Punk Panther – Nidderdale Way Ultra

At 4:30am Joe Gaughan quickly silenced his alarm, being careful not to wake his family. The rest of his house remained asleep, but for Joe, it signified the time to race.

An epic ultramarathon trail in an iconic Yorkshire area, Nidderdale Way Ultra passes some outstanding natural beauty.

Peeking through the curtains into the drizzly dark morning, the temptation to lie back down into the warmth of the memory foam floods my brain.

But no, it is race day and I am ready. Knowing I need to be of a strong mind, I grab my toothbrush and head down to prepare. My sleep was broken throughout the night with the kids waking and a new arrival on the way, perhaps this race was preparing me for the tiredness to come.

Kettle on, coffee in and porridge on a low heat, I psych myself up.

Eating as I check my kit one last time, I am ready. 5:10am, I step into the cold wet garden.

Conveniently, although it was by my choosing, the start point was only a short drive across the moors, Otley to Pateley Bridge. As the sideways rain whipped across in sheets, it seemed today would be a continuation of the recent horrendous weather.

Near the town, the fuel dial is low on the car and a shocking revelation, my watch is still on charge…next to my bed at home. So much bad luck so soon, could this be a positive though, get it all out of the way?

Pulling up in the car park, it all becomes very real. After injury in 2019, then covid, this is my first distance race in a while and only my second ultra. Training has been sporadic, my mind is ready, but it is my legs and body that worry me.

Having followed them online for a while, I’m feeling comfortable that I will be in safe hands with the Punk Panther team, and their organisation at such early hours reassures me of that.

Race number and tracker collected, I warm up watching the others arrive.

As 7am grows closer we gather at the start line. The race brief is given at 6:45am prompt. One final try in the bathroom, then I notice we are ready to start, slightly early but we’re off!

Pushing through the group, I see a few head torches ahead. Progressing up the road, I need guidance in locating the first signage, so I latch onto a pair of runners at a similar pace.

We climb and continue to climb. A mixture of anxiety and joy fills my gut, and it is at this point the race director’s voice resonates in my head, “it will be light by the time you finish the first climb”.

Onward we press, as me and Danny become acquainted, the day gets lighter and what a glorious sunrise. We know the group ahead is 4 or 5 runners strong, 2 of which are running the 110-mile distance, whereas I the 28 mile. We were bewildered at their speed.

The pace feels comfortable as we hit the first checkpoint. Such a vast spread of fruit, juices, pop, various bars and sugary treats, but not for us, a quick top up, no need to stop.

We want to know where we stand, if we can reach the leading pack, we can secure our position as we barrel on through the flowing countryside.

At around 12 miles my legs begin to tire. I can feel the negative thoughts gathering in my head. Danny moves ahead into the distance as I begin the internal battle. The twisting paths and constantly changing scenery tests my will, but its beauty is starting to spur me on.

I reach Ripley Castle in all its glory, 14 miles in…halfway around now. Looking for signs, I enlist the help of walkers and cyclists.

Back on track, my phone rings. My partner.  First thought, ‘she’s in labour’ but no, just checking in as my tracker wasn’t showing correctly online. I speak to my daughter as I jog and suddenly, I am revived, a smile comes across my face.

The next 6 or 7 miles consist of ups and downs, sheep, cows, rolling valleys and the sunshine. Taking my time on the uphill I check in with my WhatsApp, it had been beeping at me all morning, with motivation and support from family and friends, my belief comes back.

With a level of exhaustion setting in I check the race brief and then Strava. I worry, ‘checkpoint 2: 21 Miles’, looking at Strava it logs me at 21.8.

Up ahead, a steward, I’ve made it. This is as good as the finish line for me, my water ran out 3 miles ago meaning I couldn’t eat too much without drying out.

Checking in, Danny now has a half hour lead on me, so I give up on the thought of catching up. The biggest morale booster gets given to me, I’m told I am in 2nd place! Electricity and excitement pulse through my body with the news.

Filling my water, then after sipping some cola and cordial, I’m feeling fresh and ready. Adjusting my bag, I notice my tracker isn’t there. The little pouch had unzipped. Oops!

Just over 6 miles and I will be finished, not too bad considering what I’ve done. If no one passes me, I take 2^nd, more than happy with that.

As I trot on the hills get longer, the flats feel sluggish and the downhills sections give me cramp. Nothing physically feels nice, though the discomfort is dulled as I discover the hidden corners of Nidderdale.

Technical rocky climbs alongside the river, with sweeping pathways across fields leading to the next surprise. Concentration is a must, but the beauty of the surrounding area is distracting, which at this point I welcome. Each step is one closer to the finish.

Checking the map, 3 miles to go. Passing walkers reassure me that “it’s not too much further now”.

How can I be going uphill again? It’s a valley, did I fall asleep for the downhill bits?

I hear traffic, I know this path, I’m near the high street so I up the pace to a run. I made it, seeing the bridge I pull up my knees and sprint. Getting my phone ready to stop Strava, smile for the camera and across the line…5:19:48. 2nd Place.

What a wonderful route to run, easy to navigate and such a supportive team throughout each checkpoint. Maybe next year I can try the 83 mile or 110? If we get the weather again, I would love to explore the full Nidderdale Way Loop 100%.

Safe to say my motivation is back. Taking 2nd has got me wanting more, so I’ve booked in for the 50 mile Welcome Way race with Punk Panther in March and the GB Ultras Pennine Barrier® 50 mile in May.

And so the journey continues…can I take 1st place?

Written by Joe Gaughan

Edited by Katie Catherall