Given the weather forecast of heavy rain for most of the day, it was a miracle that the event stayed dry for almost it's full duration of 24 hours. In all other respects, however, the weather won. The last few weeks of unending rain meant the moors were saturated and the streams were turned into torrents to be waded through. Grass and foliage had grown to such an extent that paths had disappeared and heather really had to be bashed through to gain any progress. One later path had shoulder-high bracken completely enclosing the route. All this contributed to a most confusing night-section on the 52-mile route - a few more gridrefs on the route description would have helped here.
However, from an event point of view this was a great success. 200+ entrants enjoyed the enthusiastic hospitality of the Northumberland group and the checkpoint staff were friendly and helpful. The route was wonderful, crossing a series of high moorland plateaus with long roaming views. During the night the Tyneside glow reflected off the cloud and shimmered in the surface of the reservoirs. I finished just as the dawn chorus started-up. A tough and demanding walk but great countryside.
Well done everyone, and special thanks to Chris & John for that extra touch!
Garfield