Great Lakeland 3 Day 2016 #GL3D – Day 3

Posted on May 2, 2016 by talkultra

‘Well almost,’ is becoming a theme on the GL3D. Last night during camp 2 bivouac the wind increased – then increased – then increased! As sun rose, the carnage was clear to see. Broken poles, ripped tents, lost dry bags due to being blown away in the wind and in addition, the rain just kept on coming and coming. Some may call the conditions ‘character building!’ However, bloody brutal was the general consensus amongst camp.

Race director Shane Ohly, although extremely sympathetic to the runners needs was a little distracted… the large marquee that provides a shelter and eating environment for the runners was about to take off and provide a vey unique kite in the stormy skies. It was all hands on deck; poles were being rammed in the ground, straps were being added and luckily, the improvised actions secured the imminent flight.

The gale force winds, torrential rain and a bunch of tired competitors gave Shane no option – bad weather courses were announced at 0600. This was then adjusted nearer 0700 removing a key control that would have taken all runners over Grizedale Peak. The winds were just too strong and dangerous.

Only 7 elite runners were left in the race and they ran a full bad weather course, several runners attempted an improvised A/B route but most people just made a direct route to the ‘C’ finish causing a logistical headache for the Ourea Team. Buses had been arranged for approximately 50 runners, however, on the day, the numbers escalated beyond 100.

As one would expect, just as the day approached midday, the rain stopped, the wind reduced, the sky turned blue and white fluffy clouds occupied the sky as the sun broke through… you couldn’t make it up! Really?

Shane Ohly confirmed at the finish line, ‘this has been the most testing event and conditions we have encountered in any race we have organised. I don’t like to reduce courses but safety is key and we make the right call. It’s been a tough weekend!’

The runners confirmed the severity of the 3 days but it’s funny how morning grimaces turned to afternoon smiles. The GL3D ethos rose above the surface and talk soon started about 2017.

Images available at iancorless.photoshelter.com HERE

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Great Lakeland 3 Day 2016 #GL3D – Day 2

Posted on May 1, 2016 by talkultra

Yesterday I said, ‘The Lakes really are a special place any day, anytime, in any weather… well, almost?’

‘Well almost,’ hit today with some seriously torrential rain, gusting to gale force winds (particularly on the tops and in exposed areas) and at times slippery conditions underfoot. That’s the Lakes for you… the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.

Despite the onslaught of the weather, the scenery and the landscape still remained beautiful and spectacular. Despite the odd patch of white at higher levels, the complete blanket of snow that had covered about 500m was gone! It really is amazing the difference a day can make.

Warmer temperatures overnight certainly made camping a more pleasant experience and for those runners who were up early and packed away by 0615, they will have dry gear and a dry tent to pitch tonight! Anyone who slept in will have a different story to tell. When the rain came, it really did come and although Shane Ohly (race director) had said it was on it’s way, we had all secretly hoped he was wrong.

The forecast was bad and Shane had contemplated running a bad weather course but many runners, even those in the Elite category decided to run the much shorter ‘C’ route. In all honesty, it was a wise decision. The C route although easy navigation had plenty of ups and downs in it and in the conditions, it was far enough.

This was confirmed at the Cafe at Honister Pass which contained a gathering of GL3D competitors throughout the day. They all found solace in some food and a warm drink before pushing on past Buttermere and to the day 2 camp at Loweswater.

Despite the harsh conditions, temperatures were good. However, wet clothes and serious wind chill did make many a runners journey a tough one – hands in particular were constantly being banged together and rubbed in an effort to bring them back to life.

In the true nature of the GL3D, many of the participants had nothing but smiles and laughter for the conditions, particularly after the picture postcard scenes of day 1. The race did have its casualties though with many participants not completing any of the race categories (they just wanted to be back in camp asap) and others deciding to end the 3 day adventure early; the lure of warm clothes and a bed just too much of a temptation after such a tough day.

