Race Report: Buttermere Trail Race 2013

Ian Mulvey from High Terrain Events sent us this report from the Buttermere Trail Race:

“The first event of the Salomon UK Trail Tour Series could not have got off to a better start. Alpine weather, a backdrop of snow covered fells, perfect running conditions and an incredibly scenic run course, all contributed to making the Buttermere 10 Trail Race a true classic.

“Nearly 200 runners lined up in only the second running of the event which starts at the National Trust owned field on the shores of Buttermere lake. This has to be one of the most iconic settings in the whole of the Lake District, with views stretching down the whole lake, to the snow covered peaks of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.

“With not a breath of wind and dry trails, conditions on Sunday couldn’t have been more different when less than a fortnight previously the roads into Buttermere were blocked by drifting snow.

“This made for perfect racing conditions and true to form, a fast and furious pace was set from the start by last year’s winner, Salomon international mountain runner Ricky Lightfoot. Covering the initial two miles along the pine clad shoreline of Buttermere, before returning along an undulating and rocky trail through Burtness woods in just 11 minutes, closely followed by international fell runner Carl Bell (Keswick AC).

“In the women’s race, GB mountain runner and fell international Helen Fines (Calder Valley) laid down the gauntlet and set a fast initial pace leading the women through this section and in 6th place overall.

“The next section of the route encompasses the whole of Crummock Water with extensive views around the whole section. This is a technical trail covered with rocks and bogs ready to catch out any runner who loses their concentration distracted by the amazing scenery.

“Gradually increasing his lead throughout, Ricky finished in 58:54 breaking his own course record by 2 minutes and the only runner to break the hour. Next was Carl in 1:01:02 followed by Andrew Cannell (Midhurst Milers) in 1:05:45.

“In a similar fashion, Helen won the female race finishing 7th overall in 1:11:19 and breaking the course record by 7 minutes. Next was Christina Wiejak (Loughborough) competing in her first trail race in 1:17:12 followed closely by Jennie Guard (Leeds City AC) in 1:18:12.

“No one had expected such a warm day and most runners headed straight to the lake to cool off after finishing. Then it was off to Croft House Farm café who were providing some great post run refreshments. All except Ricky that is who went straight back out again and collected in all the course markers!

“A big thank you to the National Trust for use of their land, Croft Farm Cafe for parking & event sponsors Salomon for excellent event support and prizes.

Competitor Feedback:

“A big thanks to all organisers and marshals today – my first ever trail run and I LOVED IT! You’ve set a high bar!” Helen Fairlamb

“Just wanted to contact you to say thanks for a truly superb run yesterday. As well as beautiful weather and an incredibly scenic run, the organisation was excellent. Look forward to your future events” Chris Moran

“Thanks for another fantastic event held in undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the world!!! You even brought the weather with you!! The marshals were great too, so friendly and encouraging. Even the photographers were getting on board with rallying us on!!!! Loved it. I felt so privileged to be part of that, I’m still running on ‘feel good’ endorphins now!!!!!” Heidi Martin

“Buttermere 10 trail race, one of my favourite races so far and one of my best results to date” Tom Eagle

“Had a fantastic run today with my dog – he thoroughly enjoyed himself too and was quite happy to start playing in the lake straight after! Thank you!” Rowenna Darlington

“Please pass my thanks on to the marshals, who gave me some encouragement when I needed it. Stunning views on a really good course“. Peter Stockdale

“Thanks for the great course today. Really enjoyed myself. The weather was superb. Big thanks to the friendly marshals and photographers. Now, if you can do something about those bloomin’ rocks” Martin Stacy

“Super event today guys. Many thanks once again for a brilliant course, great weather and super marshals too“. Vicci Mousley

“I really enjoyed this fantastic event last Sunday. Many thanks to all involved. Very tempted by some of your triathlon events now!” Thomas Smith