Saturday 1st August 2026
Colin Osborne
This Lake District fell race is a classic with a great history, and one I’ve always fancied doing, although my experiences of long Lakeland races have been mixed to say the least. Simon Rutherford was up for it too, so we decided on a weekend in the Lakes with Claire Macht and Simon’s parents supporting.
The race starts in beautiful Borrowdale. The sky was overcast, the air cool, and the sun didn’t really come out until later. Thankfully the tops were clear, the streams were full and it was a perfect day for fell running. Richard Nicholson and his daughter Daisy stopped by to wish us luck and we got started.
After heading out on easy tracks through the valley, we climbed straight up the side of Bessyboot. Following tradition, fell running legend and course record holder Billy Bland was supporting at the fell gate, and the serious business was underway. After summiting Bessyboot, we skirted the tops of Rosthwaite Fell and Glaramara, before dropping into Esk Hause ready for the main dish of the day, Scafell Pike.
The climb was rough but straightforward and the fun really started on the descent, plunging onto a steep scree slope. I managed to bruise and cut my ankles but didn’t roll any rocks onto the runners below, which was just as well. Then it was straight into an exhilarating descent of the Corridor Route to Styhead Pass, and then hands on knees up the side of Great Gable. More running took us around the tops of Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knotts into Honister Pass, where it was great to see our supporters, and we were onto the final section.
Dalehead felt like a big climb after that lot, and the route off the top was super steep the way I went (a suboptimal line perhaps?). However, the run off through the slate quarry and into the finish section felt brilliant after all that rough ground.
The race field was basking in sunshine and finishers were stretched out with their feet up, enjoying the moment. Fell running celebrities were everywhere you looked, but the atmosphere was wonderfully low key, in the way that fell races seem to manage. Tea was brewing in the Village Institute.
I enjoyed the race tremendously, having taken a cautious approach to pacing, slurped gels and drunk water throughout, and felt strong. Simon’s salt tablets kept cramp at bay (or maybe it was the pacing?), and I’m left wanting to try more ALs – maybe some more of the Lakeland Classics? Simon enjoyed it too, even though a sprained ankle had interrupted his race preparations.
As a special bonus, Simon noticed that Bessyboot is Wainwright’s top of Rosthwaite Fell, which makes it my 100th Wainwright. All in all a very satisfying end to a great day. It must be time for the pub!
