[5/2 - 1500] Update - OK much of the snow has melted and the ice is retreating.. so we have decided not to move start times 1/2 hr earlier. We have had a few emails on start / registration times from new competitors you can find details here under process.

Just to highlight here that the area you will be running has more paths than what is on the map, conversely some of the public footpaths marked on the map are not on the ground.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday. James.

[4/2] Well not long to go now.. a few important updates.. 1st of all please check this website tomorrow afternoon for any updates.

Conditions - I've spent the last couple of days out on the course and I'd say it has been some of the most hardy weather I have encountered in five years of putting controls out (inc Staveley last year!). An adventure in itself, when it did clear the scenery was spectacular and riding / running in the snow always brings a grin.

What it did show me is that some of this area is very isolated and the weather can change quickly. Shooting out of the blocks on Sunday with a skimpy waterproof, shorts and minimum kit won't cut it I'm afraid. Please be prepared to carry FULL waterproofs and if required a spare top layer (like a thin fleece).

Some of the trails are covered in ice, not to the extent to make them impassable without being on your backside but they may slow you down a little.. Just remember don't get greedy - we design the courses that the very best, in the right conditions, with spot on route choice, may just clear it.. (not happened for four years)..

We will review the state of the conditions tomorrow, but if required we may move registration / start times 1/2 hour earlier - decision by 3pm tomorrow.

Parking - Just head for the community centre and marshalls will direct you to park in the right place. Please be patient and follow marshall instructions - would appreciate if you could car share if possible. Many of you will have a 5 min walk to registration.

Start / Finish - is about a 15 min cycle away. Don't drive - not enough area to park and its an easy cycle back

Download - please please download your timing chip at registration after you have finished the event, if you finish late please do this before you go to your car. Strict 4.15pm deadline otherwise your results may not be considered for prizes.

Maps - As most of you will know we have been using waterproof paper (Xerox Nevertear) for the maps over the last 6 months. We have had mixed experience and despite assurance from Xerox that a solution could be found - last week they through in the towel. We have found another product (XE from Purely Paper) that works better but can't quite get our pinky's on enough of the stuff.

So all solos will get a map on the new paper and pairs will get one on the old waterproof paper and one on the new stuff.. we will mark these up accordingly but you might want to keep the old one as a spare or bring a bag to pop it in.

Suunto - Ah yes remember - to be eligible for the prize draw of the Suunto Watch you have to be at the prize giving - no substitutes / spouses / friends, etc..

Right check back tomorrow..

[18/1] Well entries are tumbling in - we are over 2/3rds full. Sometimes we get as much as 50% of entries in the week before the event. So you can tell a few people will be disappointed.

Menu of food in from 'Cobbles and Clay' who will be at the event catering. Click here to wet the taste buds.

Run Numbers - OK over the last couple of years we have asked competitors to wear their run number on the front (its in the rules). However we often find competitors are a little reluctant to stick safety pins in expensive waterproof jackets. So on wet days we have not been too strict with enforcing this rule as we, like you we couldn't really see a viable alternative.

However at a recent event someone left behind a race belt used on triathlons which was designed specifically to attach these numbers. We went on a mission to buy some, but found that the world of triathlon must work in a different currency than us. Eventually we found the OEM supplier and picked up some unbranded ones.

To the point you can pick one of these up when you enter online or buy one at the event for the might sum of £4. Needless to say with a cost effective solution we will start enforcing the wear a number on your front (not on your rucksack) rule in the future.

[5/1] Update from Emma on the forthcoming event.

Homemade Grub - A little update to let you know that we are delighted to confirm that local business Cobbles and Clay will be on hand with a range of delicious homemade stews, soups, hot drinks and cakes before and after the event. Check back nearer the day for a menu of what they will be serving at the race, or if you can’t wait till then, check out their website at www.cobblesandclay.co.uk.

In case you are wondering what the clay is about, they also do pottery painting in their cafe so if you around Haworth on the Saturday why not pop along and paint yourself an adventure themed mug? Spot prize for the most innovative brought along on Sunday.

Trail conditions and clothes - Difficult to assess the state of the trails at the moment as they are currently under about a foot of snow. If this cold snap continues, be prepared for full winter conditions - the tops are pretty wild!

Parking Rather like the trails, car parking is going to depend on weather conditions. Check back here nearer the day for updates.

Limited entries Due to local restrictions we have had a limit of numbers placed on us and if previous events are anything to go by we will reach this - and as such we may NOT be able to offer entries on the day and have to close entries early. We recommend that if you know you want to take part to enter before the day to secure a place.

Four legged friends Secondly, we request that as much as we love them, four legged friends do not go on the race with you. The combination of forthcoming lambing season and access restrictions mean this is sadly not a dog friendly course.

Why not take the family on the Keighley and Worth Valley Steam Railway or take a look around the Bronte Parsonage.
 
Fancy a walk check out St Ives (nice family walk, cafe, and golfcourse) you can find out more here or nearby (twenty minutes) world Heritage Site the village of Saltaire

Finally if you still have too much steam check out the Bradford Millenium Way that goes right past Haworth...