There were some fantastic competitor stories submitted as part of our post-event survey. It was difficult to choose five winners but here are the ones that receive a £60 voucher for Pete Bland’s. If you’d like to read all the stories, they are collected here together in this PDF document.

Three months ago my husband died suddenly at the age of 58 having suffered with Parkinson’s disease for many years. Due to his illness, over recent months the amount of walking I’d been doing was limited. My brother (who with his family has done SLMM many times) suggested I partner him this year. I took a while to be persuaded! I am not a runner but have done a lot of walking in the Lakes over the years so the Fairfield course seemed the most appropriate category. Having the SLMM to prepare for encouraged me to get out walking as much as possible – great for my fitness and also my mental health. The event itself was hard but much of the time genuinely enjoyable. My brother encouraged, cajoled and bribed me (with Percy Pigs!) up and down the fells, the scenery was glorious and the sense of achievement on completing both days within the allocated time and walking 25 miles and 6000 ft of climbing was brilliant – I actually cried a few tears as we crossed the finishing line! And we didn’t come last either!!

As first timers at a mountain marathon, we arrived bright eyed and bushy tailed. Expectations were high, morale higher. One thing which we were particularly pleased about was our kit, neatly packed into tiny bags we scoffed at the Pete bland van as we walked into registration. We could never be the kind of people who left kit or the last minute. Several hours and many miles later we stood at the top of an astonishingly steep, bracken covered final descent towards the campsite. The air turned purple. One member of the team, who will remain nameless, had managed to bring shoes that were too small, too tight, too uncomfortable. A frank discussion followed. There could be no contouring round, no climbing back up towards a path, no zig zag down and absolutely no direct descent. We had arrived at a stalemate. Had we been alone on the hills on Saturday we may still be up there arguing about how to reach that final point. Our salvation came in an unexpected form, a rustle of bracken, a flash of bald heads, a murmur of how do and whoosh. Two men flew past on, bouncing along on their backsides. We knew instantly what had to be done. We too crashed onto our rears and bowled down the hill towards a hard earned rest and a delicious Wainwright. We’ll be back!

I just love this event as a way of pushing myself way beyond my comfort zone. This was my second year of doing the Saunders. Both me and my running partner are in our 60’s and grandmothers! I had a good day on Saturday and felt strong, but on Sunday about half way round I went through a really bad patch and found putting one foot in front of the other so hard. My partner was great, she encouraged me to eat and drink more, slowed the pace and didn’t let me give up. I pulled through! A big part of the Saunders for me is working as a team, helping each other through the hard times and enjoying the good times – reaching the overnight camp, getting the tent up, chatting with old friends and getting to the finish with a smile on our faces! Seeing so many competitors of all ages out there is was a totally inspiring experience, particularly seeing so many young people running around the fells with their parents! I just hope that when my grandson reaches the age that he can join in that I am still active enough to do the Saunders with him!

I have done The Saunders with my adult child every possible year since 2018 (excepting covid lockdowns and me having covid last year). It is a highlight of our year. My child has mild cerebral palsy and mental health problems and spends much of the rest of their time in their bedroom. We come each time hoping we can make it to the overnight camp. On our first attempt we had to camp in the hills, beautiful sunset to enjoy after making sure I’d got the message through to the organisers. This was the first year we could enter the Fairfield course and we were delighted to make the campsite and get some points. I’m not sure this story will inspire others as we are approaching the challenge from a rather different direction from other people but we both push ourselves to walk our modest distance and feel huge satisfaction and a sense of achievement each time. At the end of each day we enjoy meeting up with friends and discussing route choices, weather and kit whilst feeling pleasantly exhausted from fresh air and effort. The Saunders is one of the handful of things my child can feel positive about in their life.

My husband, Nigel, and I ran the Fairfield course together this year. We’ve been married for 25 years and, although we’ve both run lots of mountain marathons in the past, we’d never done one together. But this year, when none of our usual partners were available, we were left with no other option! (The other option would have been not to do it, which was not an option – all of our three children were entered and we didn’t want to miss out.) So we set off, with some trepidation on my part, as Nigel is much stronger and faster than me. In some ways, it was like a 25-year marriage in miniature: setting out with high expectations but some nervousness, going through a few rocky patches on the way (such as when I realised I’d left my compass behind at the previous control and we needed to go back up two index contours to retrieve it), and ultimately settling into a rhythm that seemed to work (bar a few aches and pains). By the end of Day 1, we were astonished to find ourselves the top mixed pair on Fairfield! We had a lovely evening at the overnight camp, hanging out with our children and various friends (the Saunders overnight camp is the place to catch up with people you haven’t seen all year). The next day, we set off in high spirits, having planned what we thought was a deviously cunning route, with high hopes of a trophy in our heads. We pushed hard, but it was tough going (another marriage analogy?). Our kids, who had all finished earlier than us, were there to cheer at the run in. It turned out we’d dropped a few places on Day 2, so our dreams of trophies were dashed, but we were happy with how we’d run (and we ended up the first mixed vets pair). More importantly, though, we’d survived with our bodies – and marriage – more or less intact. We might even go it again together next year…

Here are the suggested routes from the planners for the six linear courses. Compare them with your own choices or use Routegadget to see where other competitors went.

