THIS weekend (Sat 20 Oct), octogenarian Rod Berry set runners off on the hilliest road marathon in the UK.
In recognition of his role as founder of the Great Langdale Road Races and the high regard in which he is held, the races new organisers – the Ambleside based youth charity, Brathay Trust – appointed him Patron.
Over 600 people entered to run the Langdale Marathon and Half Marathon with marathon runners tackling two laps of the route with gradients of 1:3 in places.
Starting from the Sticklebarn in Great Langdale runners followed an anti-clockwise direction via Little Langdale and through to Skelwith Bridge, Chapel Stile and Dungeon Ghyll.
Results from Saturday’s race saw Michael Sprot from Hallamshire Harriers cross the line with a time of 3hrs 07mins 32secs. In second place was Steven Abell, a MV50 from South Molton Strugglers whose time was 3hrs 08mins 22secs and in third place was Kim Brown running as a MV45 for Ripon Runners finishing in 3hrs 12mins 22secs. It means the course record of 2hrs 41mins 55secs, set by Steve Littler of Wesham Road Runners in 2010 still stands.
In the Half Marathon first back was Simon Sampson with a time of 1hr 25mins 46secs, followed by Simon White whose time was 1hr 2mins 04mins. In third place was Paul Muller from Northern Masters AC, his MV60 time was 1hr 30mins 06secs.
Scott Umpleby, Brathay’s Head of Fundraising, said: “It’s a great privilege to take over the organisation of the very popular Langdale Road Races. It’s also a great opportunity for us to use our experience of other challenge events, including the ASICS Windermere Marathon.
“Despite the difficult weather conditions everyone enjoyed the stunning scenery and the support they got from marshals, volunteers, spectators and the local community.
“The event would not be possible without our sponsors too.
“The Langdale Road Races are very much a community event. Langdale C.E. Primary School sold tea, coffee and cakes as a fundraiser. And we will have raised about £2,000 to support our work with young people in Cumbria.
“There are still places available in the Christmas Pudding 10k run from Sticklebarn to Elterwater. It’s a great excuse to run in festive fancy dress with the prize of a Christmas pudding for all those who cross the line” added Scott.
Anyone interested in finding out more or signing up should visit https://www.brathaychallenges.com/events/running
