Grasmere Gallop 10K Trail Race

Race no. 67

Heading back to Grasmere

Starting to tire in the heat. The chap behind catches me on last climb!

 

 

 

I just love Grasmere in the Lake District. A tourist hot spot, yes, but within a few minutes walk, or run, from the village centre you are in true Cumberland countryside. That is certainly true of the route for The Grasmere Gallop, whether you choose the Nordic Walk, 5k trail run, 10K or 17K as over 800 people found out on Sturday 4 June 2016.

It was the 10K Trail Race for me as I followed up a tough Vindolanda 10K in midweek with a trip to Grasmere on the Saturday. Travelling from a cool North East to a very warm Lake District I wasn't as pleased at the 25c temperature as were those tourists.

Setting off in brilliant sunshine it was a hard climb up the road section , before turning onto the woodland path which keeps climbing ever upwards. Suddenly, we were onto an undulating stoney path looking down onto Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water. All too soon, the 10K route back to Grasmere was indicated by markers pointing down to the lake and I branched off to the right leaving the braver 17K runners to continue on towards Ambleside ( my choice next year).

Another couple of  steep climbs reminded me that I still had Vindolanda in my legs, before we dropped down to the lake itself (pictured above). A nice, flat stretch followed along the lake shore , but the climb back to the road found my 'tank' on empty giving my pursuer, John Ward, Abbey Runners, the chance to get past.

Back onto the road section,it was all downhill into Grasmere, but try as I might, I could not pull in John Ward as I chased him all the way to the line.

Crossing the line in 50.35 I was 'blown' and for the first time ever was asked if I needed to sit down. "No", I replied, before pouring water over my head and looking for a seat. I sat, had lots to drink and recovered.

Last year I had finished first V60 in 50.12, this year I was second, some 23 seconds slower, that will do for me.

I was Tynedale Harrier's only male runner, the ladies however, were well represented, both in the 10K and the 17K, brave souls. Here are our results:

10K Trail Race
41st    Peter Graham      50.35 2nd V65
146     Hilary Graham    62.44  2nd V60
299     Judith Skedge      79.34
344     Joy Ryall              95.28

17K Trail Race
89th    Nicky Jeffrey              1.47.09
104     Bridgettt Broadhurst   1.52.38
125     Kim Firstbrook           1.57.49
134     Lucia Ellman              2.00.04
169     Liz Foster                    2.12.34