BUTTERMERE 34K Sunday, 17^th February 2008

In my opinion this race is the best and most scenic in England. This is the third time I have run and whether I have enjoyed it, depends on how you enjoy pain, (because it is a very tough race), but it would now it would have to be something very important that would prevent me taking part. This is a hidden gem of a race organized by Keswick AC, costing only £5, which, as well as the race, includes hot soup, drinks and biscuits at the finish and this year a musical DVD of the Lake District, (and there are prizes!). – What value? It is well marshalled, with some of the friendliest and helpful people you could ever wish to meet – a perfect event.

I have always been lucky, that the weather has always been dry and sunny, with little or no wind and this year was no exception, with wall to wall sunshine, although there was a slight haze. The race starts outside the Moot Hall in the centre of Keswick and goes up the eastern side of Derwentwater, with spectacular views across the lake to the ridge of Cat Bells, Maiden Moor, High Spy and Dale Head. It then climbs steeply up Honister Pass, before the descent to Buttermere, made tricky in places by patches of ice and frost still on the road. At one point, between me running and Mike Walsh, a car had skidded off the road. After a section along the beautiful Buttermere, there was the steep ascent of Newlands Hause, before a long return along the quiet valley of Newlands through the village of Stair and a final little climb to Swinside Inn and back to Keswick to finish in Fitz Park by the Sports Pavilion.

There were a record number of 94 entered and 92 finishers and there was also an excellent record time by the winner, Steve Littler (2:03:13) of Wesham, who has won it on four previous occasions. The previous record had stood since 1982, when it was set jointly by the legendary Kenny Stuart and Jon Broxap. Among the other great runners who have won this race in its 30 year history are Billy Bland, Hugh Symons, Dave Spedding, Simon Booth and Stephen Moore, (now at LSARR). Steve Littler is in danger of becoming a legend.

Wesham always give good support to this race and this year there were another nine members competing; Alex Rowe (2:29:45) – in 15^th and 1^st V50; Steve Myerscough (2:30:18) in 16^th; Peter Cruse (2:41:58); Julie Cruse (2:53:18) in 44^th , 6^th lady and 1^st FV45; Martin Bates (2:53:28) in 45^th; Michaela Dempsey (2:58:45) in 52^nd and 8^th lady; Russ Mabbett (3:01:15) in 55^th; Carmel Sullivan (3:07:49) in 67^th and 9^th lady and Mike Walsh (3:30:42) in 80^th and 1^st V70. There were also three from BWFAC, Stuart Robinson, who used it as a training run to support Stuart Williams (2:28:41) in joint 12^th and also David Wood (3:15:44) in 69^th and 1^st V60, (OK there were only 2 V60s). And thanks to the two Stuart’s for waiting to cheer me in - it was much appreciated.

As well as Steve Littler’s performance there were good performance by all the Fylde based runners but of particular note were Steve Myerscough, who had a PB, Stuart Williams on an excellent time for his first race, Julie Cruse, who broke through the 3 hour barrier in spectacular style and Carmel Sullivan, also running the race for the first time, who despite knee problems part the way around, posted a good time. On a personal note, I was pleased with my run as I haven’t been able to put in the required training for this race, due to knee problems and illness, since the turn of the year.

Of course as well as the race there is the weekend in the loveliest part of England, amongst good company. We normally stay at a cottage near Braithwaite. There have been in past years up to seven or eight staying, but this year there were only four of us, Julie, Beryl, Mike and myself. Carmel and Mick Edge should also have spent the weekend, but because of the sad death of Mick’s mother, they were unable to stay over. However the weekend was still a big laugh from beginning to end. How could it be other, with Mike’s dry wit? When starting off to drive to the race on the Sunday, I was nearly in hysterics as we were ready drive off, when first Mike realized he needed his specs to drive, then Beryl also needed her specs and finally Julie found she hadn’t put her watch on – and of course she couldn’t run without it. And in the evening after the race we had to celebrate completing the race, by exploring some of the hostelries of Keswick. On the way home on the Monday, we visited Ayra Force Waterfall, by Ullswater. We had to climb up to view the waterfall, and worst climb back down. Julie and I looked like a pair of cripples, but strangely the most senior member of the party, Mike was not complaining of any stiffness, at least not in the legs.

To conclude, it was a fantastic race, magnificent scenery, smashing company and great craic. Bring on next year and hopefully I will have put in some descent training.

Written by: David Wood

Submitted: 20^th February 2008

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor