The ASICS Windermere Marathon will go ahead on Sunday 23 May and with places limited to 800, runners are advised to enter now to ensure their place. This event is subject to UK government and Run Britain guidelines but there is still plenty to look forward, notably the stunning views of the Lake District.

It’s the 14th Windermere Marathon but not as we know it as organisers Brathay Challenges have put measures in place in accordance with Boris’s road map out of lockdown. This includes social distancing. 

What hasn’t changed is the ‘undulating’ course that goes in an anti-clockwise direction on good roads around Lake Windermere. Runners head off from Brathay Hall and towards the picturesque Hawkshead village at the 4 mile point. Their climbing legs are needed at 7 miles when they hit the longest hill in the race known as ‘The Devil’s Gallop’ . That section might be more of a grind than a gallop as it goes up for over half a mile but there is some respite in the form of a downhill section. 

The field reaches Newby Bridge at almost half way then continues up the east side of the lake towards Bowness-on-Windermere, a popular destination. Then on to Low Wood Bay and the end almost in sight as runners complete the last two miles before the dash across the finish line at Brathay Hall.  

If the weather is fine and dry, the location is hard to beat and just what is needed after being stuck indoors during the pandemic.  

The organisers will post further event updates as and where necessary on their website and social media. 

Enter the ASICS Windermere Marathon at the Brathay Challenges website.  

Image courtesy of Vicki Hulme