The biggest field ever in the nine year history of the Lakeland Trails event at Staveley, with over 1000 competitors of all ages, took part in the various running and walking events throughout the day. Over 90% of the visitors travelled from outside Cumbria, with over 30 from the London club West 4 Harriers, and overseas visitors from USA, Australia, France, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Ireland. 

 

Kookaburra All Stars samba drumming band got everyone pumping at the starts with their awesome samba drumming. Sweltering heat made conditions difficult for running, and the organiser's even added an extra climb, the infamous Sting in the Tail on top of Reston Scar just over a kilometre from the finish. Cowbells and high fives at the summit helped everyone working hard in the sweltering heat to earn their souvenir "survivor's" technical T shirts.

 

In the blue riband 17km Kentmere Trail Race, Chris Steele, from Borrowdale Fell Runners, smashed the course record, finishing in an incredible 69.25 and leading home a host of fellow GB International runners. Second place went to Ambleside AC's Ben Abdelnoor in 71.01, with James Smith, Leeds City AC in 3rd in 72.11. In the women's race, GB International Jo Buckley from Calder Valley Fell Runners, won in another course record of 83.21, with Rebecca Sheffield from Windermere finishing runner up in 86.40 and London's Emily Loughnan making the podium in 3rd in 88.10

 

The new KentmereTrail Run 10km was won by local Kendal runner, Will Smith, from Helm Hill Runners in 35.33 and Sarah Ridehalgh, from Accrington Road Runners scooped the first lady's trophy in 39.55.

 

Oldest competitor was 79 year old Malcolm Ball from Norfolk, who won the men's veteran 70 award in the 17km race. Kendal auctioneer Kev Kendall, was the only runner to complete BOTH the 10km event in the morning and the 17km event in the afternoon. Charity runner Paul Harland, ran the race dressed as Minnie Mouse, raising money for the Run For Ben Foundation.