Great Langdale, as one of the hilliest road marathons in the UK, sees Rod Berry honoured as the starter
Rod has been appointed patron by the Ambleside based youth charity, Brathay Trust, in recognition of his role as founder of the Great Langdale Road Races.
Over 600 people entered to run the Langdale Marathon and Half Marathon with marathon runners tackling two laps of the undulating route with gradients of 1:3 in places.
Starting from the Sticklebarn in Great Langdale runners followed an anti-clockwise direction via Little Langdale and through to Skelwith Bridge, Chapel Stile and Dungeon Ghyll.
Results from Saturday’s race saw Michael Sprot (handicap 0.8) from Hallamshire Harriers cross the line first with a time of 3:07:32. This means the course record of 2:41:55, set by Steve Littler (handicap -1.0) of Wesham Road Runners in 2010, still stands.
In the Half Marathon, first back was Simon Sampson with a time of 1:25:46 (handicap 2.5). Prolific master racer, Paul Muller (handicap 1.9), finished third in 1:30:06.
Scott Umpleby, Brathay’s Head of Fundraising, said: “It’s a great privilege to take over the organisation of the very popular Langdale Road Races. It’s also a great opportunity for us to use our experience of other challenge events, including the ASICS Windermere Marathon.
“Despite the difficult weather conditions everyone enjoyed the stunning scenery and the support they got from marshals, volunteers, spectators and the local community.
“The event would not be possible without our sponsors too.
“The Langdale Road Races are very much a community event. Langdale C.E. Primary School sold tea, coffee and cakes as a fundraiser. And we will have raised about £2,000 to support our work with young people in Cumbria.
“There are still places available in the Christmas Pudding 10k run from Sticklebarn to Elterwater. It’s a great excuse to run in festive fancy dress with the prize of a Christmas pudding for all those who cross the line” added Scott.
Anyone interested in finding out more or signing up should visit https://www.brathaychallenges.