Post race the rain slowly reduced to a persistent drizzle, temperatures were relatively good but the main priority for all was to get out of wet clothes and into dry clothes. I can’t tell you how many times I heard, ‘thank goodness this is not a full self-sufficient mountain marathon!’

Dry bags were opened, tents were pitched and in the safety of one of the large marquees provided by Ourea Events, stories started to be told about the days challenges. Of course, as per the previous day, free cake was consumed and energy levels were topped up with a pint of beer.

Day 3 concludes the 2016 GL3D and the runners will navigate back to the start location via Elite, A, B and C courses. However, I heard someone say the weather forecast is worse for tomorrow; oh joy!

Images available at iancorless.photoshelter.com HERE

Follow on Instagram @iancorlessphotography

Great Lakeland 3 Day 2016 #GL3D – Day 1

Posted on April 30, 2016 by talkultra

The Lakes really are a special place any day, anytime, in any weather… well, almost? Today though, the 2016 GL3D was treated to ‘one of those days!’

You know what I mean; you can’t plan them, they just come along, surprise you and then make you thankful all day that you decided to run in the Lakes on a bank holiday weekend in the UK.

Snow and plenty of it covered the tops and although a little sleet, hail and snow chased in during the early hours the day, it all cleared leaving blue skies making a winter wonderland paradise in Spring – go figure?

Don’t get me wrong, participants of the GL3D had to survive a sub zero night under canvas to witness God doing his best work in and around Helvellyn. It was worth it though. It was quite a sight in camp as runners slowly peeped out of frozen tents, dusted off the frost and then instead of neatly fold their tents into bags, they had to almost paper fold them – like putting a letter in an envelope.

The GL3D is a very informal mountain marathon; it’s relaxed, casual, offers multiple levels of difficulty (including walking) and is very much geared to a fun weekend and for many, it provides a very gentle introduction to a navigation event. Although an element of self-sufficiency exists – tents, sleeping bags, clothes, food and all other essentials are transported by the race team and this therefore allows the participants to just run (or walk) without clutter.

Multiple distances and multiple controls allow for an easy or hard race. You decide? It’s why the GL3D has become so popular. As race director Shane Ohly explains, “Our courses are described as Elite, A, B and C, as is usual for mountain marathons. However, it is important to note that the distances at the GL3D™ are greater. This is because our routes are more runnable (we stick to footpaths and tracks for much of the time) and the navigation is easier (generally mountain summits) than at the equivalent mountain marathon courses at the LAMM, OMM etc. We would describe our courses as roughly equivalent in terms of ‘difficulty to finish’ as the same standard mountain marathon course at one of these events.”

Day 1 concluded in Grasmere, a bustling hub within the Lakes.

Elites – 50km*

A – 40km*

B – 32km*

C – 22km*

*- distances are ‘averages.’

Post race, temperatures in the valley had rose and as the runners put up their tents, cooked food, drank beer and ate free cake, it would have been easy to think from the outside looking in, that you were looking at the fall out from a 3-day rock concert and not a running event.

Beams of light penetrated camp 2 and this was accompanied with a soundtrack of laugher, talk of controls and routes and ultimately how amazing the weather and the scenery had been.

Day 1 of the Great Lakeland 3 Day had been a real success!

Images available at iancorless.photoshelter.com HERE

Follow on Instagram @iancorlessphotography

IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

Posted on September 2, 2015 by talkultra

A new MAGBOOK hits the shelves in the UK today called THE RUNNER. It wall also be available at: http://www.magbooks.com

Please support the magazine with a purchase in-store or online

I have several photos and features in the magazine, primarily one on the Marathon des Sables (10-pages) where I look at the impact of the race on the FACES of 3 runners including 2015 MDS ladies champion, Elisabet Barnes.

I also have a 10-page feature on THE GREAT LAKELAND 3 DAY.

Finally, they did a little feature on yours truly. ‘IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL.’

