Five Down Five to Go

18 MAY2011

13 runners of extraordinary courage and endurance have reached half way in the Brathay Windermere 10 in 10, the event that requires runners to complete 10 marathons in 10 days over a tough Lakelands course. The weather hasn't been kind to the 'bakers dozen' and there has been heavy rain throughout. However buoyed by ice baths, 'heavy duty' massage and lots of mutual support, the group, which includes 73 year old John Dawson has now completed 50% of its task.

Londoner Andy Nice got off to a bright start on day 1 - Friday the 13th - finishing in 3:14 minutes and making light of the challenging Windermere course. Post-race Andy expressed disappointment at his performance and blamed a recent cold however as the challenge has progressed he has settled into a more sustainable 3:40 average time and built up a lead of around 1 hour over John Errington (Bracknell Forest Runners).

Malc Collins (Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners) had a good day yesterday and is challenging for overall second place. Vanessa Buckle (Pickering Running Club), Penny Moreton (Hoad Hill Harriers), Amanda Heslegrave (Dagenham 88 Runners) and Elizabeth Tunna (Ellesmere Port Runners Club) have provided a solid female presence in the event.

Mark Lynock summed up the spirit of this year's event: "This challenge is so tough that at least one starter has dropped out in previous years, but each time a runner crosses the finish line you can here someone mumble '13 out, 13 back'. No one has actually stood up and made a speech (yet!) but the idea and the pride is growing, it is becoming important to them all that everyone finishes."

Stirring stuff!

The 10 in 10, organised by Brathay Trust, the Ambleside-based national charity that inspires young people to become successful, confident and responsible citizens, looks set to raise thousands of pounds for good causes this year. You can find out more about the event and how to support the runners at the BrathayWindermere marathon website.