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To help with your navigational training we have set up a series of ‘virtual’ score courses of varying lengths using the MapRun smartphone app. There are two courses in the Howgills (3- and 6-hours) and four in the Kentmere valley, based around Staveley (2-, 3-, 4.5- and 6-hours). You can run these courses at any time but you’ll need a map showing the control locations and details on how to obtain these are shown below.

The current leader boards for these courses are listed below.

How it works

The courses all consist of a series of controls that can be visited in any order inside a fixed time limit. Controls have different score values and the idea is to maximise your score within the time available. Penalty points are deducted (quite aggressively) for exceeding the course time limit. This is the same format at the Fairfield score course in the SLMM. However, with these ‘virtual’ courses there are no physical control markers on the ground and instead a smartphone app called MapRun uses your phone’s GPS to identify when you have successfully reached each control.

If you have done MapRun events previously this table will provide with the information you need to get started. If you’re unfamiliar with MapRun, read the instructions below.

Course	Starting location	Map required
Howgills (3 and 6 hours)	Fairmile Lane near Tebay Grid Ref SD 62939 98004 Google Map	A3 printed waterproof map available by post from Running Events on Demand
Staveley (2 and 3 hours)	Staveley Mill Yard LA8 9LR Google map	A4 printed waterproof map available either at the Inov8 shop in Staveley or by post from Running Events on Demand
Staveley (4.5 and 6 hours)	Staveley Mill Yard LA8 9LR Google map	A3 printed waterproof map available either at the Inov8 shop in Staveley or by post from Running Events on Demand

HOW TO GET READY TO TAKE PART

You need to install the MapRun on your phone – this is available free on the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android.

Once you have installed it, please fill in your personal details (name, age etc), which are needed to display your results in your age category.

We cannot offer technical support on this app but this link covers some issues that might arise on your phone.

http://maprunners.weebly.com/phone-settings.html

When you are out on the course the app uses GPS and is not reliant on a phone signal. You will need to make sure you start with a full phone battery and, depending on the age of your phone, maybe a power block to recharge if your phone struggles to run with GPS for 6 hours. In our tests we have used a range of phones and were pleased to find most had 50% or more charge at the end. You can turn WIFI, Bluetooth and Mobile Data off but it is best to avoid using battery saving mode as this can impact GPS on some phones.

Before leaving home or whilst you still have access to data you need to download the course from the App. We were fortunate to find we still had 4G coverage at the start both in the Howgills and at Staveley but wouldn’t suggest relying on this.

To download the course to your phone, open the MapRun app and choose Select Event on the Home screen. Choose the folder view (the folder icon, third along at the top) and navigate the folder structure to find our courses which are listed in the UK/Cumbria/Saunders folder. You can then select the course you plan to do and this will download it to your phone. (Please note: if you did our previous Howgills MapRun courses in 2020-21 make sure you download the 2024 version as we have changed the values of the controls.)

You can if you wish download multiple courses and decide which you want to do when you arrive at the start but make sure to select the correct one before you start.

OBTAINING THE MAP

You need a physical copy of the map and these can be ordered for postal delivery from Running Events on Demand here. For the Staveley courses maps can also be obtained from the Inov8 shop in Staveley Mill Yard (open 9-5 normally but closed on Wednesdays and 10-4 Sundays). The two Howgills events use the same A3 map. The longer Staveley courses also use an A3 map and the two shorter courses an A4 map. Maps from Running Events on Demand are £5 for the A4 map and £7.50 for the A3 maps (including delivery). Maps from the Staveley Inov8 shop are subsidised by Inov8 but a donation to the Kendal Mountain Rescue Team is expected (minimum £4 for A4 and £5 for A3).

A sample of the map you will receive is shown here.

Once you have your map you can work out what route you want to take to maximise your score within the time limit allowed. Of course, in the actual Saunders Fairfield (score) event you don’t get this luxury and have to do this planning within your timed run!

GETTING TO THE START

Howgills courses

The start of both Howgills courses is on Fairmile Lane which runs between Sedbergh and Tebay, parallel with, and East of, the M6. Satnav/Google Maps may direct you off the A685 (Shap Road) on to the B6257 and across the river Lune at Lowgill – this involves crossing a very narrow bridge. It is passable in a medium sized car (VW Golf) but it is not a pleasant experience!  Going via Sedbergh or Tebay avoids this.

The parking area is sufficient for around 10 cars. As we expect visits to be spread out over the next few months, we think there should be plenty of room at all times but please park considerately.

The grid reference for the parking is SD 62939 98004, What3words reference: fragments.encrusted.leap Link to Google Maps

The start itself is 90m north of the Parking area at the wall corner on the west side of the road.

Staveley courses

Parking is available in Staveley Mill Yard LA8 9LR, Google maps (note there is now a charge for this: £5 for up to 3 hours and £10 for longer) or in Staveley village. Please park considerately.

The start of all the courses is on the footbridge over the River Kent. (Grid Ref: SD 47261 98251)

STARTING AND COMPLETING THE COURSE

While still in the parking area, start the MapRun app and make sure the course you want to do is shown under the Select Event button.

Click on “Go to Start” – this will display the map on your phone – but you should use the printed one to navigate.

The course is now live, and your location and track are shown on the screen so that you can see if your GPS is working. These will disappear when your timed run starts. Go towards the start area as shown on the map and get ready to run. The app will automatically start logging your track and time when you pass within about 10m of the Start. The phone will beep indicating your timer has started.

