by Mark Williamson
The start of 2026 saw me attempt my second ultra in my six-race charity challenge in aid of the Dogs Trust and Oakwood Dog Rescue.
The Hardmoors 30, the shortest of the ultras at 30 miles, starts at Robin Hood’s Bay. With weather warnings of severe snow, in true Hardmoors fashion the race was set to go ahead. My biggest challenge was simply getting to the start.
That meant a 4am alarm call and heading straight out of the door to allow plenty of time to get there. How I actually arrived in one piece and on time I don’t really know, because at the bottom of the road into Fylingdales it was like a car graveyard, with five cars having come off the road.
I arrived at Fylingdales village hall car park safe and sound for the start of the race. By then the snow had really come down and the scene was picturesque, like something from a Christmas card.
The race was due to start at 8am but, with some marshals unable to make the journey, it was delayed until 9am. There was a slight change to the route for safety reasons and because of the reduced number of marshals, and then we were off.
With crisp snow well past your ankles it wasn’t slippery, just tough going underfoot. As we passed through Ravenscar and Hayburn Wyke the scenery was absolutely stunning in all its winter glory.
On entering the Cleveland Way you really felt the cold wind off the North Sea, coupled with snow and hailstone. You couldn’t look ahead to see where you were going. Back on the cinder track there was a little shelter in places as we turned back from Scalby Mills, heading for Robin Hood’s Bay.
With the snow covering literally everything in sight, I had no idea at times where I was in the race. To finish in just over four-and-a-half hours and sixth place overall, I was quite pleased.
The next ultra is the 55 in March, with the possibility of snow again – but we wouldn’t like it any other way.
A huge thank you for all the donations received and the ongoing support. It really is very much appreciated.