Three Hambleton Athletics and Running Club members travelled to the beautiful Lake District last weekend to take part in races organised by Lakeland Trails.
Chris Lees and Gemma Wardle tackled the Helvellyn 10k route which, as you’d expect, included a partial (but very steep!) ascent of Helvellyn and a tricky downhill return to Glenridding village. Despite the very wet and windy weather, and a slide on her bottom down a muddy hillside, Gemma completed the course in 1:21:18, closely followed across the finish by Chris in 1:21:20.
Gemma said, “Really pleased that I completed the course to receive my event t-shirt which turned out to be HARC blue! It was a very tough course, the first half being uphill all the way with some really steep sections, but it was worth it for the chance to enjoy the lovely paths across the hillside and back down into Glenridding. Obviously, the best bit was the sliding on my bottom – mud maketh the trail run!”
Chris went back for more on Sunday to complete what is known as the ‘Dirty Double’. He was joined by Sheila White for the Ullswater 10k. You would think this route, which meanders along the side of the lake, would be nice and flat, but you’d be wrong! This course actually includes more climb than the Helvellyn one, with lots of ups and downs on challenging rocky paths. Chris came home in 1:02:10 and Shelia finished in 1:24:16.
Sheila said, “It was a fabulous run, really enjoyable. We were very lucky with the weather on Sunday and I really enjoyed my first Lakeland Trail in the almost sunshine. A steep climb (walk!) halfway in was worth it for the gorgeous views on the way down! I have already booked another two trails for next year.”
Fantastic achievements all round – a huge well done to our runners from everyone at HARC!