Now just navigate around your course visiting the controls and, as you get within about 15m of each one, your phone will beep and display a message saying the control has been registered. If it doesn’t do this immediately, circle around the control for a bit – it can take a few seconds for your GPS to register your location. If it still doesn’t register, start wondering if you’re in the wrong place!

Remember there will be no indication of control points on the ground (no orange and white kites to find!) but we have visited all the controls ourselves to check they have loaded correctly on MapRun. We are sufficiently confident that we feel we can say that if your phone does not register a control then there is either a problem with your phone or navigation. Unfortunately, we can’t help in either case. Our volunteers have spent quite a lot of time in setting this course up and we can’t operate a technical support or appeals process for those who find their efforts didn’t register as they expected. You can, however, go out and give it another go.

When you get to the finish the timer will stop automatically and you will be given the option to upload your results to the server. This will then allow you to see your position in the rankings for the course. You can also configure MapRun to upload your route directly to Strava, if you use that.

SCORES, PENALTIES AND TIME LIMITS

Each control point displayed on the map has a unique identifying identifying number with its points value shown in brackets – eg “96(100)”. The map also includes a table showing the control descriptions which describes the features on the ground. The control values are aggregated to produce your total score. Each control point only counts on your first visit. Points are subtracted at the rate of 10 points for every minute or part minute over the time limit. So, for example, if you enter the 6 hour course and take 6 hours 13 minutes and 23 seconds to collect 500 points you will lose 140 points and your final score will be 360 points.

The hatched areas on the maps are out of bounds and your score may not be counted if you stray into these.

SAFETY

All those using the app and the course do so entirely at their own risk and need to be aware of the dangers of traversing remote mountains, where communications are poor. We have no control over who uses the courses and do not vet participants.  With everyone taking responsibility for themselves there are therefore no mandatory kit requirements. However, as a general rule for anyone running or walking in the mountains, at any time of year we would suggest taking at least the FRA mandatory kit list, plus sufficient food for a full day out. The FRA list is: waterproof whole body cover (with taped seams and integrated attached hood), hat, gloves, map of the route, compass, whistle and emergency food.

Leaderboards

Here are the links to the results for each of the courses. You can view not only the scores and times taken but also the routes taken by participants.

Staveley 2 hours
Staveley 3 hours
Staveley 4.5 hours
Staveley 6 hours
Howgills 3 hours
Howgills 6 hours

Junior Prize – Thomas Hearn
DAY 1
I wanted to do the Saunders because it is one of the only mountain marathons I know of that you can do from the age of 14. I think that this is one of the great things about the Saunders Lakeland Mountain marathon.
When we drove into the car park, I realised that this event was much bigger than I had previously thought, we got directed into a parking space by the excellent event staff. Then we got our kit ready and headed off to registration and then the start. The rain was torrential and the wind fierce as we walked up to the start line. Once we got there, we waited around for a while until our allotted time was called out, we entered our starting box, got a count down and then we were off. We collected our map and control points and got to plotting where we were going on the map, when we’d finished marking down the points, we set of to checkpoint one.

We ran around collecting the checkpoints and slowly getting closer to the overnight stay. As we came over the hill towards checkpoint four, we could see the marquee and the finish, they sat in a large field in the bottom of the valley. Checkpoints four, five and six where all close together, drawing us in to the finish. After checkpoint five it was all downhill, so we started to pick up the pace, during this we managed to overtake two other teams. We were in the finishing field when one of the teams we overtook came sprinting up behind us and manged to catch us just before the finish. We spent the rest of the afternoon cheering people on and resting.

DAY 2
We woke up early on day two so that we could pack up and leave early, we packed up the tent had breakfast and went to get the controls. It took us about 10 minutes to plot the checkpoints and decide where we were going to go, once we had done that we set off for the start. Getting to checkpoint one we had a slight navigational error but after that it all went smoothly, although we struggled a bit trying to find checkpoint seven. In the end we made some good route choices an some that could have been better. We ended up coming 13 th overall in the Beda fell course. When we finished, we got our picture taken, collected the slip with our times on and went to go get changed. In the hall they were serving pies, so we went and got one of those each and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and cheering people into the finish. I want to say a big thanks to all the staff who made the weekend possible and allowed me and many others to have such a good time. I really enjoyed the weekend and look forward to coming back next
year and running again.

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Vets Prize- Jane Ligema

I set out on Day 1 of The Saunders Mountain Marathon with a degree of trepidation. With a combined age of 137 years, I wasn’t 100% certain, that reaching the finish line on Day 2 was even attainable!

My partner, Carol McNeil immersed herself into this two-day event with the most incredible perseverance and stoicism, I have ever witnessed in a woman of 79 years! She had asked me if I would run with her, soon after losing my husband to cancer last winter. Andy, had always loved The Saunders, winning the Scafell Class on three separate occasions during the 80’swith three different partners. It is with some regret that he and I never ran it together before his knees finally “gave in”!

Both Carol and I had a good degree of local knowledge. I have lived in Coniston for 36 years and Carol taught at John Ruskin School for over 12 years. Between the two of us, navigation was not an issue and Carol of course has won a gold medal four times in the World Orienteering Championships.

