The Pennines offer up interesting weather at the best of times, let alone in the middle of winter. Last year, competitors were thigh deep in snow at times. This year, there were other challenges.

“I’d say the first couple of days were very Spine-like, gale force winds, cold and moist, but above freezing,” said Hasharn. “I’ve heard it referred to more than once as the ‘Windy and Moist year’. Many runners suffered from wind abrasions of the cornea which are indicative of exposure to the strong cross winds on the course whilst not wearing protective goggles. Their races ended as early as the first checkpoint.

“After the first couple of days, high pressure took hold and the temperature dropped, the ground froze which made it good for quicker times, better efficiency, but harder on the feet.”

“I didn’t really encounter anyone on the trail that looked completely beaten. They’re a hardy lot…”

“I did the race in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and finished only the last two years. It wasn’t as tough in my opinion conditions-wise and that is reflective of the finish times. The same chap I finished with last year, finished in 132 hours this year compared to 153 hours the year before – so almost a day quicker.

“You can maybe attribute a 5-10% faster time due to a change in strategy and increase in fitness, but largely the times are reflective of the conditions. That said, anyone who puts themselves on the start line does so in the full knowledge that they are taking on the race regardless of what the weather throws at them, so with that in mind I don’t think you can take anything away from anyone in any given year. It will be what it will be.”