Race report: Brathay Windermere Marathon - May 22, 2011

World records smashed at 5th Brathay Trust Windermere 10 in 10 & Marathon

The rain subsided and the clouds parted as the intrepid Brathay Trust 10 in 10 competitors (10 marathons on 10 consecutive days) prepared for their final lap of Lake Windermere yesterday. The crowds gathered around the starting line gave the 13 runners a tumultuous reception before cheering them off, at 9.30am, ahead of the start of the Brathay Trust Windermere Marathon.

An hour later the shotgun rang out to set the marathon runners on their way around arguably the most scenic and challenging marathon course in Europe.

And what a day it turned out to be. From over 1,000 registrations 685 runners made it onto the course. Some were happy just to complete the run whilst others simply flew around England’s biggest lake on a mission to smash records.

One such man, Stephen Littler of Wesham Road Runners near Preston, led the race from the start and soon disappeared from view as he proceeded to run the 26.2 mile course in an astonishing 02:32:08, a full minute and a half faster than the previous record.

Photo: Stephen Littler crosses the line in 02:32:08 to win the Brathay Trust Windermere Marathon

Nicola Shaw was the first female to cross the line with an impressive time of 03:11:53.

A total of 678 runners completed the run, each welcomed across the line by the enthusiastic crowds gathered at Brathay Hall. Over 1,500 spectators clapped, cheered, whistled and willed the runners past the post.

But the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for 73 year old John Dawson, from Lichfield in Staffordshire, who became the oldest man in the world to complete 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days.

It had been a tough final two days for the erstwhile 'greasy spoon’ regular who had only started running, after suffering a heart-attack, at the age of 52. (Read more about John Dawson here)

Photo: An emotional John Dawson crosses the line and is presented with his Brathay Trust 10 in 10 medal

John said: “It’s been painful at times over the last two days but I couldn’t bear to think of failing having come so close. I’m proud of what I have achieved and hopefully it will inspire other, more mature, people to get out and run, or just to become more active.”

The Brathay Trust Windermere 10 in 10 and Marathon continues to raise much needed funds for Brathay Trust, the national charity based in Ambleside that inspires young people to become successful, confident and responsible citizens, and helps them to fulfil their potential.

It’s hoped that this year’s marathon will raise over £60,000 for the charity.

Men's Brathay Marathon results

Women's Brathay Marathon results

Brathay 10in10 accumulative results (including times for the Brathay Marathon)

For more information go to www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk