Haglofs KMF 10k Trail Run
On The Trail at the Kendal Festival
News Release (Open Adventure) / 21.11.2013
In the midst of what has been described as "the main social event for outdoor enthusiasts" Open Adventure hosted a 10k trail run at the Kendal Mountain Festival.
Perhaps surprisingly after our wet Lakeland autumn (and the snow forecast), the day was cool but clear & dry - with the odd hint of sunshine.
Two hundred and fifty four runners lined up on the start line, unusually a balanced mix of male & female, with 144 men and 110 women - and they all finished, including the stretcher bearers from Kendal Mountain Rescue, Kathryn Jackson & Martinka Pyne. Martinka said "The course was well set, a mixture of trail/grass/road, a bit for everyone. Thanks to all supporters/marshals - they were at the right spots, always smiling and clapping. It was a little challenging to carry a stretcher around the course, but we really enjoyed being out there."
Leaving the town centre they were quickly warmed up by running up Beast Banks - featured in the Tour of Britain earlier this year - before leaving the road and heading up to Scout Scar and then to Cunswick Fell, before a gentle descent back towards the town, and across the cobbles when people had gained speed... "Challenging course with a mix of terrain, but can anyone tell me how to run on cobbles?" was one comment. David Beech, 4th male finisher, commented "I felt I experienced all the different styles of running, a true trail race."
The variety of scenery and terrain - a natural obstacle course - appealed to seasoned runners and novices, and there were a few first timers, who clearly will keep running, judging by the smiles at the finish line.
Competition was tight, with first finisher being Martin Cox of Ambleside AC, in 39:37 (also first Vet40), followed by John French 6 seconds later (39:43) & Adam Osbourne 5 seconds after that (39:48).
First woman was Annie Conway in 46:19, followed closely by Helen Leigh in 46:39, and then Ali Richards of Helm Hill, in 47:27.
All runners were home within 90 minutes, to a warm welcome from shoppers & festival goers who had stopped in Kendal Town Centre to cheer them in. The town centre start and finish went down well; "it added an awesome atmosphere and encouragement" said Faye Johnson.
Prizes from Haglofs were awarded to 1st, 2nd & 3rd in male & female categories, and to the first veterans - including one gentleman in the 70+ category.
We hope to run a trail run at the festival next year, details will be revealed in our newsletter (sign up at openadventure.com) and through the festival (mountainfest.co.uk).
Full results on www.openadventure.com/results.php
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