And that’s a wrap: amazing displays of endurance as last finishers cross the line at SILVA Northern Traverse
It’s been an incredible final day of running, as the last finishers have made it to Robin Hood’s Bay well ahead of the cut-off time. The standard of running has been superb, with both the men’s and women’s records being broken by a huge margin, and all 104 finishers making it in well within the final cut-off.
It hasn’t been easy though – participants had to battle through horrible bogs, energy-sapping climbs and wild weather to make it across the country. As expected for a challenge of this calibre, there were some retirees, but the resilience and determination on display has been phenomenal to watch.
Fortunately, despite the challenges an event like this presents, the overwhelming feeling has been one of enjoyment and camaraderie.
Kasia Lubowiecka, 88th overall, highlighted this after her strong run into the finish. “I was just so happy because I never really knew if I’m going to make it.”
Her highlights were the people: “There were so many kind people on the way. Finding new friends. Having my friend here along the way, supporting, giving hugs.” Kasia had been met by her friend, Emma, on the route 40 times, which gave her the courage she needed to keep going.
Kasia had such a good time that she is going to participant in the Montane Dragon’s Back Race this September.
Joyful scenes for Kasia at the finish line © No Limits Photography
Nicholas Powell was our final finisher
After a superb effort across the fells, dales and moors, Nicholas Powell crossed the finish line in Robin Hood’s Bay at 9:21pm on Wednesday evening, with a time of 106 hours and 51 minutes. Still comfortably under the cut-off time of 01:30am Thursday morning, Nicholas has had an excellent run.
Nicholas had a huge smile on his face as he came down the steep slope of Robin Hood’s Bay to great cheers and applause. He had a really strong finish, running down to the shore. “I don’t know why I could run,” he said, “I haven’t been able to do that!”
“I’m sure you can do anything when you put your mind to it,” Nicholas reflected, something which he has certainly proved with his adventure across the whole country.
Nicholas seemed in good spirits and had enough energy to wave at the live webcam for all of his supporters who had been watching his dot move closer and closer to the finish. He also followed in Wainwright’s tradition, as he threw a pebble into the Irish Sea that he’d carried with him all the way from St Bees.
A brilliant display of resilience and endurance © No Limits Photography
‘We’ve definitely had an adventure’
Nicholas was also met at the finish by the second to last person over the line, Darren Duery. The pair had spent a large portion of the course together. “We’ve definitely had an adventure!” Darren said.
Darren had also had an eventful run into the finish. “I’ve just dropped my phone so I couldn’t find the race finish.” He had planned to trek back up the hill afterwards to try to find it. However, not before celebrating with a very well-deserved can of Thatchers.
Nicholas and Darren have managed an achievement that many could only dream of, having crossed 300km of rough terrain through day and night. Watching every finisher make it to the end has been awe-inspiring.
The event team were delighted to see Nicholas run in with such strong form © No Limits Photography
The results are now up
The race results are now live and you can view them here.
It’s been a memorable race, with a superhuman effort from all our participants. There have been so many stories and so many adventures runners will surely treasure for the rest of their lives.
If reading these amazing stories has you yearning for an adventure of your own, entries are now open for next year’s SILVA Northern Traverse and SILVA Lakes Traverse.
An incredible achievement for all our finishers © No Limits Photography