Chasing Finish Lines & FKTs in the Sun: This Weeks Trail Tally

Lakeland Trails Scenery © https://hiiker.app/ 

Chasing Trails: Week 29

"As we keep enjoying summer trails, runners all over Britain and further afield are braving the sun and heat during inspiring exploits. This week, we had a mix of fabulous racing and FKTs, and we’re keeping our eyes on a few other ongoing challenges we’ll report on soon! 

Stay hydrated and remember your sun protection as you hit the trails!"

- Kate Parker, Director - Founder

A Hot Day In The Lakes

We’re back to the Lake District for some exciting mid-July racing, this time with the Lakeland Trails events. The ultimate trail running experience included the 100k ultra race, with an iconic midnight start and some breathtaking views, as well as a tough 55k ultra marathon where runners take on three mountain passes and 7,000 feet of ascent (2133m). There were also 23 and 14-kilometer races introducing runners to some of the final sections of the ultras.

In the 100k, there were five mountain passes on offer and a whopping 10,500 feet of climbing overall (3200m). The reward: amazing lake and mountain views, a great atmosphere, and a true test of grit in the summer heat. Aideen Burke conquered the women’s race in 14:06:16, and on her birthday! She was followed by Emily Torode (15:51:58) and Kinga Wallace (17:31:03). Ellis McCoy won the men’s race in 12:29:33, followed by Rhys Beddoe (12:59:27) and Julian Hood (13:09:28). 

Benjamin Porter was victorious in the 55k in a time of 6:45:27, in front of James Byrne (7:08:20), and Alistair Jowett (7:08:48) who had a serious fight for second and third place. In the women’s race, Jennifer Badger triumphed in 6:48:15, which also placed her second overall. Katy Ward was second (8:28:27) and Fiona Morphet (8:43:23) completed the podium. 

Aideen at the finish © Lakeland Trails Instagram @lakeland_trails

Ridgeway Racing Power

Further south, the Threshold Trail Series continued with the Race to the Stones - a series of events along the ancient Ridgeway, finishing at the Avebury Standing Stones. The 100k distance could be completed in a non-stop run or over two days, with some runners opting to stop and recharge their batteries at a halfway basecamp. There was also the opportunity to run 50k from Lewknor to Vantage, or the second 50k from Wantage to Avebury. A couple of more accessible ultras with less elevation than mountainous events, but with their own challenge (particularly under the summer sun).

Sophie Power (Founder of SheRaces, a close partner of Threshold Trail Series and promoter of female inclusion on the trails) was the winner of the 100k in a superb time of 10:11:21. She was joined on the podium by Fiona Cook (10:23:40) and Helena Sexton (10:48:03). The men’s race was won by new course record setter Hugh Tibbs (7:41:56). In second place was Joseph Turner (7:53:34), followed in third by Nick Hancock (9:08:42).

Men’s 100k Podium at Race to the Stones © @thresholdrailseries Instagram

Double West Highland Way Achievement

The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most famous trails - a long-distance walking route that goes from Milngavie (north of Glasgow) to Fort William in the Highlands. It covers 96 miles (154 km) and 10351 feet of elevation gain (3155m) and is a serious challenge to complete in its own right. Scott Brown from Ayrshire attempted a double - going up to Fort William, then turning around and running all the way back to Glasgow non stop, with some support along the way. He completed this challenge in 44 hours 40 minutes on Sunday the 13th, also raising money for Circle Scotland. A fantastic effort, setting a new Fastest Known Time for the route.

© Scott Brown’s Instagram @sbf_scottbrown

British Badwater Triumph

And a special mention to third-placed woman at the gruelling Badwater 135, Ali Young, who ran the notoriously hot and difficult race in 28:56:12 on her first attempt. Midway through the 135-mile race, she had to face temperatures of 47 degrees Celsius, crossing the infamous Death Valley in California, USA. 

Extremely well done, Ali!

© Badwater HQ Instagram @badwaterhq