Race report by Josie:
Three Shires Fell Race (new route)
13.5mi/5230ft ascent.
This is a classic, tough, Lakeland Fell race that was first ran in 1989. This year’s race was a new route that reversed a majority of the old route.
Not content with the toughness of the race ahead, I borrowed a mountain bike and cycled to the venue from Gt.Langdale on the road. There’s no flat roads in that area!!⛰️⛰️
We set off from Tilberthwaite & the field was spread out somewhat with some hilly running over the quarry path into Little Langdale. From here, we were reversing to old route up to the Summit of Lingmoor and a long slog up Pike O’ Blisco. The weather began to turn here with rain giving us a good soaking.
After crossing Wrynose Pass at the Three Shires Stone, only 3 checkpoints remained. A long climb up to Great Carrs, the crash site of a WW2 bomber in 1944. The summit of Wetherlam, followed by my favourite part of the race, the long grassy descent to the final CP.
The run to the finish was about 1.8mi and probably the fastest Id ran for the whole race until reaching the steep quarry descent!
Id been fighting off the cramp in the closing miles so was relieved to finish and happy with my time of 3h23min given the conditions & the hilly bike ride to the start!🫣😬
11th Lady and 4th LV50. The top old ladies were out in force!!🤣
