Race Report by Janet:
On Saturday 16th July, nearly 1500 runners from all over the world lined up to take part in the Montane Lakeland 50. This year, two Lostockers, Tom Grundy and Janet Rhodes were amongst those seeking to complete within the 24 hour cut off.
The route is a real test of endurance and sure footedness with nearly 3000 metres of climbing and descent. It is an incredibly tough race with most finishing the final technical descent into Coniston aided by head torches.
The race is a ballot entry and has a keen following with people entering year after year. Many then move onto its bigger fiercer brother the Lakeland 100.
The route starts from the Northern end of Ullswater within the grand Dalemain Estate before following the Eastern shore line as far as Howtown. A quick climb and descent followed by a trek along the banks of Haweswater sees you at Mardale Head. The route from here visits Long Sleddale, Kentmere, Ambleside, Langdale and Tilberthwaite before the final climb and descent to the finish at Coniston. It is a truly amazing route and you visit places you never knew existed. It’s also worth mentioning the superb crowd support all over the route (including a team of Lostockers) , the incredible atmosphere in Ambleside and Coniston and a special mention for the fantastic volunteers who look after you all the way round.
The winning male completed in 7 hours and 52 minutes and the winning female finished in 8 hours and 52 minutes.
Both Lostockers put in stirling performances in their first attempts. Tom Grundy completed his race in an incredible 11 hours and 58 seconds, placing 116th overall, 95th male and 45th in his age category. Janet Rhodes finished in 12 hours 33 minutes and finished 284th overall, 74th woman and 8th in her age category.
