Race Date 10th June 2018

Report by Ben Clithero

Keswick Mountain Festival is an annual event which is a mash up of music festival and outdoor sporting pursuits – mainly biking, triathlon, hiking and trail running – all at different distances with junior events also available.
On booking for a sporting event you receive entry to the music festival along with a camping pass. I decided to opt for the 25k trail run as it was recommended as a warm up to a run that I’m doing later on in the summer.
It was a glorious day and I was immediately concerned that due to being follically challenged I might burn my bonce and more importantly not have enough to drink. I slathered my bonce with factor 50 but, to be fair, the run itself took place on good trails a lot of which went through shaded, wooded areas around Derwent Water.
The three check points were well stocked with tasty treats and plenty of fluids. It reminded me of the Dark & White events put on around here where you are always well looked after.
There are 866 metres of climb on this course which is brilliantly marked out along the 25k by
little red flags. “No one has managed to get lost yet” proclaimed the marshall over the megaphone. I did… (embarrassed face) I’m saying more of a ‘minor detour’ and we soon found our way back to the flags, but I think that lost time cost me a top fifty finish.
A couple of drizzles of rain appeared but generally a beautiful day.
I would have loved to stay over but needed to get back home so I can’t vouch for any of the festival side of things. I’m sure with the lovely weather and the large beer tent that it could have been a cracking weekend.
I have checked the results and believe I was the only Strider in attendance although I did bump into Jennifer Evans who has been on the Headtorch jogs with us.

Mike Holliday was first for DH Runners in a time of 2:11:8

First woman was Siobonne Brewster in 2:39:45