 John and Mike at the Lakeland 50/100 challenge event John Butters and Mike Steven took part in the gruelling Lakeland 50/100 mile at the weekend.
The 100 mile ‘ Ultra Tour of the Lake District’ describes itself as ‘the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place in the UK’ and covers a circular route that takes in 6300m of ascent in the Lakeland Fells over bridleways and footpaths. The Lakeland 50 is run over the 2nd half of the 100-mile course, but is scarcely any sort of an easy option, with 3100m of ascent on rough terrain. Starting and finishing in Coniston, the 100 route takes in popular dales such as Dunnerdale, Eskdale and Wasdale and towns including Keswick and Ambleside while avoiding the major summits. With a 6pm start on Friday and a cut-off of 10am on Sunday, the event is certainly not one for the faint-hearted or the unprepared, with the organisers noting: ‘The drop out rate for this event is a warning signal for anyone contemplating entry…consider the preparation, consider the hours, and consider what it takes to complete the Lakeland 100. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be an achievement. There are few things in life for which you will have to work so hard.’ John had a fine run to finish in 36th place overall in a fantastic time of 27 hours 15 minutes and 16 seconds, coming in just as it was starting to get dark at 9.15pm on Saturday. He later commented on the lousy weather, with drizzle and rain for most of the race, and finding, like many, adverse conditions affecting the feet badly. The event was won by fellow North Easterner Ali Bailey of Gateshead Harriers in a time of 20 hours 46 minutes with Emma Stuart 1st female home in 23 hours 5 minutes. Meanwhile club colleague Mike Steven took on the 50 once again and came home in a time of 13 hours 46 minutes – a 2 hour pb at the ripe old age of 65, proving that, like a fine wine, he is only getting better with age! Full results: 100 results https://results.opentracking.co.uk/event/22lakeland100 50 results https://results.opentracking.co.uk/event/22lakeland50 Comments are closed.
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