Being early July, I had grave concerns that heat, and dehydration might be an issue. My fears were completely unfounded. We battled against a deluging squall on Cold Pike, 60mph gusts on Grey Friar and Brim Fell and a wind chill of around freezing point. Carol’s tenacity and indomitable spirit, never dwindled once over the course of the weekend. At the camp she revealed scars on her shins from being physically blown off her feet a couple of times! There hadn’t been an utterance of complaint.

The turning point for us both was when we dropped down over Levers Hause, finally escaping the buffeting wind. Heading homeward, the finish now felt achievable. Before long we were running the final kilometre along the railway line and down into John Ruskin field. After 12 hours 37 minutes of running time and 2200m of ascent, we had achieved our goal and finished up first vets too!

Whether or not anyone older than Carol has completed The Saunders, I do not know, but one thing is certain; I am full of admiration for this legendary lady, who will be celebrating her 80th birthday next February. I can only feel humbled by her resilience and aspire to follow in her footsteps.
(bring on The Saunders MM 2044, I’ll be 79!)

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Open Category Prize Ian Pickett

In the rugged peaks of Lake District’s embrace,
Where nature’s grandeur leaves no heart in haste,
A marathon unfolds, a test of will and might,
Saunders Mountain Marathon, a glorious fight.

With kit stowed and compass held tight,
We venture forth, seeking nature’s delight.
Camping under stars, with a tired companion near,
Sharing tales of triumph, our souls alight with cheer.

The morning sun awakens, a new day’s dawn,
As we lace our wet shoes and prepare to be drawn,
Into the mountains’ embrace, where trails intertwine,
A symphony of endurance, where limits align.

But alas, as we navigate the rugged terrain,
Lost amidst the mountains, disoriented, strained.
The misty fog engulfs, obscuring our way,
Yet determination guides us, come what may.

At last, the finish line looms into sight,
The taste of triumph, the culmination of our fight.
But hunger gnaws at our weary souls so sore,
As we wait with patience, a delay we endure.

Yet, in the end, the feast arrives, a hearty fare,
Shared amongst comrades, a bond we now wear.
For it’s not just the race, the competition we embrace,
It’s the camaraderie forged, the memories we trace.

So let the wind whisper our tales of delight,
In the Saunders Mountain Marathon’s twilight.
For we, the adventurers, have tasted its sweet fruit,
And forever shall we cherish this remarkable pursuit.

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Prize for most unusual experience

Thanks for a great event. It was my first Saunders, and incidentally in the same area (including start and finish) as my partners first ever Saunders 14 years ago in 2009 (which he kept on mentioning he won the Harter Fell category). I thought it was odd he kept on mentioning it…

Little did I know that he had carried an engagement ring the entire way round and got down on one knee at the finish – obviously I said yes!!

Safe to say this was the best weekend of our lives so far and we’re excited for many more!! 

Thanks again,
Anna and Luke 

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Other experiences we would like to share

When my dad’s usual SLMM partner was unavailable this year, I jumped at the chance of
joining him and entered my first SLMM event. At 14 years old, I’d walked up a few of the
wonderful Lakeland Fells on holiday but hadn’t given much thought to running up them! TheSLMM Coniston (Bedafell) was going to be a challenge!
So, how was it?
Well, it was certainly a challenge, but I loved it!
I was nervous waiting for the clock to turn 08:41 on a damp, drizzly day 1, but beautiful
scenery, a well organised event, friendly competitors and my dad’s navigation skills (!) all
helped me rise to the challenge. I crossed the finish line on day 2 after 38km and 2500m of
ascent. Not first place, and a tad further than the planners’ route (Dad’s navigation skills
again!), but feeling like a winner, nonetheless. I felt tired and a bit sore, but proud and
elated to have completed such an incredible challenge.
I had fun, spent time in the stunning Lake District, shared good times with my dad, rose to a
challenge (and raised £1600 for the charity Aspire). What’s not to love! A truly memorable
event and a great weekend.
See you again next year!

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A belting, damp start to the event,
Is it the OMM where we’ve went?
We marked out our route and away we shot,
We wondered if anyone was watching our dot.
Over fell and bog we flogged our legs well,
Had we scored enough, it was too soon to tell.
We ran out of time and we dashed for the camp,
Arriving pretty knackered and feeling quite damp.
But some overnight rest,
And we were ready for the next test.
To make it to the finish back at the school,
Without being late and looking like fools.
We finished in style,
Near the top of the pile.
An outstanding weekend,
With a perfect blend.
Of running with friends and cleansing our souls,
Though some pie would have been nice, in the bottom of our bowls.

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It’s been a highlight in my fell-running calendar for about 20 years and never fails to live up to my expectations. It’s nice to see the same volunteers coming back year after year to help and also to see a crowd of younger competitors. My youngest son made his debut this year, aged 14, and is already planning his path to running the Scafell Class when he is 21 – that says it all, doesn’t it. 

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Brilliant weekend with fantastic organisation. It was my wife and my first MM. We were slightly daunted going into the event, but from the moment we pulled into the field on Friday night the team were welcoming and supportive. The actual event was exactly what we hoped for (wansfell course), the right mix of challenge in navigating and a variety of terrain covered. It was a great learning experience and seeing how other teams operated in camp was enlightening. Definitely picked up some tips for next year. The finish experience was really great, great atmosphere and nice celebratory atmosphere. Only slight grumble was the queuing for the post race food. Overall, brilliant – we’ll be back next year! 

