Garburn trail race Sunday, 3^rd June 2007

What a great race – they say it’s Britain’s most scenic race and they are not wrong….. breathtaking scenery but a tough climb to get there!

When I asked dad about this race his comment was: “Tough and challenging.” From him that meant really hard. Anyway, I had said this year that I wanted to try a different race so sent off for my entry form along with Hawkeshead and Derwentwater trail races. Due to injury I was unable to do Hawkeshead and, after hearing from Julie Cruse and Kath Hoyer, I was terrified!

I moaned and whimpered all the way there in the car about not finishing and being last etc., (got told to shut up – no sympathy as usual.) I was delighted to bump into Marie from Lytham RR and said I would run it round with her.

We set off at the back. Great – nice slow start down the road, up the lane and then the first climb and I was walking already. Could have walked slower because, we then came to a gate and had a six minute queue to get through, (nice rest!) Off we went again, gentle undulating grass path – lovely! Round a corner and Marie gasped and said, “Look up there!” I was to busy looking at pretty cows and sheep but then looked up and all I could see was coloured dots of runners climbing what I can only describe as a mountain. Walking again we began to climb and climb and climb! It went on and on and on but the views were spectacular. It was hot and clammy so actually walked in a bubbling stream half way up – heaven!

Reaching the top a very nice man said, “That’s it now – downhill!” What he neglected to say was it was a ‘take your life in your hands’ steep descent through a boulder and shale path. Amazingly I stayed on my feet but Marie took a stumble but bravely carried on. The views on the way down were awesome; fields, lakes, houses, everything like a picture postcard.

The race continues again along the valley over a style and into fields. I felt great except at the ladder styles when my legs wobbled and it was an effort to lift them that high but good to fly through the fields. Going great Marie said we were making up loads of time. Then again the last hill and, sorry to say, I was walking again. I had to give Marie a pull-up but we marched up it together, actually passing two people on the way. At the top the view was amazing. There was Lake Windermere – it was beautiful. Then a great downhill finish. We could hear the music and noise from the finish. Through the woods, round the field and there it was. A last minute sprint and we had done it!

I went over the line with a smile from ear to ear. It was great! The feeling of achievement and the atmosphere were amazing. I now can’t wait for Derwentwater. I may not have done an excellent time but I enjoyed the challenge, the atmosphere and the surrounding. I would recommend it to everyone.

Written by: Julie Murphy

Submitted: 3^rd June 2007

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor