From James Dobbing…
Based in Glenridding, this event offers a choice of three distances, a 10-mile race covering half the Ullswater Way (Pooley Bridge back to Glenridding), a 20-mile option (the full loop of the lake) and new this year a 33.5 mile ultra (full loop of the lake plus extra loops out towards both Lowther and Dalemain). I opted for the ultra.
It’s a very scenic route with decent weather on the day (other than the torrential downpour which welcomed most entrants to registration).
The route is undulating with around 4500ft of accent, culminating in the biggest climb after about 28 miles – over the summit of Gowbarrow Fell (not a big fell but using the perfectly acceptable path that goes around it would be more friendly – at least it was a fun descent!).
I finished 22nd (204 started), and ahead of my pre-race target time – overall a great day out.