"It's GRRRRRREAT x3"

The Great Lakeland 3Day 2015 Ravenglass

The Great Lakeland 3Day(GL3D) has become my Big event of the year. Big, not only because it is at least a day longer than anything else I have done, but big because it has become my favourite event of the year. 

 Traditionally, UK mountain marathons(mms) are, two day fell races, with challenging navigation and an overnight camp. There is an emphasis on self sufficiency and all the kit needed for the two days, tent, food etc, has to be carried. The routes take competitors off piste and over 'interesting' terrain. Interesting as in, all the stuff you would avoid on a normal day out, plus lots of ascent, descent and probably my least favourite, contouring.

 The GL3D do their mountain marathons differently and not just by adding an extra day. 

Quoting Race organiser, Shane Ohly "The planning brief is to design journeys through the mountains that are following classic and natural lines including long ridges, valley trails and a mix of iconic and rarely visited mountain summits."

The GL3D team really do go the extra mile. Even the night before the race Food, beer, and free camping were available. There was also a screening of a couple of running films.

 Overnight camps are also very different. Sociable and fun, are not words usually associated with mountain marathon camping, but again the GL3D team were the perfect hosts
A large marquee, cheerful marshalls, hot water, cake, a raffle, with a chance to win prizes provided by event sponsor Lowe Alpine and beer. All go to make the camps enjoyable.

Day 2 overnight campsite.
Enjoying beer, cake and Sunshine 

Not for long though, clouds rolling in

As this blog is already running late, I shall tell the rest of the story with photos and captions. Yes, I know it is a cop out but trust me, with my lack of writing skills, it is much quicker.

Day 1

B-Course 27.8 km 1,657m ascent

Starting from- Eskdale> Wasdale Head>  Pillar> Black Sail Pass> Honister Pass> Finish- Little Town.

Go!

Heading for Wasdale

Pillar

Still going up Pillar

Nearly there.

Damp camp

Day 2

B-Course 29.8 km 2,224m ascent (a bit less, Bad weather course used)

Start- Little Town> Bottom of Cat Bells> High Spy> Pike of Blisco> Finish- Little Langdale 

Still Damp

Day 3

B-Course 29.0 km 2,224m ascent

Start- Little Langdale> Weatherlam> Swirl How> Dunnerdale Forrest> Dalegarth Hall> Eskdale Green> Hooker Crag. Finish- Ravenglass.

Good to see you again.
Thanks for the tow and the company.

A big thank you to Ourea Events, the marshals, competitors and all who helped make it happen.