Lakeland 100

 After winning my age category in 2024 I got a free entry to this year's race so this would be L100 No.4. I was really looking forward to the weekend as I knew I would see so many friends either running or volunteering. Our van was sick and STILL in the garage. We borrowed a tent as neither of us wanted a mountain marathon tent for the whole time. It was big and I think I could have parked my tiny car inside it!

I had been constantly checking weather forecasts all week and it seemed we would be lucky. Certainly not the heat and sun of a few years ago but still quite warm, little wind and only a few light showers of rain. We were parked up and had the tent erected by mid morning so I wandered off to registration.

Plenty of time to chat to friends, faff in the tent and sit drinking coffee with Bob. After lunch I went for a lie down and think I actually fell asleep for a short while. Sitting around made me think it was chilly so I swapped my shorts for 3/4s and kept a long sleeve base layer on. I should have known I would be much warmer once we started running and spent the evening dripping sweat but hey ho.

The briefing was earlier this year and gave time to go back to the car to collect kit and to visit the loo yet again. By the time I arrived at the hall it was packed so I squeezed into the lobby area.  Some words at this year's briefing have set the tone for this report. Marc said many runners have been heard to say " I can run that route in the Lakes anytime, why would I bother paying to enter the race?". That was my attitude some years ago; I didn't get it until by chance I ended up organising the Kentmere CP. It was a steep learning curve and not having run the race didn't help but I had a great time. I showed me what the event was about, let me see the camaraderie and just how much is given to charity. I was a convert. Running that CP also got me a free entry for 2021. So this blog will not be a tour of the fantastic Lake District landscape and views but a celebration of all those runners I met and all the wonderful volunteers.

Borrowed this- we might not go over peaks but it is not flat!

I get really nervous in the run up to most races although orienteering where the scope for embarrassing errors is certainly the worst! Once in the start pen I calm, until they play the motivational music and then I get a lump in my chest and end up fighting back tears. This year I was huddled with Kevin and Adam so chatting with them distracted me a little. The bottle neck after the Miner's bridge means people start too near the front and too fast. Despite moving slower than I could have done I passed runners on the way to the bridge. Yes I had to queue a little on the next path section but with over 100 miles to go it really did not seem a serious issue. This has been my year for 'doing my own thing' and finally understanding that a slower start actually pays dividends in the end. I marched the ups and trotted the downs ignoring those prepared to be more reckless on the descents. I had a chat with Raj who I have not seen for several years and also Helen who I met at OCTs.

Coming into Seathwaite along the lanes I had my first supporter boost when I met Brian who had been my partner at the OCT race. Despite my best intentions I was only a minute slower to here than last year. 

The CP was in full party mode with a crazy Irish theme and shots of Guiness available. I didn't need much but topped up my water and grabbed some wonderfully sticky flapjack. There was more support at the pub and I am embarrassed to say I didn't recognise who was cheering me on.

I seemed to be amongst more runners than usual as we headed through the woods past Wallowbarrow Crag and onto Grassguards. The path here never dries out and our feet were soon soaked and muddy. From that point of view it was certainly a race of two halves with the first half being much much wetter underfoot than the second part. Rounding a bend in the track I got a shock when I came across a large pig, and then two more. 

I was initially a little anxious but they just ignored me and continued rooting up the path. The descent by the fence at Spothow Gill seemed less daunting than last year and we soon on an easier path heading into Boot. The support here at holiday cottages and the two pubs was loud and enthusiastic as was the welcome at Eskdale Mill where the CP is based. My time to here was exactly to the minute the same as 2024 . It was now very humid so I topped up with more water and grabbed food and sweets.

A number of male runners passed me as we headed up to Burnmoor Tarn but I was content with my pace even though I knew I would likely be even slower on the rocky path down to Brackenclose. We were starting to settle into a 'slot' and the runners I was with now I would see off and on for many miles. Just before the campsite I decided I would use my torch and was glad to have put it in a side pocket for easy access.  

