Paul & Matthew Complete Lakes In A Day
Paul Walker and Matthew Holt completed the Lakes In A Day ultra marathon on Saturday, with perfect weather conditions giving amazing views of the Lakeland fells in every direction.
The course started in the village of Caldbeck in the northern lakes area before heading towards the summit of Blencathra, with a steep and tricky descent to the first feed station at Threlkeld. Another tough ascent followed to the top of Clough Head, before runners then continued along the high ridge to takes in the peaks of Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, Helvellyn and Dollywagon Pike before descending again to Grisedale Tarn. Another climb to the top of Fairfield led to Hart Crag and the second feed station at Ambleside.
The route then became easier with the final 22 miles generally following the lower ground around the length of Lake Windermere before another steep ascent through woods and a final refuel at Finsthwaite. The last 8 miles requiring head torches to reach the finish at Cartmel.
In total the course measured just over 51 miles with 12,319 feet of ascent and, with Paul waiting for Matthew along the route, both finished in 14 hours 5 minutes.