Seven Lostockers headed to Coniston in the Lakes to compete in the Lakeland Trails 16k challenge. This is a beautiful run starting at Coniston Sports and Social club. The event has a festive feel with live bands and several events taking place over the weekend. As this was a challenge and not a race, runners are able to enjoy their surroundings and take lots of selfies on the race.
The race starts with a climb heading towards the top of Old Man Coniston, although runners do not reach the summit, the race covers an elevation gain of 1,400ft. This is a tough route with tough scrambles, uneven surfaces and boggy fields. The route passes through the Coppermines Valley before heading along Walna Scar Road towards Lake Conistone. To the delight of everyone competing, the final 5k of the race is flat and follows along the bank of Lake Coniston.
The first Lostock member to finish the challenge was Sally McCoy in 1:44:49, followed by Greg Kilshaw in 1:48:50, Rachel Hancock in 1:49:39, Heather Soden and Janet Rhodes in 1:50:21, Beverly Atherton-McKenna in 1:53:20 and Rachel Stevens on 2:03:05.
