Race: The Montane Lakeland 100
Runner: TRR Coach David Taylor
Race Date: 07/26/2024
Location: Coniston, Lake District, United Kingdom
Result: 36 hours and 49 minutes; 259th place out of 750 starters
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Atmosphere – It is like a festival from the campsite to the actual course. There are over 2000 runners out on the course when the 50-mile race starts on Saturday morning. The aid stations are epic, run by organizations that are local to the race and each have their own themes. The race also has an overall theme each year – this year was Top Gun and people really went to town with it!
- Scenery – Getting to run in such a stunning part of the country was a huge highlight.
- Difficulty – I was looking for something to be able to push my limits and this was that event. A 40+% DNF rate tells you the story!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
1. The 6 pm start time felt a little weird, which might just be me never before having started used a race at that time.
2. I knew this was going to be the case. but there are huge sections of the course that aren’t runnable, either because of rocks or bogs, or because you are stuck in a single file line (see above image). This meant that even when I had the energy to move up and go faster, I wasn’t able to. I suppose the challenging terrain is also part of the attraction, as well as being able to negotiate with my mind when things get tough.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The 100-mile event started at 6 pm on Friday night, which is weird enough in itself, but then 50-mile race started at 11:30 am on Saturday morning. This resulted in a slightly strange concoction of haggard 100-mile competitors and (slightly) more fresh-faced 50-mile runners on the course together.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
1. My fueling and hydration strategies seemed to work well. Early on I managed to identify and overcome a bit of dehydration, and the slower pace of the race meant that I was able to take food in and have it settle pretty well. In the final five miles I was able to overtake a lot of people, seeming to get a second wind at the 100-mile point. I think is due to my good nutrition throughout, although not something that I think I can test very often.
2. The friends you make on the course is always a highlight. During the Lakeland 100 there were some long, remote stretches, yet you always found someone at your pace that you can talk with, talk to or just listen.
3. Satisfaction from knowing the months of training have all led to this, to completing one of the UK’s toughest ultramarathons.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
1. Don’t skip the training, this event will find you out!
2. Avoid spending too long at the aid stations. The aid stations during this race are fantastic, and that just increases the temptation to stay for longer.
3. Get used to climbing with poles because a lot of this race (~70%) will be walking uphill with poles, so unless you are elite uphill runner, this is a crucial area to work on and get comfortable with ahead of race day.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
1. My fueling plan worked well for a race at this pace. I will continue to use the same strategy in future similar races.
2. I need to continue to practice using poles on long uphills. My shoulders were in bits at the end or the race likely due to a lack of conditioning.
3. Maintaining a strong mindset that doesn’t focus on trying to hit a certain goal time. There are so many factors outside your control that effect how fast or slow you’ll run, including weather and race conditions: instead, just do your best on the day.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
1. Checking the course out on the recce days is a huge help. I found that the bits that had recce’d felt just a little bit easier as I was able to mentally work out where I was, even in the dark.
2. Be aware, the Lake District weather can be VERY changeable. It can go from being very warm to very cold and rainy in the space of minutes.
3. The kit list is fairly extensive. Practice packing and running with the required race kit that you intend to use in the months and weeks prior to the race.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The Lakeland 100 course is stunning, traversing through one of the most picturesque areas in the UK. During the race, you wind your way through several valleys, mountain passes and lakes. The only downside is that you will miss some of it as you will be running through at least one, but more likely two, nights. What you are rewarded with though is, cloud permitting, an amazing view of the night sky and the breathtaking sight of hundreds of head torches weaving their way along the course. It’s times like these that you simply have to take a moment and let the beauty sink in.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
In one word, yes, very! The terrain is pretty brutal from bogs to rocky paths. Although I am sure some of the elites were able to, I didn’t find a lot of the course that runnable at all. The course itself is actually 105 miles long and takes in over 21,000 feet of ascent.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Unbelievable organization: from the pre-race briefings and email series leading up to the event, to the very supportive Facebook group, 10/10!
The organization at the event is like a military machine: everyone knows their jobs and the administrative (and more boring tasks) are done efficiently and with a smile. This was the 17th running of the Lakeland 100 and it’s clear to see why with how professionally it’s run.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes – some of the best ultra runners in the country take part in this event.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
There is a ballot entry to the race that opens up for 48 hours at the beginning of September. The race is committed to hitting an even gender split among participants (which they achieved in the 50-mile race this year) so if you are a female with a qualifying race then you have a good chance of entry into the 100-mile race.
Once you are in the race, then it’s just a case of getting accommodation booked. Included in your entry is access to a campsite from 9 am on Friday morning till Sunday afternoon, although if you’re not a local or not planning on camping, you should probably look to book an extra night somewhere nearby as you will be pretty tired post race. There are plenty of other accommodations in the Lake District close by if camping isn’t your thing. We made the most of our trip to the Lake District and booked a holiday there the week of the race.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
The aid stations are a particular highlight of this course. Various clubs and groups ‘own’ an aid station and many have their own themes. This year it ranged from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts to Christmas, France to Jurassic Park and more!
There are 14 checkpoints along the route that are each stocked well with medical aid. Additionally, you have access to a drop bag at the 59 mile checkpoint.
The ‘menus’ at each of the aid stations are communicated in advance as part of the build up email series. I encourage you to take a look at this. (This is by far the best pre-race aid station information I’ve ever seen- other race directors take note!)
Weather and typical race conditions
Highly variable, hence the extensive kit list. There is usually rain at some point, which makes it quite boggy underfoot and your feet might be wet for large portions of the race, but then again it can also be very warm. The race taking place in the Lake District also means you might get all of the weather over the course of the weekend: be prepared for anything and everything!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
The kit list is fairly typical for a European event as long and difficult as this race is. Some might think it is too much -especially if you’re used to US races with minimal, if any, required gear- but with stories of people being injured on the fells and the wild weather it is not to be taken lightly.
There is a thorough kit check before the race starts. The full kit list can be found here.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
At some point yes, but not at many others. There are clear instructions about where your family and friends can come and support you and where they can’t. There is no outside assistance allowed, so family and friends can’t bring you anything out on the route, and if they do then it can result in disqualification. (Hugs are allowed though!)
How’s the Swag?
Ace! Finishers get a t-shirt and medal, along with a buff, stickers, dog tags (based around this years ‘Top Gun’ theme).
People that have completed the Lakeland 500 five times are welcomed into the 500 Legends club and awarded with a special 500 legends slate trophy. (After 17 years of the race there are still less than 100 Lakeland 500 Legends!)
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5! It’s a super tough race that is very popular because of the challenging course, fun themes and aid stations, and impeccable race organization. But be warned not to underestimate its difficulty- there’s a 50% drop out rate! If you have a qualifying race and you are up for the challenge, then this is one of those bucket list type of events that everyone capable should do!
David also reviewed his run at the Lakeland 100 on his West Coast Ultra Podcast which you can check out here.
Scotland running coach David Taylor specializes in trails and ultras for both beginner and intermediate runners, whether you’re just bumping up in distance or looking to improve your next trail race, David includes it all – training, nutrition, hydration, gear, etc, creating bespoke coaching for the mind and body to achieve your ultra dreams, working alongside your busy personal life.
Curious about getting into trail running? Check out “Trail Running for Road Runners: A Beginner’s Guide“.