Once registered and changed we made our way to the start. I quickly realised how much I hate this race as I looked at the first climb. For anyone who doesn't know, it goes on for about 1 mile, then carries on for another 2 miles after a brief bit of flat. We had the usual speeches from the organisers and then a reading for a runner who passed away a few weeks back. The runners observed the silence brilliantly and then the race began. Corrigan and Whiteside were the first of the Barlickers to hit the hill. After what seemed a life time Andy Collins and Chris Smale sauntered by with Lou Roberts. At this point I'll be honest, it was just a case of survival as the last few weeks have seen my training drop right down and I just thought I'll 'try' and enjoy it.' As beautiful as the Lakes is, I don't enjoy this race. I'm all about rhythm when running and this is not the race for me. I like hills, but ones with paths on, I like descents, but ones you can actually run down. This has neither. That being said it's a great trip and there were some cracking performances. Andy and Smaley had a battle all the way round. My brother went past me on the descent like I was stood still. The only solace I can take is that my stream crossing was a tad more manful this year. Straight through no messing! So 6th Barlicker over the line and the rest of the lads and lasses finished. Everyone seemed to enjoy it apart from Pete Jackson who gained another DNF and we retreated back to Hill Side pub. 4-5 pints then the journey back with the usual harsh banter and ridicule. Doff of the cap to Karen Naylor and Katie Towers for taking on this race -their first Lakeland outing. We arrived back home for just after 12, battered and bruised but already talking about the next one.
The race was won by Ben Mounsey in 64:28. The Barlickers finished as follows:
6 Tom Corrigan 67.25
15 John Whiteside 72.30
16 Andy Colins 72.45
25 Chris Smale 75.35
30 Shaun Chew 76.29
37 Stephen Chew 78.15
43 Stephen Shorrock 79.38
46 Carl Pawson 79.57
84 Andrew Driver 87.24
88 John Boothman 87.48
98 Paul Elcock 90.02
99 Mick Keegan 90.27
101 Gary Bradley 90.46
113 Pete Beresford 91.43
120 Paula Cullen 94.16
122 Leanne Dinsdale 94.25
134th Dave Cockell 98.13
148 Hannah Newbold
153 Bob Jackson
??? Karen Naylor
??? Katie Towers