Super heros ready for a long long night

The Wasdale CP is always very welcome. Set in a big open sided barn there is plenty of space and I fed on sandwiches, tea, cake and topped up my water yet again. Their super-hero theme was infectious and their efforts really do lift your spirits. 

Actually descending to Brackenclose but you get the idea

Leaving the CP and heading up to Black Sail Pass is an amazing sight as you see the trail of head torches in front of you and even more so behind you. I made a new friend here as I spotted a vest with Rivy Run Club. Turns out they are based at the Rivy Brewery so I may have to head over one Thursday evening just to say hello again and run with them. I was pleased with my progress up the stone step path- stomping seems to have become a strength.

Along the next section to Black Sail hut I was with Helen for a while and also Libby who introduced herself as " you used to run with my dad". Yes, now I feel really old.  No really, it was lovely to chat and ask to be remembered to John. There were campers at the hut cheering us on and the bridge had been replaced. Libby left me on the run along Buttermere but I think it was here that I met up with Martin the music man. I was very slightly up on last years time and feeling OK. The next CP is not my favourite perhaps because I arrive in the dark and it is outdoors with no cover if it is raining. I now know what to ask for- a mug of chocolate milk and two hot dog sausages but no bread please.

Always feel sorry for this CP if it is rainy

All the way from here to the col below Sail I had company and Helen set a good pace which meant I ran well. The initial descent is stony but it soon becomes a wonderful grassy drop to the outskirts of Braithwaite and one of my favourite CPs. I arrived an extra few minutes up on last years time and although they were dressed up the volunteers here are great. I took the chance to sit and make sure I ate properly. The grapes and rice pudding were amazing and then I spotted yogurt and chocolate milk. I knew I should aim for more solids but just didn't fancy pasta.

I enjoyed my run to the outskirts of Keswick and up to Latrigg car park- perhaps because we were chatting so much. Matt and I continued to chat and run all the way around the valley and across to the Blancathra Centre. The time passed quickly so thanks for the company. In previous years I have arrived here seriously worse for wear feeling sick and sitting with my head on the table. Today I felt quite fresh considering we had been running all night. A cup of tea and slices of toast with jam and also porridge with jam and I was ready for the next section. I was trying to be efficient at CPs knowing just how long can slip away if you are not careful. It worked as my dwell time on the tracker site shows 1hr 43 which is much less than some that I ran with.

The Threlkeld cycle track seemed to go on a bit but I did manage to run pretty much all of it and even caught some runners as we were heading up to the Old Coach Road. 

Cheers Jon

I must have been moving reasonably well because I overtook some runners, caught Libby and arrived at the new Dockray CP 30 mins up on last year even though it is about a mile further down the hill! It was great to see Jon, Shirley, David and Jo. The new CP is better and although on a still morning there were some midges it would have been worse up on the moor. A sandwich and a cup of tea and I was ready for the off and so left Phil sorting out chafed bits. I was gobsmacked to see Kevin H here- but he had been really sick. I was now getting into race mode and had asked Shirley how far back the next FV60 was. She thought about 3 miles, so is that about an hour maybe? Not enough so time to press on.

I had caught some faster runners but they then zoomed off as we headed towards Aira Force and Gowbarrow. The views this morning were great and Ullswater so calm. I hoped Bob would get a good day for his walk. I felt very positive and catching runners on the lanes helped. In my memory these went on for ages but today they seemed to pass quite quickly. I lost a few places on a wee stop but decided it would be quicker and better than the portaloos. Then suddenly I was at Dalemain and now 40 mins up on 2024. The marshalls guiding us through the arch etc were as supportive as ever but this year the 50 runners were starting at 10 not 11 and so there were hundreds of them milling about and cheering us in. 

