THE LAKELAND 100  -  c20,000 feet of climbing
THE LAKELAND 50    -  c10,000 feet of climbing
July 27-29, 2012

Twelve NFRs took to the trails and passes of Lakeland over the weekend for some very demanding exercise.

The “100” race set off from Coniston at 5.30pm on Friday afternoon heading over to Seathwaite (Duddon Valley) and then onto Eskdale, Wasdale, Buttermere, Braithwaite, Threlkeld, Dockray, Dalemain, Howtown, Mardale Head, Kentmere, Ambleside, Chapel Stile, Tilberthwaite before the last pull up and over to Coppermines Valley and back down into Coniston.

Pride of place went to Paul Hainsworth (33h 08m – 70th) and Shaun Dunlop (37h 30m -100th) in the “100” out of a field of 263,  with 126 making it over the finishing line, highlighting just what a challenge this represents. Paul spent a lot of the race with Tom Reeves and helped coax him through to the end as his feet suffered evermore along the way. James Charlton and Lawrence Johnson retired after around 15 hours Given that not many can boast ever having been out on the hoof for 15 hours (and overnight to boot), this was still a great achievement.

The “50” starts with a mass exit of Coniston by coach over to Dalemain with a midday start on the Saturday. After a somewhat truncated loop of the estate (unless I have started running 5 minute miles), it then joins up with the “100” route.

Ben Rowley was first NFR home in 9h 23m, less than an hour behind the winner, achieving an excellent 14th position out of a starting field of 482. Managing to narrowly avoid the eleven licensed premises I encountered along the way I finished in 10h 29m (55th) followed in by Nick Spencer, Chris Little, Chris Eggett, Dave Coxon and Chris Rowe. Peter Hayle running with his friend John Morley, the sole representative of the Dutch Mountain Rescue Veterans, retired in Ambleside, a mere 25 yards from the White Lion…… good thinking.

Full results, splits and all, can be found at http://www.lakeland100.com/

John Telfer
July 30, 2012