Kind of a heads-up and a bit of background on the Montane Lakeland 100 and Lakeland 50 ultra-running events which take place this weekend 27-29 July, 2012, with the start point in Coniston.
At one level, if you're up in the Lakes and come across around 1,000 runners spread across the fells, now you know what's going on. And at another, you might like a quick insight into what goes on behind the scenes to make the event possible.
The runners themselves will have been training hard all year and right now will be fretting over clothing and equipment choices with reference to the weather forecast. They should be pretty much ready to go, but on the organisational side of things, it's just beginning.
There are no fewer than 150 people working behind the scenes with 60 at race HQ in Coniston and another 90 set to be manning the 14 checkpoints. There are two truckloads of food on order including £1,000 worth of Jelly Babies to feed the hungry ultra-runners and 5,000 liters of water for drinking and cooking as many of the checkpoints have no running water.
Buildings are used when possible, but where there are none, marquees and tents are used, plus portaloos, generators, hot water urns, gas cookers, petrol and cans are all needed along with satellite phones for communication. And at the end of it all, there are also race t-shirts, medals, roadbooks, maps and so on to arrange.
Last but very much not least, if you're a little put out by the prospect of runners all over the Lakes, bear in mind that the Montane Lakeland 100 and 50 cake is a charitable association with Fix
The Fells. “We want to help preserve the wonderful Lake District environment year round, not just for the race competitors. Last year we raised between £4,500 - £5,000 for Fix The Fells through the 2011 MONTANE® Lakeland 100 / 50. This year we are again supporting this worthy cause, but with a target of £10,000”, said race organiser, Marc Laithwaite.
More about Montane at www.montane.co.uk and more about the Lakeland 100 and 50 events at www.lakeland100.comwhere you can also track the competitors' live progress during the event.