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My second SLMM. We decided to try Harter Fell after completing Wansfell last year and had a thoroughly challenging weekend with the all-encompassing mental and physical task that makes you question your entry up steep hills and then planning how you’ll do better the next year once at camp. Addicted to the atmosphere and the feeling- like- a- kid-splashing- in-puddles-joy of fell running and racing. Thanks so much team, love this community! 

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My second ever SLMM, and first time doing harter fell course. It was definitely a step up in both navigation and physical aspects. Over the weekend being able to chose routes that are both beautiful for scenery and fasted was interesting and a lot more enjoyable than doing bedefell last time! The challenging wind created some cool water features, where the water in a waterfall was being sprayed backwards back up the fall!! Overall enjoyed it so much! And the courses were a lot of fun! Definitely be back to do harter fell again to try be further up the results! 

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My partner Ian and I chose to do the Fairfield score and after a late night rushing to the Coniston school campsite from Aberdeen, woke up not particularly brightly but early enough for a steep walk to the race start. Our start time was promptly followed by an exceptionally heavy downpour of rain, setting a precedent for the weekend as we rushed round the hill. We had a good day, not flat out but enough to make us feel tired by the time we could see the overnight camp in the distance. Inspired more by thoughts of the cheese secreted in Ian’s rucksack, we hotfooted it to camp.
After lots of food and as good a night as can expected on a sleeping mat the size of a postage stamp, we felt ready for the start on Sunday. Unfortunately, struggling to find a couple of the checkpoints in the hilly Lake District meant our overly optimistic route plan needed shortening slightly. Dawdling back into camp with three quarters of an hour spare made us wonder whether checkpoint could have been done. After checking the score sheet, it was confirmed, an extra 10 points would have brought our overall position up by 3 places. Still we’ll know better next time…

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We were welcoming into coniston by the lovely volunteers on Friday night, making a good start to a challenging and exciting weekend ahead. Whilst tucking into a delicious chilli meal ordered from the event centre, we analysed the sample maps, eager for the fells. We had a look around the Pete Bland shop on site- brought a lovely new mid layer for a bargain price. Early Saturday morning we headed out to the start line. We battled through high winds, rain and cloud. We climbed over Wetherlam and Swirl How, two new peaks for me and my partner. Along the way we came across fellow competitors, everyone was so friendly and upbeat which was so encouraging. We ran into the overnight camp, greeted by cheering volunteers. This made the efforts of the day so worth it. The overnight camp was surrounded with mountains. It was such a nice atmosphere. We started off on Sunday, traversing around Dow Crag and Brim fell and back towards the event centre. We traversed, went up streams and through quarries. The views were amazing. It was a challenging day of fell running but reaching each checkpoint was so rewarding. We arrived back at the event centre, once again being cheered in by the volunteers and other competitors. We had a complimentary meat pie and cup of tea which was much appreciated after such a great weekend. 
Amazing weekend thank you so much to everyone involved. 

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A very well-organised weekend. The atmosphere created by all competitors and volunteers made the event so enjoyable. The food on the Friday night was amazing, good quality and wide variety – it was delicious. The start point was quite a long walk, but filled with people in great spirits – despite the poor weather… The route itself was challenging, the climb up Wetherlam and Swirl How was made difficult by the weather, which absolutely battered us… but that’s what we signed up for! We were so made-up when we reached the overnight camp, which was in such a beautiful location. We spent most of the evening looking out of our tent at all the beautiful fells that surrounded us. The overnight camp was also filled with all the amazing volunteers that really lifted the atmosphere after such a tiring day. The second day also provided us with some challenging moments. Reaching the finishing line felt like such an occasion, with lots of people cheering us in. Getting the chance to look at the screen with competitor trackers was also very cool. We had to queue for quite a while for our food, but a nice warm pie is just what we needed (my voluntary addition of beetroot and pickles was a little interesting). We were so happy with our experience and can(not) wait to do it again next year. 

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This was my first mountain marathon, I’m 14 and so this is the first year I’ve been able to enter; I ran the Beda course with my dad who is much older. All of our kit looked really old, big and heavy compared to what other people were carrying. We need to sort that for next year. The weather on the first day was really tough – there was a big wind, it was raining and the clag was in on the tops which made navigation tricky at times. The overnight camp was really nice, the sun came out and we were able to dry out and relax. I learned a lot after the first day and really got into it on the Sunday, the bag was a bit lighter, we set off a bit faster and it felt like a real team effort – my dad put us in roughly the right direction most of the time and I looked for the best lines. I was totally fried at the end but buzzing from the fun and the challenge of it all. 

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I had a fantastic weekend out with my daughter. The course was challenging, not helped by the knock-you-off-your-feet wind, but we loved it and were happy with our route choices. The terrain was varied and route choice really made a difference to progress. The mid-camp was brilliant: lovely fields, a stream to soak your feet in and a sociable atmosphere. We appreciated the difference in the terrain on Sunday morning and had another fantastic day, only hampered by an unnecessary spell of bracken swimming at one point. Chuffed to bits to win our class! Loved it and will be back

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First of all can I pass on my great thanks to ALL involved who year after year turn up to volunteer and make it a great weekend. Thank you. There are not many events where I can compete with my sons both of which have run it with me, the older son Joseph retiring after two SLMM to concentrate on his preferred distance 400/200 m!
My younger son has continued and we have now done 5 together despite him not having really run or spend time in the mountains since last years SLMM.
It is the getting ready and al the excitement of the night before and the nerves on the Saturday morning. Stan reporting though that the sight of the mid camp is always his favourite thing, probably because I will spend the next 2 hours feeding him up again! 
I always enjoy just listening to all the excited murmurs/ babble at the mid camp.
Thank you all again

