Middle Pack

A cool yet clear day greeted the 133 runners at Ennerdale Bridge, the start of the 23 mile 7500ft Ennerdale Horseshoe race. This being the second of the Lakeland Classics series and also the second of the superlong fell races. These being called superlong not for the distance inparticular but the mix of distance and height make these feel a very long way indeed. I think it is safe to say you can add at least 90 minutes onto your marathon time if you are running well.

The route goes clockwise around Ennerdale Water, going past High Stile and Haystacks along to Green Gable before retuning down the other side of the valley via Kirkfell, Pillar, Scoat fell then back via a few more tops to Ennerdale Bridge. Classed as a 3 days walk. The aim was for sub 5 hours. (more…)

I made the long journey up to the Lakes for the first of the Lakeland Classics Superlong fell races. A mere 21 miles and 6000ft to overcome on what felt like one of the hottest days of the year so far.

The route started in scorching conditions in Seathwaite and takes in Harter Fell, Hard Knott, Little Stand, 3 Shires Stone, Swirl How, Dow Crag, White Pike and Caw before descending back into Seathwaite. The majority of the climb is in the first half of the race and just when the running gets better you are too dead on your feet to actually run.

I came home in a disappointing 4hrs 20mins after setting off too fast, burning up in the heat and spending the rest of the race getting progressively slower and slower. Was 77th after 45mins and was in 120th at half way and finally managed to struggle home in 139th.

So lesson learnt with the superlongs, start slow and try to maintain some kind of pace until the end.

Two striders made the journey up to the Lakes for the first of the Lakeland Classics Superlong fell races. A mere 21 miles and 6000ft to overcome on what felt like one of the hottest days of the year so far.

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