Saturday at Wasdale

 

What a stunning day in the Lakes yesterday at the Wasdale FR.  Albert was the only Horwich runners at the start, but sadly retired.   However there were a bunch of Bowland lads and lasses, along with a lone (?) Salford lady whom sadly I missed getting a picture of.  The reason for this being that said lady advised me that if I wished to use the facilities on the campsite I needed to rush across before they closed for cleaning!  So sorry TF, but looking forward to the race report. 

Mark Sammon and his mate Chris Green were up for the weekend and Mark and I joined forces for a trot round some of the high spots from a spectator’s view that is.  Our route taking us over Black Sail Pass following the race route to Beck Head, up and over Great Gable and down to Sty Head on the route, before taking the corridor route to rejoin the runners down the nose of Lingmell this gave us just under ten miles and just over 4,248 ft climbed.

More action shots on FSS’s blog here.

Spectator’s route!

It’s those last minute adjustments that make all the difference before the race

 

Bill and Chris.  We would see them both again, not looking quite so fresh.  We came across Bill reeling in agony amongst the rocks below Beck Head  suffering from severe cramp, we stopped to respond to his agonised cries for - of all things …..  DIORALYTE…..  and believe it or not Mark had a couple of sachets about his person.   Best thing apparently for rehydration and preventing (if taken soon enough) muscle cramps.  A quick and vigorous calf massage and Bill was on his way.  Our good deeds of the day!

RO Rhys Findlay-Robinson who heroically stepped in to save this year’s race when the original organiser found himself unable to continue.

READY

STEADY

GO

… and they’re off

Water stop on way from Black Sail Pass to Beck Head

Click for larger version above, to see the  runners making their way up Gable, and below the big picture with the summit – both from Beck Head

The clouds breaking up to reveal the view across to the Langdales from the summit of Great Gable

From Sty Head looking down to Wasdale Head

FSS leading a small group out of Sty Head to tackle Scafell et al.  Mark and I took the corridor route and then re-joined the race route with perfect timing to catch them again as they came down to the last descent to the race field.

Here he is - FSS on the last descent – concentrate now, remember what your wife said about not falling over a week before our trek in the Turkish mountains

Here comes Chris

Bill looking a whole lot happier than the last time we saw him

The Scafells and Mickledore from Lingmell – and below.  Now in the sunshine, a bit late for the runners earlier.

My excellent companion for the day Mr Mark Sammon

Looking back at Ling Mell with some runners still descending

See you all after the Turkish mountains and hopefully a successful ascent of the big one – Mt Arrarat, no doubt there will be souvenirs from the Ark available in the bazaars!

NLN