Durham Dales 30
Mile Run/Walk 2012
[Sat 23rd Jun]
‘Twas on the 23rd June
Time for the Durham Dales – it’s too soon
On the heels of The Games 100
I’ve entered it with a sense of dread
I must be mad – what a loon
Standing on the start line in the rain and chill
In anticipation and hope we all did mill
Away they set as the starter said “Go”
Keen and speedy, but little did they know
That after a mile, there’s a bloody great hill
Out on the Wiley, Windy Moors[1]
Cut and grazed, we’re in the wars
Lashed by the strong winds and heavy rain
Stoically facing up to the discomfort and pain
It’s good to be in the great outdoors
Through the raging stream, no time to rest
Because on the horizon awaits the next big test
Wipe away the sweat and tears
Put aside any residual fears
It’s the time for the dank, brooding Hamsterley
Forest
Past the River Tees in full spate
Current travelling at a hell of a rate
Water up to your knees
Saying a silent prayer –“please
Don’t let me fall in – I can guess my fate”
Refreshed after the halfway stop
It’s off through Middleton at a steady trot
Up and down past derelict mines
Realising we’re lucky not to live in those times
By now I’m feeling ready to drop
At last the finish is in sight
Having battled nature with all our might
Wet, cold and covered in mud
Head held high, as all runners should
We must have looked a horrible sight
At the end we’re all smiles
Climbing fences, gates and stiles
Through mud, water and gorse
Nettles, bracken and worse
Having completed the 30 miles
Dave Bradley