Great Lakeland 3 Day #GL3D – Day Three

Posted on May 5, 2015 by talkultra

The tents shook, lifted off the ground and were drenched with repeated gusty storms during our ‘interesting’ night in Little Langdale. I was surprised to see everyone still smiling on the final morning. But hey, that’s the GL3D. It’s such a friendly even and as one runner said, ‘You wouldn’t want good weather all the time, it would just be boring!’

The morning remained ‘claggy’ and the wind on the tops was relentless. I have to say, waiting around in the early hours for runners to arrive was a real test of nerves and my hands ability to function with a windchill of a reported -10. But I was greeted with continuous smiles, plenty of thumbs up and a repeated, ‘You must be mad being up here in this weather and this time off the day?’

However, the sun did arrive and as the runners descend off the tops and made their journey back to Ravenglass through the valleys of Wynrose Pass, all of them were rewarded with some beautiful typical Lakeland scenery and stunning weather.

What rain?

What wind?

It wasn’t too bad….

Cold, no it didn’t really get that cold.

Funny how we forget and block things out!

Now then, where is the cider?

Images are available to purchase at iancorless.photoshelter.com

Great Lakeland 3 Day #GL3D – Day Two

Posted on May 4, 2015 by talkultra

Aaaagh the Lakes. Beautiful views, sunshine, vistas, fluffy clouds, blue skies and the glowing sun. Not today!

Oh yes, day 2 of the GL3D was a seriously, wet, cold and windy day. Overnight camp north of Buttermere was a little testing but the morning torrential rain was just a little too much for some competitors who chose to cut the race short.

Those that continued on were treated to a day of testing weather and a series of testing courses that culminated in the Little Langdale.

A glimmer of sun did arrive mid afternoon but just as more beer and cider started to flow in the camp, the sun disappeared, the rain came back in the winds increased.

Tomorrow, Monday is the last day of the race and runners will be hoping for blue and orange as they make their way back to Ravenglass.

Images are available to purchase at iancorless.photoshelter.com

Great Lakeland 3 Day #GL3D – Day One

Posted on May 3, 2015 by talkultra

What a day… the 2015 GL3D started in glorious sunshine but in true Lakeland condition, conditions deteriorated pretty quickly.

Strong winds, rain and snow made every race tough for the respective categories: Elite, A, B, C and walkers. At times the temperatures were a reported -10 on the tops in the wind

Here is a selection of images to summarise the day. A full set of stage and overall results will be uploaded in due course.

Great Lakeland 3Day™ 2015

Posted on April 27, 2015 by talkultra

The next Great Lakeland 3Day™ will take place on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th May 2015 in the Lake District and the Event Centre will be in Ravenglass. This is a very beautiful and remote corner of the Lake District National Park providing access to the western fells of Cumbria.

The GL3D™ is an adventurous three-day mountain marathon with a unique, relaxed and friendly atmosphere that attracts both runners and long-distance walkers. Over the years the event has built up a dedicated following of competitors who enjoy the challenge of three long, consecutive days in the hills.

Competitors simply enter the event, and then choose whichever course they prefer on the day: they can choose from either an Elite, A, B or C course. All competitors still share the same overnight camp. The C Course is specifically aimed at walkers and slower runners. The event is all about having fun and if you are new to navigation races, GL3D can provide a great introduction.

The emphasis is on long mountain journeys and not complicated navigation. Expect spectacular scenery and enjoying an amazing mountain experience over three days.

Competitors start and finish in the same location and are triangular – just three days apart! Overnight equipment for each runner is transported between each camp therefore allowing participants to travel faster and lighter.

Competitors should be prepared for 6 to 12 hours on the hill each day, be competent mountain runners or walkers with the ability to navigate and be totally self reliant. The first day is generally a little longer and the last day a little shorter. The friendly nature of the GL3D™ means that many solo competitors join into informal groups to share each day on the hill. Although some competitors race, there are no prizes, just the respect of your peers for finishing!

The relaxed atmosphere of the event is best summed up in the flexible starting arrangements; each morning participants simply pack up their kit (which is then transported) and set off between 0700 and 0900. The faster competitors start last, whilst the slower competitors start earlier. Tea, cakes, hot water and beer are provided for free at the end of each day. Hot water is available both mornings and evenings.

Check out the race website HERE

The race is organised by the team at OUREA events HERE

Fancy an extreme challenge? Take a look at the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline race HERE

Great Lakeland 3 Day ™ Day 3

Posted on May 5, 2014 by talkultra

The final day of the Great Lakeland 3 Day ™ was very much a victory lap as runners finished of the final leg of a 3-day triangular route, navigating via a selection of trigs to arrive back at Pooley Bridge where they had all started 3-days earlier.

The damp, misty and wet conditions of the previous day faded away with the arrival of dawn. Although the day would remain overcast for the majority, the occasional glimpse of sun would appear when the clouds decided to break.

Although a shorter day, a great deal of challenges would confront the Elite, A, B and C categories. The great success of the GL3D is the appeal and flexibility for each participant to race at a different level on different days if required. Shane Ohly said, ‘We are a small but adventurous three-day mountain marathon with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that attracts both runners and long-distance walkers.’

The race has been an incredible success and the addition of the C course has made the 2014 edition even more appealing providing a tough and challenging adventure for walkers. Rather than complex navigation, the emphasis is on long mountain journeys, spectacular scenery and enjoying an amazing mountain experience.

Brilliantly organized, great fun, tough, a real challenge… are all words and comments that could be heard as participants departed from the race base at Pooley Bridge.

I am sure many will be back in 2015.

Overall Results:

Elite:

Jim Mann 16:30:28

Chris Warner 18:29:57

Robert Hicks 19:08:56

1^st lady: Kerstin Rosenqvist 21:39:15

Simon Harper 17:38:38

Jim Trueman 18:24:30

Matt Puxon 18:54:21

1^st lady: Sally Ann Spencer 19:59:13

Alexander Beaven 12:37:40

David Nevill 13:10:03

Nick Gallivan 13:45:42

1^st lady: Christine Waller 16:34:26

Stephen Burt 11:49:56

Jacqueline Cooper 12:59:25

Martin & Nicola Kirkman 13:00:20

Ourea Events HERE

Great Lakeland 3 Day™ HERE

Great Lakeland 3 Day ™ Day 2

Posted on May 5, 2014 by talkultra

Heavy rain during the night cleared to low-lying mist and persistent light rain. It was the forecast for the whole of day-2 of the Great Lakeland 3 Day ™

Departing day-1 camp, runners had a starting window of 0700 – 0900. This staggered start providing an opportunity for slower participants to get on the trail and covering ground while faster competitors gained a little extra sleep or a second breakfast.

It was a classic day on the Lakeland fells and mountains. The four courses, Elite, A, B and C allowed each and every participant to gain a flavor of a true Lakeland experience. Kentmere, Troutbeck, Ambleside, Rydal Water and peaks at Loughrigg Fell, Great Rigg, Red Screes, High Peak, Lingmoor Fell Seargent Man and a climb up to Stickle Tarn to finish off the day.

Of course, not all participants covered all the peaks… each course had its highlights and challenges. Elite runners tackled 3,264m of vertical gain and 50.9k, A Couse, 2,704m and 45.7k, B course 2,129m and 34.9km and finally the C course 748m and 22.4k. At the finish, the verdict was unanimous, a very tough but an extremely challenging day in sometimes difficult conditions; particularly when navigating due to very low mist and poor visibility.

In camp, after a long day, the free ale and cider flowed as each and every runner told stories of a day on the fells and mountains of the English Lakes. One thing is for sure; with 1-day still to go, the GL3D has been an incredible success.

Results Overall after day-2:

Elite

Jim Mann 12:13:59

Tim Laney 12:34:03

David Spence 13:43:06

1st lady – Kerstin Rosenqvist 16:08:04

Simon Harper 13:51:33

Jim Trueman 13:56:47

Matt Poxon 14:35:27

1^st lady – Sally Ann Spencer 15:04:15

Eddy Charlton-Weedy 8:09:48

Alexander Beaven 9:34:13