Last updated: 01-Aug-17
These two races have to be considered amongst the most popular on the UK race calendar. They combine those absolute essentials for ultra runners: hardship, stunning countryside and a huge community feel. The Lakeland ethos is summed up in their Twitter hashtag, #lakelandfamily.
This weekend didn’t disappoint. The Lakeland100 set off at 18:00 on Friday evening into the summer dusk and the cut off point was Sunday morning at 10:00. The route starts in Coniston and heads South before completing a clockwise loop which takes in the Dunnerdale fells, Eskdale, Wasdale and Buttermere before arriving in Keswick. From here the route heads to Matterdale and continues over to Haweswater before returning via Kentmere, Ambleside and Elterwater to the finish at Coniston.
Lakeland 100
100miles with 6300m of ascent is a beast in anyone’s book and the Lakeland100 is a real badge of honour to complete. On their website the organisers say that every year there is a 50%+ DNF rate.
As @mikeholliday86 put it, “That was special. Fecking hard. But special. Lakeland100 you were amazing. Can’t believe how much support and congrats I’ve received. Thank you so much!”
@averagejoruns was very understated, “Well the weather made that rather epic!”
And Bryn Jones made us really laugh, “I have never had to run for two nights, the hallucinations were awesome! Rocks turned into mobiles, shower bottles, tents… the leaves at Chapel Stile into giant beetles… or were they beetles!”
Lakeland50
The Lakeland50 is a fantastic event in its own right – achievable for runners and walkers. It takes on the second half of the Lakeland100 course and it has a 24 hour cut off point.
The route starts from the Northern end of Ullswater within the grand Dalemain Estate before following the Eastern shore line as far as Howtown. A quick climb and descent followed by a trek along the banks of Haweswater sees you at Mardale Head. The route from here visits Long Sleddale, Kentmere, Ambleside, Langdale and Tilberthwaite before the final climb and descent to the finish at Coniston.
Great to see a woman coming in third overall this year. Go Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn!
@piphaylett said before she set off (with a big grin), “All smiles before the off. Lakeland50 should be on every runners bucket list!”
Ultras are not just about the runners but about all the support they get and the pride that their friends and family feel in their success. @skegdistrictrc tweeted, “Tammy Rainbow completed the Lakeland 50. Yes 50 miles in the fells in 13.27. You are our super woman. We are so proud of you!!”
And we couldn’t let the race go without mentioning the ever-positive Suzanne Smith. She was running the race in memory of her son, Jamie, and did him so proud. In her words, “FINISHED!!!!! OMG sub-12!!!! Actually thought my target of 13 hours was a tad unrealistic when I set off. Feel amazing! Jamie my darling this one’s for you.”
Lakeland100 Top Three
- Michael Jones 20:22:19
- Marcis Gubats 20:52:35
- Tony Maxwell 21:52:50
First Woman Lakeland100
- Sabrina Verjee 23:15:22
Lakeland50 Top Three
- Casper Kaars Sijpesteijn 7:34:07
- Andy Laycock 7:51:42
- Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn 8:02:32
Photo credit: Pip Haylett.