I know several of the CP staff and was pleased to find the tent less crowded than last year. I grabbed a seat and settled into a routine. First job was to get my shoes and socks off to let my feet air. I was a bit alarmed to see how raw the rub marks around my ankles were. Not sure if it is the shoes or the amount of water and grit that got in. They guys on either side of me were also suffering and the shoes had been awesome in all other respects so I put them back on again and left my second pair in the drop bag. I used my magic drying spray and hoped the Ktape would stick. It stung but did the job and with sore bits taped, dry socks on I settled into eating. Stew, sandwich, fruit and a cup of tea. Another shock was to see that Lawrence was retiring here. Jane took my drop bag away and I hobbled across to the tracker screen. She thought Jan was only 40 mins or so behind me. Damn. (turns out she was wrong but it certainly spurred me on).

I had been worried about getting caught up in the 50 start but in fact the only hazard as last year was cars coming in to park. It is easy running to Pooley Bridge which allowed all my food to settle. The village was heaving and everybody cheering. Then Albert spotted me and ran up the road to chat. As he headed back to the pub for breakfast I got another boost as I met Mark coming down the road. From the village up onto Askham Common is a trudge but I could see runners up ahead and used these to pull me along. It's familiar territory for me and this allowed me to run relaxed and catch Alice and show her the way to Howtown. The festive mode continued with cow bells announcing our imminent arrival and a Land Army theme. Banana and salted potatoes filled me up.

I love Fusedale. It's wild and empty and even better there are no rocky or stony paths to hurt your feet. There were two runners up ahead and although I didn't catch them they certainly pulled me along and I was alone on the wonderful grassy run from the Wether Hill col all the way across Bampton Common. Perhaps me favourite section of the whole route. Turning at Low Kop the path was still good and the first 50 runner came past, closely followed by 4 more. I had been dreading to drop through the bracken but it was much drier and easier than last year. The path along side Haweswater is a trial and although I tried to run bits there were too many trip hazards for my tired legs. I now had a constant stream of 50s coming by and must have stepped off the path for about 25 of them! They were all appreciative and also encouraging. I no longer get excited when I spy the end of the reservoir  knowing that the true end is behind the Rigg and quite a bit further on.

Mardale CP take over the car park and although there were chairs I didn't want to stop long as I knew it would make the enormous climb to Gatesgarth Pass seem worse. I grabbed food- mostly fruit and pushed on. I was now 80 mins up on 2024. I think it was here that I left Phil, although at the time I thought he was ahead of me. All the way up the 50s were giving me encouragement. Half way up I stopped to change my sweat soaked top and to drink the chocolate milk I grabbed from my drop bag earlier. I hate that I am now such a wuss on stony descents but in fairness my feet were very sore. 

At least I seem to be able to gain back time on the climbs. It was a relief to reach the lower section heading to Sadgill where there are little grass verges to run on. Despite all this I had gained a little more time when I reached Kentmere- helped by the fact that this year there was no loud and scary bull and I didn't miss the turning off the lane.

Kentmere was staffed my RunJMC- Jamie, a friend who organises races like Pendle way in a Day. Sarah and Andy were also there manning the wifi/tracker set up. I asked Sarah for an update on the next FV60 and it seemed I was now further ahead although we both agreed that there was not much I could do about it really. The hall was decked out in an 80s theme and Jamie looked fab in his pink and purple shell suit. Two smoothies and some crisps got me going again.

Garburn Pass is becoming horribly eroded but going up is better than trying to run down. I passed Elaine who was injured and feeling miserable. There wasn't anything I could do and so I pressed on towards Troutbeck. it was another stony track so slow for me. After the road crossing there were loads of supporters  and lots of 50s coming by now, all of which helped motivate me. The running from here to Ambleside is easier except for one section in the woods and I arrived 114 mins up. 

We usually avoid places like Ambleside when we go to the Lakes but today I really appreciated all the cheering crowds.  I missed Noani at the CP and didn't really want to stop and eat. I should probably have taken more but just had fruit.

