Race news: Brathay 10 in 10 - May 11-20, 2012
Traffic around Ambleside is set to come to a standstill when the deafening crack of the starter’s pistol sets 17 runners on their way to compete in the Brathay Trust Windermere 10in10 Marathon event, on Friday 11nd May at 9.30am (starting from Brathay Hall).
A daunting endurance challenge, the Brathay Windermere 10 in 10, will see competitors undertaking a 262 mile challenge that manifests itself in the form of 10 marathons over 10 consecutive days. The runners are sure to gain the respect of more than just the running community as they pound the pavements and roads around Windermere, arguably the most picturesque marathon course in Europe, in order to raise much needed funds for charity.
The 10 in 10, organised by Brathay Trust (www.brathay.org.uk), the Ambleside based national charity that inspires young people to become successful, confident and responsible citizens, looks set to raise thousands of pounds for good causes as a record 17 runners have registered for this year’s event. Each one of them will have to push themselves to the very limit of physical endurance if they’re going to complete the course.
Brathay Trust spokesman Mark Bushell said: “The runners have put their lives on hold for a year in order to get themselves into the best possible shape for this event. It’s not only a tremendous physical challenge, due to the undulating nature of the course, but will also test their mental strength to the full. The ‘Groundhog Day’ effect of running the same course, day in day out, has seen some of the finest runners fail to complete the challenge in the past.”
And this year’s line-up of runners includes some fascinating characters all determined not to be broken by the 10 in 10 challenge. As Bushell explained: “The runners have come from all over the UK including; London, Leeds and Bognor Regis but we’re delighted that we also have four local runners this year. Sally Ford, Nick Woodward, Stuart Pyper and Paul Dewar will be representing Kirkby Lonsdale, Ambleside, Cockermouth and Ulverston respectively. Paul will also have the support of all the regulars at the Stan Laurel Inn, in Ulverston, which he owns and if he completes the sinew sapping challenge punters will no doubt toast his success with his especially brewed 10in10 ale.”
Photos, l-r: Local runners Sally Ford, Nick Woodward, Stuart Pyper and Paul Dewar
The 15 runners set off from Brathay Hall, in Ambleside, on Friday 11th May at 9.30am and conclude their challenge on Sunday 20th May in conjunction with the Brathay Windermere Marathon (www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk).
It’s sure to be a highly emotional experience for all those involved particularly those running in memory of ‘loved ones’.
It’s hoped that this year’s event will further illustrate the significance of the 10 in10, which is governed by UK Athletics, as the world’s ultimate endurance run.
Click here to find out more, including profiles of the 17 runners about to take up the challenge