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A wonderful weekend back on the SLMM. The atmosphere was as friendly and enjoyable as ever, with a chance to catch up with old friends at the event centre on the Friday night. 
Saturday dawned wet and windy, and continued in that vein thoroughout the morning, but this was made up for by the excellent route planning that allowed me to show my son some of the best parts of the Lake District. There were lots of opportunities to find clever route options and although a tough day out, it was highly enjoyable.
The overnight camp was a dream, nestled into the beautiful Duddon Valley and with a spacious, flat field allowing for a comfortable afternoon/evening/night relaxing and recovering.
Sunday was a bit brighter, if still windy, and once the initial climb was out of the way we thoroughly enjoyed the different terrain and scenery the course took in, in particular the lovely long, gentle downhill run in to the finish (albeit with a little sting in the tail as we went seemed to circumnavigate the school!).
Overall an excellent weekend living up to the high standards I have come to expect from the SLMM

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Brilliant weekend as always, suitably challenging terrain and exciting weather! As always with the score, the “could we have done one more?”s have crept in, but that’s one for next year. My running partner is a score format convert, such a great physical and mental challenge! Huge thank you to all the organisers, marshals, and people behind the scenes, it’s a fabulous event because of everything that the volunteers put into it, always a smile even in the persistent rain! Makes the event what it is. See you next year!

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The saunders event was excellent fun this year but a tough challenge this year, both physically and mentally, especially with the wind and cloud up on the peaks and ridges. Despite the challenge, it felt amazing to complete it so I will definitely be returning next year (hopefully better prepared).

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Really enjoyed it. Not sure if Carrock fell was easier than usual or we are getting better. The only issue was the catering queue but that was a small point. I think we normally finish later on Sunday because it’s never been an issue before. It was worth the wait though, excellent post run meal.

I find the slmm my favourite running event, and long shall it continue. Thank you to the organisers and volunteers who made it a terrific weekend!

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The Saunders was the first mountain marathon for these two veteran ladies – and we can’t wait until next year!. We were surprised at how much of a physical and navigational challenge Wansfell was – we were expecting a gentle two days in the hills. There was nothing gentle about it, but we enjoyed it all the more for the effort it took to complete. We feel very proud of ourselves despite a low ranking and will be back next year (fitter, and with better compass skills!) to improve our position.

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My experience of the weekend, well… The dread started to set in as we drove into Coniston and saw the pairs of grumpy tortoises ascending into the grainy valley above, hauling their shells with them. Wrinkled hoods elasticated tight around grim faces, as though hoping that by climbing they’d escape the floods below. After registering and marching, with fake enthusiasm, up the hill to the start I watched impressed and bemused as one competitor practised his rapid dibbing technique: if you can imaging Spider-Man aggressively shooting webs combined with some kind of martial art jab, you might be along the right lines. 

Up the valley, check point, into the bowl, up the col, checkpoint, up the hill, checkpoint, down into Wrynose Pass and up to Grey Friar, checkpoint. Over the ridge and then turning the corner into what I can only describe as hell. My Dad said ‘this is where our deep reserves of fitness allows lets us pass all these people ahead … ha ha ha’ as we battled to even stay on our feet. Stomping and tripping along the path we passed two people sitting down looking too terrified to even stand up again. I could feel the wind prodding my brain as it whistled up my nose. 

Finally, a beer, a cold foot soak in the stream and a nap as we arrived at Turner Hall Farm (my absolute favourite campsite by the way, thank you whoever decided this). Listening to the sounds of the site around me I couldn’t stop smiling, this was what all that was for. I chuckled as I heard someone close by describing the Harter Fell course as Farter Hell; I’m sure not an original joke but it seemed conveniently appropriate this year. 

“No, I don’t want to wake up and yes I am very comfy” as I wriggled around on my new inflatable camping mat, definitely not boastfully. As my spring chicken of a 60-something year old father sulked on his well-used, half an inch thick foam mat. Yes it may be only 9g heavy but mines comfy. Day two was beginning. 

Nice and easy around Caw then over the marshes to the checkpoint at the ‘re-entrant’. Annddd….went passed it, along with about 8 others, to the next dip with more of a marshy dribble than a stream (should’ve been a give away). Past Goat’s water and back into the Hell above Seathwaite Tarn. Slightly less Hellish than yesterday, some real mountain goats were actually running. The descent to Levers Water… well if knees could cry… you get the picture. 

We flew down and across the fields to the next checkpoint, then oh joy we picked the wrong side of The Bell to descend. I hate bracken but at this moment it was the only thing keeping my on my feet as a queue of us slid our way to the bottom with many an ‘ooop’ and ‘shittt’ and ‘eeeck’. 

Finally it’s over, we can see the finish, it’s only another 100m. Well jokes on you, you’ve got to run, or in our case, limp, around the edge of the field first. While the real fit people sprint finished.

I’m surprised fights didn’t break out over the last slices of pie and I definitely ate a mouldy rocky road. Thank you to the men in the car park who also thought there was something suspiciously toe-nail like in texture about it and convinced me I don’t, in fact, just have covid. My sincerest apologies if you generously donated the rocky road, I did still eat it.  

