Lakes In A Day, 9 October
Report by Ady Warner and Dan Miller
Long race equals a long race report, sorry in advance.
Lakes in a Day is a 50 mile ultra marathon linear route from Caldbeck in the North to Cartmel in the South. The route leads across the northern fells taking in Blencathra, Helvellyn and Fairfield, including everything in between, before descending to Ambleside for a lower level second half along the western edge of Lake Windermere to the finish. The elevation profile builds up 12,500 ft (3,818 m) of climbing with an equal amount of descent.
This long awaited event was victim to the pandemic and was postponed from 2020 for both Dan and I. You’d think with all that time we’d have managed many recce runs to become familiar with the whole route? Nope! We managed to run the latter half only a couple of weeks ago together and relied on our separate attempts to guide each other through. I knew the first bit, Dan new the next bit, we discovered the middle bit and then trogged our way through the last bit. Somehow our not so effective plan worked.
Meeting up in Cartmel on Friday evening at the racecourse where the option for camping was available we strolled down to registration for our race numbers and trackers. A really smooth system meant we were in and out of there in a few minutes and heading back to our vans for pasta and rest. Oh, and the mandatory flapping about packing kit and what was essential or not. Would we take advantage of a shoe drop at Ambleside or run through in the same pair we start in?
Early to bed, early to rise. 04:15 and we’re already both awake and brewing up. A quick breakfast and the short stroll back to registration for the coach to the start in Caldbeck. We managed to board the second coach and sat at the front so we could make a sharp exit to beat the crowds to the portaloos. Smart move by us as the queue was pretty long pretty quick.
With tension and excitement building in equal measure we were off at exactly 08:00. It was a great feeling to be on a mass start and with a number of friends also taking part. Straight away we headed to our first climb of many, High Pike 658 m, before a rapid descent to a double river crossing. Thankfully the weather had been on our side for the past few days and the level was not much above the knees. With wet feet and very clean shoes we began making our way up the long slope to Blencathra 868 m. Looking back down to the river it was amazing to see hundreds of runners all snaking their way up behind us but soon we were in the mist that covered the fells. Not being able to see that far in front of us meant we didn’t realise we were nearly there until we heard the bell being rung by the marshals. This was great because we could get ready for the steep rocky descent of Hall’s Fell Ridge. This is to our advantage being burly outdoorsmen! Without any hesitation we plummeted into the descent skipping and jumping past others who were less confident on slippery rock. On our way down I bumped into a mate, Stuart Smith, who was marshalling and shared a moment of man-hug euphoria. Riding on a high and loving the adventure Dan and I became separated but soon caught up with one another at the first of only three feed stations in Threlkeld.
Wasting little time we made our way by road to the bottom of Clough Head 726 m. A steady climb up together we were getting close to the inevitable plan that Dan would head off in front and we would continue at our own pace. Bidding each other farewell before heading back into the mist, with no man-hug euphoria this time, we were on our own. An outer layer and a hat to help with the increasing wind and decreasing temperature I followed the masses into the gloom. From here it’s the Dodd’s that lead you to the Helvellyn range and beyond. Eventually making to Helvellyn 949 m I had a plan to eat something substantial. Tucking into the shelter out of the wind I scoffed a couple of wraps as another runner pulled in to do the same. A couple sat with what looked like everything they owned on to keep warm asked us if we were going far? Taking a look at my watch we’d done 20 miles and only had 30+ to go. No time to waste again I left the shocked couple and laughed as I ran down towards Nethermost Pike 891 m and Dollywaggon Pike 858 m. Along this section I got chatting to another runner beside me. It turned out Adam Mayhew was from Harrogate. I quizzed him on his choice of running club and because he’s moving to Boroughbridge, he hadn’t joined one. “You’ll have to look RR’s up when you get back, we’re right up your street”. Hopefully I’ve recruited a new member for the future? Leaving him behind on the descent to Grizedale Tarn 550 m he didn’t catch me up again as I scaled Fairfield 873 m. Once again and hoping for the last time into the mist the route passes Hart Crag 822 m and Dove Crag 792 m before the very long gradual descent to Ambleside. This was my worst experience of the journey. It seemed to go on for ever and ever.
FOOD! The feed station in Ambleside was a welcome sight and much needed after the hills. A bowl of pasta and a few slices of pizza with pineapple on, it’s a thing apparently, washed down with half a cantaloupe melon set us up for the second half our journey. From Ambleside to the finish basically follows the western edge of Lake Windermere. With easy trails to follow and the odd bit of road it made it easier underfoot. The hills were behind us but every now and then a sharp incline reminded us that the route still had more to give. Sections of this stage had us right on the edge of the lake and at times thigh deep in it. Trudging through the water was fine, it was the grit that filled our shoes that caused the discomfort.With the light fading it was time to put on head torches and enjoy the dark. Thankfully, the race organisers had done a brilliant job of sign posting the route as there were many twists and turns.
Approaching the final feed station at Finsthwaite, we were greeted with some tomato soup and warm mini sausage rolls to dunk. These filled our bellies and warmed us enough to press on. Only 7 miles left! This final section passes Newby Bridge and through farmland to the finish. Making great progress I managed to pass several other runners along the way. Knowing from our recce of the finish that once I hit the road there’s a 2 mile downhill stretch into Cartmel. Determined to finish strong I ran all the way in and spurred on by Dan who had come out to cheer me on I began to increase the pace once more. In the final few turns I passed a group of about 7 or 8 runners. Wishing them well I ran past and heard them say, “Shall we run the last bit too?”. In my head I thought, you’re not going to beat me now! With a great sense of accomplishment and elation that I’d done it, I picked up the pace again. The Priory School, the cheers of supporters lining the street, the finish line! Done! We’d agreed to split at some point and we both aimed to complete it in under 16 hours. To come in well under that time we both congratulated each other and got some well earn sleep.
A truly brilliant race that challenges you throughout. 50 miles with only 3 feed stations means you have to rely on managing yourself for long periods of time. However, these feed stations are extremely well stocked and without limits. If you fancy it? Go do it, you won’t regret it.
Dan Miller Position-50th Time-13:00:13
Ady Warner Position-111th Time-14:38:35