Chomping down in Penistone (peh·nuh·stn)

4 adventurous GGers headed south for what was described by another racer as "a Penistone classic" - the Cakeathon.

Pretty much as the name implies, the Cakeathon is a marathon crossed with a cake competition. Two options to win - run the furthest and fastest, and/or bake the best cake. The course is lapped, with a 6 hour time limit, and as much cake as you can fit. When you want to finally stop, you ring a bell, collect your medal chocolate, cake, etc.

So, enter our competitors. Tristan, Mel and I came via Nostell Priory parkrun. A beautiful course which served as a great wake-up, plus a cool down jog afterwards round the field (just what's needed to loosen up after getting all worked up and sweaty).

Meanwhile Huw and support crew Camilla sensibly slept in and, with only a minor hitch, took the train straight to location.

Having handed in our cakes, and dutifully listened to the race briefing ("this guy's fast, follow this guy"), we set off.

Tristan decided the best technique was harder and faster, leading the race and finishing the first three laps in first place (2 hours 19 mins), before ringing out.

Mel completed an amazing first lap, earning a 10k PB, then sensibly sampled the various wares, between heading out for a subsequent two laps. This made it her official longest running day, congratulations! Nicely proving the benefits of GGing for both your speed and stamina.

The real hero of the day, however, was Huw, who kept right on pounding away for four and a half laps, plus another lap of the dark carpark, to reach his 50km that day! (What makes it even more impressive is that he continued on the next day for the chocathon, where he completed another 30ish km. We hope he wasn't too sore after all that exertion!)

Feeling a bit limp but very satisfied (though rather worried about stiffness the next day), we fueled up on fish and chips, then headed home. Thanks Penistone for a great time!