After a good night in the tent it was a relaxed morning, having breakfast and a briefing before being taken by coach to the start of the Lakeland 50 at the Dalemain Estate. After cheering some of the tired looking 100milers pass by, we lined up for the start at midday.
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| The Start at Dalemain |
We started with an easy 4 mile loop round the Dalemain Estate before heading onto the course proper through Pooley Bridge up the first small hill followed by a great run into Howtown where marshalls we're dressed as cowboys.
It was then into Fusedale and the first real climb. It was a hot day but was nice and cool on the top with a long descent down to Haweswater.
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| Running towards Howtown, Ullswater on the right |
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| Mardale Head |
It was along the side of the Lake to the checkpoint at Mardale Head before the next big climb up Gatescarf pass and then down to a little Valley. Then a small climb and descent into Kentmere checkpoint. Another uphill over Garburn pass and a good descent into Troutbeck marked I was over halfway.
A small uphill and a good run down through the woods to Ambleside for a well stocked checkpoint with more marshalls in fancy dress. Some food a change of socks and I was away, feeling good. After a going over a small hill it was easy running through Elterwater and then the Langdale Valley.
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| Lake Windermere, before coming into Ambleside |
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| The Langdale Valley |
I was making good time and tried to maintain the effort levels. It was a tough ascent up the next steep hill and then the run along the rocky trail along Blea Moor. The running was then straight forward to the last checkpoint at Tilberthwaite. It was still just light as I ascended the last climb and visibility was good over the hill. Four of us ran the last section together and the last technical descent was followed by an easy run along tarmac track into Coniston, narrowly avoiding getting the headtorch out. I finished in 10 hours 36 minutes well ahead of my 12 hour target, so I was/am very pleased.
