Tasty Start for Lakeland Trails
Press Release / 28.03.2011
A huge field of almost 1300 competitors will take to the first 2011 Lakeland Trails at Cartmel Racecourse next Saturday, 2nd April, nearly double the number that took part last year.International visitors from the United States, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Ireland, along with people from all over the UK, will be making their way to the picturesque Cartmel village, home of the Sticky Toffee Pudding. This sweet treat is included in the finisher's goody bags, but first everyone must complete what has been described as a "Beauty and Beast" of a course.
Setting off from the Cartmel Racecourse grandstand, the courses head along bridleways into open countryside, covering terrain which includes knee deep mud and a river crossing.
There are three main events during the day, with the 10km Sticky Toffee Trail Run starting at 11 o'clock. Sub 4 minute miler and GB International 800m runner, Neil Speaight, from Belgrave Harriers, who represented England in the Commonwealth Games, looks likely to be the bookies favourite for the men's 10K title, with GB International Triathlete, Vicky Graves, from York City AC favourite for the women's 10K title.
Fitness Walkers, charity and fun runners set off at 1 o'clock on the 18km Cartmel Challenge, with the blue riband event, the 18km Cartmel Trail Race setting off at 2 o'clock, following exactly the same course. A three horse race is expected from last year's winner, Scotland's Marcus Scotney (Dumfries Running Club), taking on the course record holder and 2009 winner Nick Leigh (Altrincham & District AC), along with GB Mountain Running International, Gareth Raven (Sale Harriers).
In the women's 18K race, local athlete World Cross and Mountain Running medallist Sarah Tunstall (Kendal AC), looks a likely favourite as she returns from injury, but GB Internationals Lizzie Adams (Hallamshire Harriers, Sheffield), and Melanie Hyder (Helm Hill Runners) will give her a race.
The oldest competitor is Malcolm Bell (race number 1021), from North Norfolk, who celebrates his 78th birthday on 10th April
Milnthorpe Steel Band will be performing live throughout the day, there are children's entertainments, bouncy castles, face painting, fun runs; retail and trade stands, food stalls, PA commentary and a great atmosphere. Singer/songwriter Pete Lashley will be performing his new song "Lakeland Trails" at the prize giving, and Chief Executive of the LDNPA, Richard Leafe, will be taking part in the 18km race, and helping present the prizes afterwards.
The event will bring a huge economic boost to the region, expected to be in the region of £250K. Official charity partners for the event include Cancer Care, North West Air Ambulance, and King George V Allithwaite School Playing Field Committee.
The event is being sponsored by lifestyle brand PUMA, Pete Bland Sports, R and R Photos, Trailrunning.co.uk and Sleepmonsters.com.
For more details on Lakeland Trails events see <a href="#" onClick="javascript:newsitewindow('http://www.lakelandtrails.org')" class="main">www.lakelandtrails.org</a>.
