The inaugural Cumbria Way Ultra took place
on September 13th 2014. It was organised by Pure Outdoor Events, who
also do the Grand Tour of Skiddaw.
“The Cumbria Way Ultra is a 73 mile trail ultra race which
passes through the varied terrain of the beautiful Lake District, giving over
10,000 feet of ascent. Starting in Ulverston, the Cumbria Way passes Coniston
Water, Tarn Hows and Dungeon Ghyll, then crosses Stake Pass to Borrowdale,
Derwent Water and Keswick. The route continues to Caldbeck passing Skiddaw
House and over High Pike, the highest point on the trail. It then follows the
Caldew valley to Carlisle”
I had only entered the race the weekend before, deciding that I
was just about ready for my first outing since the Lakeland 100. My Achilles
has been irritable since before the L100 but seems OK if I don’t do too much on
tarmac and on the flat – so a day in the Lakes seemed like a good idea!
Having parked in Carlisle, I met fellow-competitor Colin Russell
at Carlisle rail station. His TDS shirt and Salomon pack were the give away!
Interesting to note that all car parks in Carlisle allow overnight parking for
the absolute bargain of £4 per 24hrs.
Arriving in Ulverston, we checked into our respective B&B’s
then wandered over to registration at The Old Farmhouse. Now I’m not usually
superstitious, but I was not overly happy with race number 13 for a race
starting on the 13th day of the month.
After a delicious and massive portion of paella at The Farmers
Arms, it was an early night ready for the 06:00 start.
It was a very relaxed atmosphere as we nattered away at the
official start of the Cumbria Way at The Gill. It never ceases to amaze me how
relaxed everyone is (or appears to be) at the start at ultra’s, especially when
compared to many road races. I suppose we have all day (and sometimes more) to
get stressed!
We were soon off and a couple of runners seemed to be on a
mission. Race organizer, Gaynor Prior, had warned us of the perils of following
the person in front but we obviously paid no attention as the first 8-10 of us
all blindly missed the first turning and ended up being the last 8-10!
Having made the sensible decision not to set off too hard, I
found myself in the lead pack of 4 runners. After an hour or so, my calves and
hamstrings started to feel really tight to the extent that I was forced to take
some painkillers. I decided to back off a bit, which turned into a lot, and started to lose my enthusiasm. I was
soon joined by the next group of 3. It took a good hour for me to get back into
my running but my calves remained sore all day for whatever reason. One of
those strange ultra-things that we get no doubt!
 |
| Not feeling very happy |
 |
| ...but still plodding along |
The first section was fairly flat though farmland but we were
soon running round the shore of Coniston Water and into CP1 in Coniston at
15miles. We were well provided for with
flapjack, ginger cake, malt loaf, peanuts, 9Bars, Clif Bars, GU gels and more.
All 4 CP’s were top notch - well organized, well stocked and there was always a
friendly and helpful reception.
Off towards Langdale, we passed Tarn Hows. Without any great
intent, I started to pull away from the others as we approached Elterwater and
I reached CP2 at Stickle Barn on my own. I was in 2nd place as two
of the runners ahead were in relay teams. The next runner arrived just as I was
leaving the CP. It was the last time I was to see a solo runner all day.
 |
| It just doesn't get any better... |
I was feeling happier now and looking forward to some hillier
terrain as I ran along the valley, with the sun on my back, to the bottom of
Stake Pass. I was also comfortable with the knowledge that I knew the rest of
the route.
The path up Stake Pass was far more substantive than I
remembered, as was the long descent into Borrowdale. The views were spectacular
as ever. There are few better sights that Borrowdale on a sunny day.
 |
| Feeling happier again |
 |
| Down towards Borrowdale |
Going through Rosthwaite, the tearooms were full of walkers and day-trippers,
and I felt a little jealous as I munched on another energy bar!
Running round Derwentwater, my Achilles was becoming increasing
sore so I had another couple of paracetamol. They soon worked their magic, and
my Achilles was mysteriously cured for the rest of the day.
After 40 miles, I arrived at Keswick and CP3. As I devoured some
cold rice pudding, I tried to dismiss the fact that there was another 33 miles
to go, and concentrate on my tried and tested ‘CP to CP’ approach!
Leaving the CP, I steeled myself for the ascent around Latrigg,
the bottom of which seemed a lot steeper than normal! Then it was the long
traverse of Skiddaw to the YHA bunkhouse, and a right turn picking up the River
Caldew. This section is really quite wild and I had a very strong feeling of
solitude. I was still running strongly on the sections I should be running and
working hard uphill.
The climb up Grainsgill Beck was every bit as hard as I
remembered, especially after the best part of 60 miles. I checked in with the
marshall at Lingy hut, and looking back down was surprised (and a little angry)
to see to 2 runners taking a ‘racing line” directly to the hut. Not knowing
whether they were solo or team runners, and not wanting to lose a position, I
decided I’d better get a move on!
Powered on by adrenaline I probably ran my best section of the
day, pushing hard down to the CP in Caldbeck.
I quickly dibbed in and grabbed a handful of calories. Just as I was
leaving two relay runners came in so I was happy that I was still comfortably
in 2nd place.
The 10 miles from Caldbeck to Dalston mainly follows the River
Caldew through farmland. It was just before 18:30 and I was keen to get as
close to Dalston as I could in the daylight. Although I had recce’d this
section, it’s much easier to make mistakes when you’re tired.
A few encounters with feisty cows were dealt with by a
combination of shouting and clapping. Whether or not cows understand
profanities is debatable, but it seemed to work. I later heard 2 runners
describe how they’d had to take evasive action, dive over a fence and ford the
river to escape a snarling bull. They obviously didn’t swear enough!
Faultless navigation (!) saw me running into Dalston. The final
5 miles to Carlisle is along a tarmac cycle path, which was hard on the legs
after 15 hours on the go, but the finish was in sight.
Entering the outskirts of Carlisle and suburbia, there were
plenty of locals out and about ‘enjoying’ their Saturday night. Lager drinking
on the riverside seems a popular pastime!
I safely negotiated the A595 and crossed to the Carlisle Castle
and over the finish line in the castle itself.
73 miles, 3000 metres ascent, 15:55, 2nd place. A good day at the office.
After several cups of Heinz tomato soup, which tastes remarkably
good after an ultra, the only challenge remaining was a 1 mile walk though the
middle of Carlisle at closing time on a Saturday night to my car at the
station! There seemed to be a remarkable number of people out celebrating my success!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A thoroughly enjoyable race. The Cumbria Way is less bumpy, and
therefore involves more running, than the Lakeland 100 course. As with most
races in the Lakes the scenery is stunning virtually throughout.
Organisation was absolutely first rate and couldn’t be faulted.
All the CP’s were well stocked with a good variety of food. The marshalls and
helpers were absolutely brilliant – really friendly and always seeking to help.
Thanks to all.
It probably suffered in terms of entrants due to the number of
events in the Lakes in September and October – Grand Tour of Skiddaw, 3x3000,
Lakes in a Day – and also because the Hardmoors 60 was the following weekend.
However, I’m sure it will grow as an event and I certainly fully recommend it.
