Entries are now open for the 2018 ASICS Windermere Marathon!
This great race starts and finishes at Brathay Hall, near Ambleside on Sunday 20 May.
Now one of a handful of marathons run entirely within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon.
Its hilly, breath-taking course, can attract as many as 1,000 runners. Next year their fundraising efforts will directly support the charity’s impactful work with young people struggling with mental health difficulties.
Race patron since 2007 is legendary fell runner and shepherd 81 year-old Joss Naylor MBE. Ahead of official race duties, and continuing his support for Brathay, Joss plans to run his own fundraising marathon over the fells from his home in Wasdale taking in Scafell, Scafell Pike, Langdale Pikes and Loughrigg.
Those crossing the 2018 marathon finish line will receive a new medal depicting an iconic scene from their route. Kentmere artist George Grange has produced four designs for a series of medals that will be presented to race finishers over the next four years. The silver coloured medals fit together to create a scene representing the route. They show Brathay Hall, the picture-perfect start and finish line, and the villages of Hawskhead, Bowness and Newby Bridge.
Aly Knowles, Brathay’s operations manager, says such is the magic and appeal of the marathon that those who run it often go on to tackle Brathay’s 10 marathons in 10 days challenge. The ASICS Windermere Marathon is the final marathon for those running the ‘10in10’.
The 26.2 mile anti-clockwise circuit of Windermere, takes in Hawkshead, Newby Bridge, Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. Over half the course is run on partially traffic-free roads or roads with a dedicated running lane. It takes each runner 33,000 steps to complete the route, volunteers will hand out 10,000 bananas from eight refreshment points and amongst the spectators are 500 sheep.
Brathay Trust has been successfully improving the life chances of young people for 70 years. Last year (2016) the charity worked with over 7,000 young people providing support and development in their local communities. Their Young Minds Matter appeal aims to raise £45,000. Brathay says the number of young people struggling with mental health difficulties has more than doubled in recent years and providing targeted programmes to support them is a priority for the charity.