In summary, if the Farter Hell course was a cake it would be discomfort flavoured, coated with pain icing and then sprinkled with torture. Will I be back next year to complain some more? Absolutely. Ask me again in a week and I might even say it was fun. 

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The weather conditions on Saturday morning were challenging and added a dimension to the SLMM I’d not encountered before. Despite having over 35 years of mountain experience I still managed to commit an absolutely schoolboy error and misplace myself on the map when folding it over – this led to us spending 20 extra minutes finding the first checkpoint getting ever colder and wetter, to the extent that I was starting to get almost dangerously cold. The subsequent re-set and refocus once we’d found the checkpoint and got moving again was a reminder to never take your experience for granted, and that full focus is always required. The rest of the day was challenging but enjoyable, and we barely put a foot wrong after that. Sunday was a good route in more clement (but still cold) conditions high up. Really enjoyed the physical and mental challenge, especially as my preparation had been disrupted by injury. As always, the volunteers and fellow competitors were fantastic and helped to make the event what it is

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A fantastic weekend in the fells and great to return to the Coniston Hills and particularly the Duddon Valley, a true gem of the Lakes. The Wansfell Course was a brilliant entry point for my wife’s first Mountain Marathon and it was an absolute thrill to share the journey together! Neither of us had done nearly as much training as we’d have liked, but we preserved and loved our time scrambling, rambling and squelching on both days. 

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2023 SLMM was my first mountain marathon. Saturday was very challenging, I was very nervous and simply didn’t know what to expect. My marathon partner was great with navigating which made the whole experience much easier. I am extremely happy that I managed to complete both days courses. I am not sure whether I am going to do it again but I am inspired to get fitter and better with my navigating skills. 

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Our experience of the weekend (to slow us down even further from what was a constant battle to keep moving forwards) was the unfortunate situation where we dibbed to start on day 2, starting power climbing the first hill expecting round each corner to come across a field of mountain marathoners marking up their map. After about 10 minutes of hard climbing straight up the hill with everyone else we were shocked to see people starting to take bearings and peel off. Unfortunately as later finishers on day 1 our camp was high up the field and we weren’t aware of the announcement which allowed everyone to collect their day 2 checkpoints. At this point sitting down and crying seemed a good initial option, but as the ground was pretty boggy we went with option 2 and started heckling our fellow competitors shouting out looking for anyone on our course. Eventually we found a surprised pair who readily allowed us to take a photo of their checkpoint card which we then studiously copied onto the back of our map. And finally day 2 was on… 

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Our group of 8 from the South had a great time. It was a first MM for me and my teammate and the pre event meetings and discussions about kit were a big part of it. I was set on bringing my 3.5kg tent until a day before and then, in a last minute scramble, borrowed a much more suitable 1.46kg tent with two entrances. It improved our weekend considerably and I may need to invest for next time. The other six of us were in awe of our friends on the Scafell course – after their 11 hours of effort on Saturday we cheered them to the finish line (along with other finishers who passed when we were there). In a moment of the weekend, one of our returning heroes, unable to sustain more than a walk by this stage, leapt off the path in a graceful fashion to make a perfect diving catch in the family game of cricket going on to the side (to tumultuous applause). Two food-related things I learnt over the weekend were that regular sipping on water containing an electrolyte tablet staves off cramp (an improvement made for Sunday), and that noodles cook very well in a kettle (as long as, like me, you have thought to bring a scourer and a spot of washing up liquid [ note from Organiser- please make sure it is plant based and biodegradable] as- well worth the extra 20 grams or so!). Many thanks to the organisers, a triumph

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A massive familly challange that I thoroughly enjoyed. Brilliantly organised event, everybody looked so relaxed , Runners and volunteers.
I now know what I would have packed / chosen course / to make it a better experience for me. I love a challange but had not realised how much a challange it was going to be and should have taken the shorter course on the Sunday.
I had the best team mate and was not dissapointed to retire as it still took us 4 hours to get back in so had a great day and made it back with 8 minutes before the course closed. The catering staff provided me with a jacket potatoe as the heavens opened, it was the best so thankyou to all of the organisers and volunteers.
one thing that was very noticable to me was that a good 2 hours away from home we were passing walkers going up the mountains with no ruck sack and looked dressed for the wrong occasion. The weather changed so often so quickly and when the heavens suddenly opened I was thinking about them and how they were coping.  
there should be a compulsery check list for anybody climbing in the Lakes (and spot checks) etc so that we dont have to call out the Mountain Rescue.
thankyou once again for a fab weekend, never to be forgotten.

