Sunday 11th September saw 400 hundred runners line up at the much anticipated Ambleside Trail 25 & 50k Event in Rothay Park, Ambleside.

The Climbers Shop are very proud to sponsor this, our third fundraising event for the Brathay Trust with a move from the 60k delivered in 2019 and 2020 to a new 25k and 50k format allowing more runners to enjoy a fantastic day out in some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer.

To commemorate and reflect on what has been a sad and difficult week for the nation, a minutes silence was held to reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Once the spontaneous applause had died down 200 runners set off on the 50k route in dry calm conditions at 8:30am.

Rothay Park quickly filled up again as 200 eager runners for the 25k route lined up ready for their challenge at 10:30am - a great mix of racing snakes and first time trail runners. Many took up the freebies on offer from Voom Nutrition but apparently the Pimms and Jam Tart option on The Friends of Ambleside School was a typo left over from a previous event. Happily they did a roaring trade on their stall with tea’s, coffee’s and seriously good bacon and sausage rolls; the hardcore consuming theirs at the start line!

Out on the course the fantastic crew from the Ambleside Salutation Hotel hosted checkpoint one with their now legendary Cumbrian Breakfast…..

Marshalls and volunteers and families enjoying picnics in the lovely weather cheered runners around the stunning scenery, trails and hills and it wasn’t long to wait before the 25k lead runners screamed back into Rothay Park. Congratulations to Richard Wilson (02hr8) and Betty Bergstrand (02hr24) - first man and first woman back in the 25K. Betty ran a scorching race placing third overall.

Winners received a bottle of special Brathay XPA brewed by Hawkshead Brewery along with their medal which doubles as a bottle opener.

“Huge thanks to all the Marshalls, volunteers etc that made this event such a fantastic experience. I ran (er stumbled through) the 25k and although it was really tough going (that climb after the last aid station oooch 🤣) I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to chat to a few other 25k’ers along the route and nice that many of the fast 50k’ers that passed me, gave me encouragement and checked I was okay (I must’ve looked how I felt 😁). All in all an awesome event, thank you.”

— T Reid

“That was my first Brathay event yesterday and I loved it! It was brilliantly run from start to finish,”

— N Hayes

As the 25k runners came over the line full of praise for the flagging, marshalls, volunteers and route our first 50k runners came across the finish to a great welcome from the spectators in Rothay Park and, of course, race compere Wayne Singleton. Congratulations to Tim Hartley (04:54:04) and Angela Tarlton (06:22:06) first man and woman in the Ambleside 50K.

Both won the coveted Ambleside Trail 50k trophy made from the oak of a felled tree on the Brathay estate and with a commemorative plate showing the race ascent made by local artisan Miles Moore Ceramics.

Our Ambleside Manager Chris Worton ran his perfect race, crossing the line just 7 minutes after his planned arrival and was passed his medal and beer by “The Boss”; The Climbers Shop and Joe Browns Director Cathy Casey.

Congratulations to all runners who crossed the line, our overall winners and those who won VET categories. A special mention for those who crossed the line last in both races who got a bonus prize - one of whom came into the shop in the morning, brought a brand new pair of La Sportiva Jackals and completed 25k without a single blister!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers and marshalls who gave up their time and worked alongside Brathay to deliver another brilliant event; from planning to registration right through to the post race veggy pasta dinner that really hit the spot!

Thank you!