Records Tumble in 2nd Lakeland Trails Marathon

News Release / 03.07.2012

Ben Abdelnoor (Ambleside AC) and Jo Zakrewski (Dumfries Running Club), both smashed last year's course records for the 2nd Lakeland Trails Marathon held in Coniston on Sunday 1st July.

The marathon course, rated by Runnersworld magazine as the most scenic trail marathon in the UK, takes in a complete off road circuit of Coniston Water, along with the beauty spots at Tarn Hows and Beacon Tarn. Despite the persistent heavy rain throughout the day, a record field of around 1000 runners took part in the event, with visitors from 18 different nationalities including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Japan, Ethiopia, South Africa, Dubai, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Holland and Ireland.

In the men's race, last year's winner Alex Brooks and runner up Gordy Smith, broke away from the start with Ben Abdelnoor in close pursuit. Just after half way, Ben made his move and destroyed the previous course record by 8 minutes, setting an amazing 2hrs 53mins and 50 seconds for the accurately measured marathon route. Runner up was Alex Brooks (For Goodness Shakes Nectar) in 3.08.03, with Chris Volley (Triathlon Club Scotland) making the podium in 3rd in 3.12.03.

Jo Zakrewski found the course to her liking, finishing a staggering 5th place overall and breaking the course record in 3hrs 21mins and 34 seconds. Sarah Ridehalgh (Accrington Road Runners) finished runner up in 3.27.44, with Megan Wright (Hunters Bog Trotters) making the podium in 3.40.47

The new Lakeland Trails Half Marathon, taking place later in the morning, and following the same first 18km as the marathon route, was won by local athlete Steve Brennan (Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers) in 1.25.31. Matthew Law (Charnwood AC) was runner up in 86.43 and James Gardner (Leeds) finished third in 87.26. Women's Half Marathon winner was Helen Sharpe (Fife AC) in 93.15, second place went to Angela Carpenter (Chichester Runners) in 96.38 and third place was Helen Woodley (Ulverston) in 99.14

The event was supporting the regional charities Coniston Moutain Rescue, Bay Search & Rescue and Fix The Fells. Many of the competitors were raising money for charity, with some of these runners dressed up as a penguin, Minnie Mouse and a fairy.

The event partners and sponsors included lifestyle brand PUMA, hydration partner NUUN, the National Trust, Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park Authority, R and R Photos, Fuelbelt, Trailrunning.co.uk, Sleepmonsters.com, VO2 Max Events, Coniston Mountain Rescue and Bay Search & Rescue.