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Image courtesy James Kirby

Windermere Marathon Celebrates Biggest Numbers To Date

Close to 1,000 were treated to one of the UK’s most scenic 26.2 mile events, the ASICS Windermere Marathon. Sunday’s (20 May) race also marked the final stage of the gruelling 10in10, with all 20 (the highest number to take part) of the competitors who embarked on the challenge managing to complete it.

It was an emotional day, coming only four weeks since the death of Matt Campbell while running for Brathay in this year’s London Marathon. Like his dad Martin, Matt was a great friend and supporter of Brathay and was committed to helping vulnerable children and young people.

All runners on Sunday came together to run their own #MilesForMatt through junior races; a guided trail run; day 10 of the 10in10 and, of course, the marathon. Runners were also invited to remember Martin and Matt Campbell as they completed the final 3.7 miles of the marathon – the distance Matt had left to run in London.

The warm and bright conditions meant that the Lake District’s stunning scenery was allowed to shine through for the full day. Competitors tackled a course that passed through the picturesque village of Hawkshead, towards Newby Bridge at the southern end of Windermere.

Runners then headed back to Brathay Hall passing through cheering crowds in Bowness and Waterhead and the front lawn of Brathay Hall. First to cross the line was Neal Emmerson in 2:44 flat, an impressive time on such a tough course. Julian Goudge (2:47:31) and Michael Irving (2:47:37) battled it out in an exciting contest for second and third spots. In the women’s competition, Sally Ford claimed first in 3:18:10, with Kate Archer (3:19:33) and Claire Elliman (3:27:33) following.

Paul Brown was first runner home in the Brathay 10in10 in an impressive cumulative time of 35:04:14 (av. 3:30:25) with Liane Warren finishing as first woman in 43:29:50 (av. 4:20:59). This was the largest field of athletes for the 10in10 – 117 people have now completed the testing challenge and almost 30 enquiries have already been received for the 2019 staging.

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