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On arrival i was greeted with a smile despite the rain and directed where to park. The HQ camp site was flat and a great vibe was already building. The Friday night catering smelt great and i had a little food envy as i sat by my tent eating my tuna and coccus:). The organization at the start , Saturday morning, was spot on and off we went, well as we were on the Fairfield Course we went as far as a flat rock and started to plan our route, the basic idea was ‘go north’. The day went well and the weather was mixed with a battering wind on the ridge near Wetherlam.
We had one little nav error finding check point 143, walked below it, overshooting it by 500 M. Didn’t enjoy picking our way back over the very slippy boulder field to dib the check point. My favorite Mars bar snack soon picked the legs back up.
Friday nights rain had brought the gills alive and the hills were painted with white lines. The rain had also softened the off trail ground which made the down hill running easy on the knees. My running partner Phil was doing a great job with the Nav and setting the pace up front. My legs felt better when dibbing our penultimate check point 159 and we ran the last leg to the O/N site thinking of sweet tea and chocolate. We were blessed with no rain and some sun setting up on the overnight site. The site was great, flat with great views. With a beer in hand we walked the site admiring all the different tents and camp set ups. We had some good tent conversations with the occupants of the more usual tents, the Tarp Stratospire was a particular favorite of mine ( oh meant to say Nordisk must have been selling Telemark 2.2 at a discount because i have never seen so many on a camp site! i stopped counting at 37:). )
Our claim to fame at the O/N site is that our neighbors were Alice and Benjamin Crane, father and daughter, at that point 5th on the Harter Fell. We had a great chat with them discussing our route, their route, stoves, gear set ups and most importantly what everyone was having to eat.
Before tea we had the most friendly kit check i have ever had on an event and quizzed the marshal on all things SLMM, in the end he had to make his apologies as he had more checks to do… i think we kept him to long:). 
I had a great nights sleep, not sure about Phil. Breakfast and striking camp was done in the dry and soon we were making our way to the start of day two. My legs took an hour to loosen up and all the ascent from start to 102 onto 157 did the trick. We had a great second day and apart from our idea to contour between 141 and 139 not going to plan, we shared that mistake with another team picking our way through the crags together, all went to plan.
We finished as we started the day, in the sun. Dry socks and shoes awaited along with some hot food and sharing our weekend experiences with Phil’s friends Ian and Barry Wild who were also doing the fair field route, they just dibbed more check points than us. It was a brilliant weekend and even being stuck in grid lock traffic on the M6, during the return journey, for 3 hours did not spoil it. Back next year? Does the Pope wear red shoes! 

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30 years ago I did a Polaris mtb event. Since then I have run ultras and triathlons and a bit of nav when running Dartmoor. The SLMM was the adventure I wanted. No mobile reception at overnight camp was great. Getting lost was scary and exhilarating. If I do next year (Cornwall is a long way) a new, smaller sleeping bag will be purchased. Thanks and ps my quads seem to have said no to walking down stairs!

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As it was my first SLMM I didn’t know what to expect, It was a really great weekend! I want to improve my navigation skills for future years. I enjoyed meeting so many lovely people and plan to do it again next year. A big thank you to everyone involved in organising the event ☺️

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My son stepped in to complete my team at short notice and even agreed to do the Scafell course which turned out to be quite a challenge on no training . Every time I looked back he seemed to be eating a pork pie . We just about managed to finish and the highlight of the weekend was more pie and a very special trophy. 

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High, low, hot and cold. Pleasure, pain, sun and rain. Dry, wet. On your marks get set. Compass ready, keep it steady. Setting sun, loads of fun – all this at the Saunders Lakeland Marathon.

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I’m still processing my Saunders experience, it was – at different times – an enormous grind, eye opening, wild, joyful, a crash course in resilience and living in the moment
I’m new to running, before Saturday the furthest I’d run was 13 miles and on trail 10k, the amount of off path running I’d done…0. But, paired with orienteer extraordinaire Scott Collier we ended up coming 8th on the challenging Fairfield course, narrowly behind Sabrina Verjee… much to the surprise of my (much faster) running club pals.

About 6 miles in I realised I’d trained well for a race, but not this race. I’d been thinking of ‘hills’ as one steepish hill at the start, maybe 1,500 ft elevation. I’d also thought the Lake district has really well made paths so it would all be on nice trails.

I think from the point of realisation that this was not that race, it became helpful to think of the race not as something I had any prior knowledge to deal with but take each challenge as it came, and try and not slow Scott down too much. At times it felt other worldly, heading into the fog with 40 mile hour winds gusting about and very little visibility all around,  in some way things became very simple – keep moving

At other times it felt like a great slog of a never ending series of hills

A high in terms of intensity but also effort was the very steep bank coming up Brown Pike where I adopted a strategy of grabbing handfuls of turf and climbing up on my feet and hands. I felt validated when Steve Birkinshaw passed me also adopting this somewhat undignified but quite efficient means of tackling the high angled grass

I definitely felt the miles and elevation I’d put in, but also the joy and the beauty of being up high with so much of the landscape visible beneath you… the effort itself puts less work/email-type frustrations into perspective (it all seems fairly unimportant when your calves are burning and you’re at the bottom of what seems like a never ending procession of hills). 

My most persistent memory was feeling like a big kid (with even bigger calves) hopping and scrabbling about outdoors until truly knackered… and then doing it all again

Thank you marshalls, SLMM organisers and also Scott – for introducing me to your sport, giving me an appreciation for how to read and map the landscape and a brilliant introduction to the more and less trodden trods of Coniston

Top footwear tips from inov-8

With the Saunders Mountain marathon only a little more than a month away, we caught up with Dr Bodil Oudshoorn, inov-8 footwear product manager, for some tips on footwear for the event.

What do you look for in your shoes during a mountain marathon?

In multi-day events like the Saunders, medium-to-wide fitting shoes are usually preferable. They give you a better long-day comfort, especially on the second day when your feet can be swollen from the previous day’s heather bashing. This can vary from person to person though, so if you always enjoy a snugger fit for more stability, then don’t let me deter you!

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