1st Lakeland Trails Marathon Sell Out

Press Release / 27.06.2011

Just over 1000 competitors from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, USA, Japan, Dubai, Ethiopia, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium and Ireland will be running in the very first Lakeland Trails Marathon, starting and finishing in Coniston on Sunday 3rd July. The course is described as "the most picturesque marathon in the UK" and, being the first off road marathon in the Lake District, has captured the imagination of many. Taking in a complete circuit of Coniston Water, including the beauty spots of Tarn Hows and Beacon Tarn, the off road course is an accurate 42.2km marathon distance.

Over £100, 000 is expected to be raised for various charities from the event, and some of the remarkable charity marathon runners include :

Noel Bresland - one of the charity stars from the London Marathon, Noel is aiming to complete his 223 marathon challenge - one for every day of his son Ethan's life, for the charities Bliss and Children with Leukaemia. The Lakeland Trails Marathon will be his 31st marathon and he has so far raised an amazing £65, 000 - see www.223challenge.com

Rik Vercoe - wearing race number 18, Rik is running his 18th marathon in 18 days in aid of the Elizabeth Foundation Charity, supporting infants and pre school children with hearing loss. It is the charity's 30th birthday, and to mark the occasion, Rik is aiming to complete 30 marathons in 30 weeks. He is almost half way to his target of £5000, having so far raised £2430 ! To sponsor Rik go to : www.justgiving.com/30Marathons

Lee Richards - aiming to raise at least £4000 for Wakefield Hospice, in memory of his best pal's mum, who lost her long fight with cancer in 2006. Lee was working in Australia at the time and could not return for the funeral. As a big thank you for the care and support of Wakefield Hospice, Lee is aiming to raise as much money as possible by running the Lakeland Trails Marathon as part of his 15 challenges with 1500 miles. To sponsor Lee go to www.justgiving.com/2011thechallenge

The event is also supporting Official Charity Partners Cancer Care, North West Air Ambulance, Fix The Fells, Coniston Mountain Rescue and Bay Rescue.

A family friendly festival atmosphere is guaranteed at the finish venue of John Ruskin School in Coniston, with delicious local food stalls, children's entertainments including face painting, bouncy castle, climbing wall and fun runs (start 3pm); retail and trade stands, PA commentary with MC, bar and live music from singer / songwriter Pete Lashley. See the event website www.lakelandtrails.org for full details

The event partners include the National Trust, Forestry Commission, LDNPA, PUMA, High 5, R and R Photos, Pete Bland Sports, Trailrunning.co.uk and Sleepmonsters.com