Osmotherley Phoenix 17m Race Report

On a very humid Saturday in July, 430 runners and walkers massed in the centre of the picturesque village of Osmotherley for the 2010 Osthmotherley Phoenix fell race. Since 1998, this annual off road event has gained popularity by offering three routes to compete in – 33, 26 or 17 miles. Each route has a series of checkpoints to attend, so navigation skills and local knowledge are essential.  

Following on from a weekend competing in the Durham Dales Challenge and Cleveland Way Relay, I fancied a rest (ha ha) and opted for the 17 mile route.  

From leaving the village, the 17 mile route follows the Cleveland Way in a clockwise direction to check point 2, Carlton Bank/Lordstone’s cafe. At this point competitors can choose which route they will be following and which cake/biscuit/drink they want to tuck in to. Carrying a Camelback and my own supplies I resisted the temptation of home baked goodness and followed the dirt track up towards the glider centre.  

A left fork gives relief from the climb and has you striking out across moorland on a yellow sandstone bridleway. The runner is afforded unbroken panoramic views of the North York Moors; the lonely track can be seen meandering through the heather into the distance, with only nesting grouse for company.  

Whilst deep in thought, I contemplated the conspicuous absence of a lead runner on the horizon. The nearest competitor was a chap from Esk Valley - half a mile behind me. It was then that I considered that I could actually be leading the race! Thirteen miles in, I descended through a couple of farms on tarmac and felt particularly strong at checkpoint 3 where my card was tallied and I fended off further confection temptation.  

Up and out onto the moor for the final stretch, my silent passage was disturbed from behind by a rapid pursuit. I knew the runner (he used to run for NYMAC) and I was relieved when he took up the mantle of 1st place. I was quite happy to ease up and settle for 2nd. 

But then I fell over.  

Relaxing into the freefall (it’s not called fell running for nothing) I expected to roll and get back on my feet and be on my way again. But when I righted myself and looked at my hand, it appeared that my little finger was bent at a very odd angle. I also noted that there was a white knuckle of bone pointing rudely at me with blood starting to well up through a large hole where the crease of the joint had been. “Golly, how darned inconvenient?!” were the obvious words of choice as I took up chase to defend 2nd place.  

After 10 metres I listened to my breathing (hyperventilating and then some) and deducted that my respiratory rate wasn’t just due to race effort. Then I took note that a dislocated bone was hanging out of its socket, that its ligament/tendon support was seriously compromised, blood was pouring and that this was all a wee bit of an infection risk. Plus it was hardly going to make for a smooth running style.  

Taking advantage of being in shock, I stopped to reduce the bone back into place (pull, push, clunk!) then calmly jogged down to a stream to get out my first aid kit without bleeding all over my bag. It’s a bit tricky trying to immobilise and dress a wound using your non dominant hand, but by the time 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th passed enquiring “are you ok?” my finger was reattached and all seemed to be in reasonable order.  

Being in the middle of no where, with very little water left and losing blood it seemed sensible to run the final 3 miles; there seemed no point in hanging about and after all, there was a certificate and badge at stake.

Managing to finish 7th to some hearty cheers, I skipped the free massage offered at the finish line and chose to treat myself to an afternoon in A+E.  

Overall the race was a fantastically organised event covering a stunning part of the North East. It proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable test of endurance, stamina and resolve as well as giving me the intrinsic satisfaction that carrying full kit on a stinking hot day was not such a bad idea after all...

Report submitted by Nick Watson, using his other hand.