Having so many runners around me really encouraged my run into Skelwith Bridge and Elerwater. More crowds were waiting and this section is fairly flat on good paths. The campsite at Chapel Stile was rammed and people were so encouraging especially when they spotted the green bib of 100 runners.  

A few hundred metres more and I reached the CP which I knew would be the last one I stopped at if all was going well. The volunteers were amazing as usual and kept trying to tempt me with food- rice pudding and cold custard! Yum. They even found me a spoon when I couldn't find my spork. over an hour and half up now put me in race mode- could I finish in the light? Could I finish when the pubs in Coniston were still open?

There have been years when the run through Langdale has not been a run but a slog so it was nice to feel able to jog and walk fast. I got another morale boost when I spotted Josie sitting on a rock; she spends a lot of time in the valley and I wondered if I would see her. 

Josie caught me walking

The climb to Blea Tarn passed quickly and although the path across the the virtual CP on the wall corner was wetter than on OCT it was drier than previous years. What a difference doing from here in the day light makes! I could see where I was putting my feet and could run even before I reached the road. 

From the farm at High Tilberthwaite I could see the CP and this spurred me to jog along the road. I hadn't planned to stop here but enthusiastic marshalls blocked my path and announced " you used to teach us, we left in 1994/5". Ok, yes I really am old. It was lovely to see them and have them offer to help me over the stile- cheeky buggers - but I was now 150 mins up and wanting to press on.

I threw my money in the pot at Jacobs ladder and clambered up the stone steps. I don't know who they built them for, a giant maybe. It was great to see Tilberthwaite and Hodge Close in the day light and to be able to see runners ahead on the path for the whole of the next section. It was confirmation of the path and a real spur to keep them in sight or reel them in.  In the dry and the light the descent towards the Copper Mines was much easier and once he realised how close to a PB I was Martin urged me on. His knee was sore and it would have been nice to run in together.  The road was easy and I avoided all the pot holes. The village was packed and the pubs spilling out onto the pavements. We were guided across the road and over the bridge. One tiny hill now past the petrol station and then down to the school gates and the finish gantry. 

Sally met me and guided me towards the marquee where you have to wait and make a solo entrance.

Nice to be walked in by a friend

Bob was waiting and although I probably looked a mess it was wonderful not to feel totally trashed. Negative splits too! With 14hrs 37 at Dalemain and then 27 hrs 43 overall.

Yes. 2 and a half hours faster than 2024. Not quite a PB as in 2021 I managed 27hrs 35 but I was over the moon. 1st FV50 and 60, in fact 1st M/FV60. 7th F overall. 

I begged a seat and sat with my post race meal and a pint. Let the recovery begin. Then it was back to the tent for a quick wash and bed. 

Bob cooked me my favourite post race breakfast of two fried eggs and I was already feeling more human. I wandered the field chatting to friends. 

Derek had a great 100 run, Sarah finished the 50 in a respectable time. Hem who shot past me early on was only 20 mins ahead at the end- it would have been nice to chat as I only see him once a year. 

I found time to go to the Montane tent and try the compression legs and also to have a massage. The prize giving was superb as usual. 

The volunteers try to get there to continue their weekend party and so many still have bounce and buckets of enthusiasm.

Great to chat and share some of the journey

Sat in the VIP area I was able to catch up with Phil and worry him that we had to hold hands and run to the stage. Marc changed things this year so men and women went up separately, shame as it had become a tradition with Martin T and then Mike R. 

It was great to see Jackie get her 100 x 10 slate and Maria get her 500. One day I must meet Jan, the next FV60, and thank her for pushing me on and on.

I like to think I did

Marc has a 48 hour rule... by then you will want to do it again. I was already plotting. I now have 4 FV60 trophies and a free entry for 2026. Wouldn't it be wonderful to get a set of 5 AND get my 500 slate? I also think I have the FV 60 record for the course although I have had to trawl through results to guess this and might have missed somebody.