Things Happen in 3’s

Here are a few photographs from this years Lingmell Dash Race. A great race with a total number of 28 runners taking part, a statistic I really can’t get my head around looking at the calibre of the race itself. I’ve raced it when we’ve had only 13 or 14 runners. A pity considering its sole aim is to raise money for Wasdale Mountain Rescue. If you ever get the chance, if you haven’t already, you should give it a go. Its a little classic with 2500 feet of climb over 4.5 miles straight up and down Lingmell. A few more photographs will appear on the Wasdale Mountain Rescue banner on my page here over the next week or so.

Last year a few of us decided to swim Wastwater in 2019 following the Lingmell race. Well the Monday after the race, not straight after. Below is a video my wife (Cath) filmed of our successful attempt this year. Possibly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Looking like Daffid from Little Britain in that wet suit (I’ve not had it on for a while and my midriff has changed somewhat) I was supported by a great team. Mick McLoughlin and Andy Holden (kayak, which was kindly loaned by Achille Ratti members Robert and Diane Green), Jen Fraser (paddle board and original organiser of the Lingmell Dash Race). Allso Cath Birbeck on run around duties and filming, plus roadside help from Vinni Smith, Lynn Whittaker, Elaine Bamber, Gordon Thompson and Roger Taylor. Plus an exemplary pair of swimming partners in Steve (The Wasp) Bamber and Robyn Anderson. My support was overwhelming. The fell running community is the best.

Lastly I’m going to leave a photograph here and a link for Jane Reddy’s Pedal to the Peaks blog. Please check this link out, read her story and if possible donate to her her fund-raising page. We caught up with her just before her climb up Scafell Pike. We had been told about her intentions a few days before by Darren (Silvermachine) Fishwick and all decided to give her a wave and shout off before our swim. Some of her friends supported her on the climb up Scafell Pike. They are also on the photograph.