Montane Lakeland 50 + 100
The Montane Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is a spectacular long distance circular race encompassing the whole of the Lakeland fells. The route includes somewhere in the region of 6300m of ascent and consists almost entirely of public bridleways and footpaths. The route starts in Coniston and heads South before completing a clockwise loop which takes in the Dunnerdale fells, Eskdale, Wasdale and Buttermere before arriving in Keswick. From here the route heads to Matterdale and continues over to Haweswater before returning via Kentmere, Ambleside and Elterwater to the finish at Coniston.
The Montane Lakeland 50 is run over the second half of the Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District', completing the final 50 miles of the 100 course. The Lakeland 50 is no easy option as there's almost 3000m of ascent to deal with. The route starts from the Northern end of Ullswater within the grand Dalemain Estate before following the Eastern shore line as far as Howtown. A quick climb and descent followed by a trek along the banks of Haweswater sees you at Mardale Head. The route from here visits Long Sleddale, Kentmere, Ambleside, Langdale and Tilberthwaite before the final climb and descent to the finish at Coniston. It is a truly amazing route and you will visit places that you never knew existed, places which are ignored by the masses.
Both events require competitors to be experienced ultra distance runners with excellent navigation skills. Before considering an entry, consider the preparation, consider the hours and consider what it takes to complete either the Lakeland 50 or 100. If it was easy, it wouldn't be an achievement, but 'easy' and 'achievement' are rarely part of the same sentence.
Details of the Montane Lakeland events can be found at: https:/lakeland100.com/thelakeland50100/
