Race report by Josie:
On Sunday, I headed over to Kentmere to do the 50th running of this very special race. It was 50 years since the late Pete Bland put this race together so every runner was given a commemorative map. Sadly, Pete passed away 5 years ago so his son Matt has stepped into his shoes to organise the race. After paying a moving tribute on the startline to his dad, Matt set almost 200 runners off along the narrow Kentmere road.
After the initial jostling for position, the pace slows as the route climbs gradually up a rocky Garburn Pass before climbing steeply through shoulder high bracken. Once on the tops, the route becomes quite runnable albeit all uphill until reaching High Street, the highest & midway point of the race.
From here there’s lots of fast running until the drop down to Nan Bield before a steep & then gradual, runnable climb to Kentmere Pike. Then, it’s all downhill to the finish.
Having supported a friend on her 50 peaks at 50years old the day before, I had no expectations to do well in this race, particularly in the hot conditions. I just kept a consistent pace throughout & held my position, so it was a nice surprise to win a prize for 3rd F50. 📷Stephen Wilson
