THE KENDAL SERIES

With Angela and my love of most things Cumbrian, we decided to race as many of this series as possible given our work commitments. I did well and managed 3 of the 4 while Angela got to Race 2. We both missed the Kendal 10K, so work got the better of both of us on that occasion.

 

Next up was the Levens 10K and we both managed to run this one, so I can actually tell you what it is like. It was a lovely evening for running when we got to Levens, a little cool and no bad winds, so I was really looking forward to a little trot round South Cumbria. We got our numbers nice and early and had a chat with a few of the other Wesham members who had made the short journey up the M6.

 

The race starts heading down a pretty sharp hill out of the village then swings you round onto a pretty flat section for about 3 miles. You then have a short, steep twisting climb through Brigsteer before heading back to Levens. I walked the last 10 yards up this hill, just in case there was anything more severe waiting ahead of me. I need not have worried; the rest of the race was on gorgeous rolling country lanes. As races up here go, it was surprisingly flat. I think even Helen wouldn’t mind running this!

 

I had spent a lovely evening racing through quiet leafy lanes without having to dodge dog walkers or boy racers in their cars, so it made a very pleasant change to the streets of Fleetwood. I clocked a time of 43.25, which I was happy enough with and Angela finished just in front of Chris Moss for 46.51.

 

Next up was the Hawkshead 10K, this time without Angela as the poor girl had to work. I did manage to rope in another running partner for the night though, my friend Ben came with me as I had promised him it would be a lovely run. I hadn’t told him how hilly it would probably be, no point worrying him pre-race, especially as he hadn’t run for months.

The race again had a decent turn out from Wesham and even our very own Steve Littler turned out for some fresh air. We actually had double figures attending for an enjoyable evening jaunt around Esthwaite Water.

 

The race started in Hawkshead itself, then swung round the outskirts and off toward Grizedale Forest. Rather than turn off the main road to head for the forest, you keep going and do a long loop around Esthwaite. From the far side I was lucky enough to run while gazing over the distant Langdale Pikes shimmering in the last of the evening sun, bliss. In between this tranquillity I managed to stay on the tail of the 3rd lady. I knew if I could keep with her I would have a decent time and even despite my lungs nearly bursting, I managed to come in only 2 seconds behind her. I was very pleased with my time of 42.23 and I am sure Ben was pretty chuffed with his 53.57. That was great going round such an up and down course with no running in your legs for the previous 6 months.

 

We all enjoyed the barbecue and a pint at the finish as well. It was the end to another lovely evening in the Lake District, just a shame Angela had to work.

 

Last in the series was the Endmoor 10K, which I had heard talked about previously. It seems last year was run in torrential rain and a severe electrical storm. Fortunately this year was greeted with a perfect evening, maybe the sun shines on the righteous after all!

 

Endmoor is just off the M6, this side of Kendal so really doesn’t take long to get too.  We arrived in plenty of time so had a stroll around and a chat with the rest of the Wesham runners who had turned up to tackle the hills. Other than a young boy racer thrashing his car up and down the street, it was a lovely sedate village scene that greeted the start of the race.

 

The first mile is pretty undulating, so warms you up nicely for the severely hilly second mile. I walked/ran most of this mile. After this you get to the highest point which gives you the most wonderful view of the Howgills. The route then turns west and plunges downhill, while giving the most breathtaking views of Southern Lakeland and once again a mesmerizingly fantastic view of the Langdale area. It really is a pleasure to run in such a beautiful place; the pain of the hills is nothing compared to the joy the surroundings give you.

 

The rest of the race is spent on rolling country lanes with hardly a car or other human around, although I was aware the young lass I chased round Hawkshead was hot on my tail for the last 2 miles. She didn’t manage to catch me though as I scampered up the last couple of ascents to clock 43.29. Angela completed her run in 47.27 and managed to pick up 3 prizes in total for her 2 runs in the series.

 

These races are perfect for anyone who loves quiet, scenic, rural and well organised races. That is as long as you don’t mind running up a couple of little hills every now and again. The free cakes after the Endmoor race makes it all worthwhile, so do the sausage and chips we got at Levens and the burger at Hawkshead. See there really is something for everyone at these races!

 

Written by Chis Colby

Submitted 12th October 2011

Edited by Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor