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The Lap
Rating 5

The Lap

Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom May
Distance Elevation
75 km 3000 m
  • Technical Difficulty
  • Landscape
  • Organisation
  • Refreshments
  • Rating 5
    Distance : 75 km Elevation : 3000 m
    EatSleepRunRePete

    This was my first official ultra, but whilst I wasn't new to the distance the elevation is what really takes it out of you on this one. I ran the September (anti-clockwise) version, which is supposed to be the slightly more difficult version as opposed to the May (clockwise) version because the climbs on the anti-clockwise lap are long so you can't run that much of them and when you combine that with short steep descents which just trash your quads and knees ... well, you can see where the hour difference in the respective course records goes!

    It is often billed as a "good first ultra" ... don't let that tag fool you ... it's good because of the very relaxed 24-hr cut-off and the waymarking which is so good you won't need a compass or a map, but it is NOT for the faint of heart. It is relentless. As well as having possibly the best waymarked route it also has some of the best aid stations going, and the free pizza at Troutbeck (about halfway) is almost as welcome as a foot massage and a new pair of legs! It is the stuff of legends! The people are what make this event though - and I don't just mean your fellow runners - the organisers, volunteers, marshals, and the locals whose support is immense! There was even a group of girls sat atop of Loughrigg (I think it was) with the tracker on their phones and they were shouting support for every runner by name as they climbed the last few metres of the ascent - they were almost as welcome as the pizza. Thank you girls for your support whoever you were! The whole event setup was fantastic but there are a few things to be aware of - traffic driving to the start of the event is effectively "one way" and due to the sheer number of runners taking part it can lead to some nervy moments of "will we make it to the start before 6am!", and because of the volume of runners who all have to get over a stone-wall style at the end of the starting field, the start very much becomes a procession (for the first mile or so) until you get out onto the road. The race organisers are aware of this, and they often say that unless you are looking to podium or break course records then take it easy, take photos, and enjoy the day! If you want to run it all then you are very welcome to take up a position right at the front of the start-line ;)

    • Technical Difficulty
    • Landscape
    • Organisation
    • Refreshments
  • Rating 5
    Distance : 75 km Elevation : 3000 m
    Trailrunningdude

    This was a bucket list race for me. The concept is simple. You have 24hrs to make your way around Englands largest lake. Great route which is mostly all trail. Amazing views. Aid stations that have every type of food or drink you could need. Course marking is second to none.

    The beauty of The Lap is the 24hr cut off. This opens it up to runners and walkers. Not many races do that.

    If you want to sign up you need to be quick as this sells out fast!

    • Technical Difficulty
    • Landscape
    • Organisation
    • Refreshments

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