16

I think if you're a runner on the trails in the UK, you have to give the Hardmoors 55 a dig, A moderate 20 or so miles then a tough run into Kildale, the up and down Roseberry Topping is a drainer but a day out on the North Yorkshire Moors is never a bad thing. Depending on the weather. Great marshalling and distance between check points too.

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Paintedrunner

06:30 04-04-16

2016 great race, well organised, easy to navigate.highly reccomended

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JHarpham

07:43 03-04-16

Ran in 2016, brilliant race, superb organisation, great marshalling, great competitors, cannot be faulted! Challenging course but very runnable, would highly recommend and will be at the 60 in September!

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Paintedrunner

04:11 03-04-16

This was my longest ultra run to date, I ran it in 2016, It was easy to navigate due to being mainly on the Cleveland Way, with yellow tape and glow sticks for the tricky sections. There were 2 checkpoints for bag drops, but I carried everything easily. There was also scope for runners to be supported if they wished. I ran unsupported and enjoyed the race very much, it has a very friendly feel about it. It was a challenge, and I felt very accomplished to complete it. I highly recommend the Hardmoors 55

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