Map of the old Buttermere race

[Howgill Tarrier]

Has anyone got a map of the Buttermere Horseshoe Race? I don't mean the Buttermere Sailbeck Horseshoe. I was chatting to someone last night and they told me about a 20 mile 8000ft epic.

Us whipper snappers on the 30 at 30 thread might find it handy. Why did the race stop? it sounds great!

Not a whipper or a snapper DD, sadly, but this could be the 30 at 30 route as I usually get lost anyway...

[paulo]

Rombald, thanks so much for those links - I've really enjoyed reading the old KIMM and LDMT reports as well as the Buttermere and other race ones. Will have to give those Buttermere routes a go. Loved the comments about "state of the art" kit and nutrition from the 84 LDMT

P

[Dynamo Dan]

Thanks for all the information. Those reports in the DP newsletter are brilliant, it's a real shame this race isn't being run anymore. I wonder if it could be resurrected?

[Dynamo Dan]

Graham Breeze has very kindly given me more information about this race:

"Held 11 times from Loweswater Village Hall. Second weekend in August. Originally advertised as 24m and 9000' but later as 20m and 8000'

Last held in 1992 because after 3 years Pete Skelton stood down and nobody would take it on.

Records were 3.30.13 (1990) D. Lee and 4.08.10 (1990) H.Diamantides

Billy Bland won the first one and the last one was won by Jonny Bland (Borrowdale) in 3.33.39.

The race used to be sponsored by the Scale Hotel but when this closed things became difficult."

[Fellhound]

Graham Breeze has very kindly given me more information about this race:

"Held 11 times from Loweswater Village Hall. "

I'm surprised it was held that many times.. not because it was a bad race but it just seemed to come and go quite quickly. I thought it was worthy of taking its place alongside Ennerdale and Wasdale as one of the classic long horseshoes of the Lakes.

[Dynamo Dan]

I'm surprised it was held that many times.. not because it was a bad race but it just seemed to come and go quite quickly. I thought it was worthy of taking its place alongside Ennerdale and Wasdale as one of the classic long horseshoes of the Lakes.

Maybe still could if it was resurrected, but I suppose it would be difficult to get access when you consider all the races being held in that part of the lakes now. I'd have a crack at organising it myself, but I'm not sure it's possible living in Manchester!

[Lemming]

Dan,

I've often wondered about this race myself, and mentioned it to Pete Nelson (who organised it for a while I think - possibly who Graham meant) when I was chatting to him only this February. He did tell me the route then, but I couldn't remember the detail - I might see him tomorrow to ask him again.

I also mentioned this on our club run last night (whilst going over Red Pike to Scarth Gap from Buttermere - felt appropriate!) and there was some interest in it. If you want I'll mention it in our next club meeting (12th June) to see if there is the appetite to organise it as a club (CFR). I think if we can get it to finish at the Kirkstile Inn it would be a perfect finish to a race!

[Dynamo Dan]

Dan,

I've often wondered about this race myself, and mentioned it to Pete Nelson (who organised it for a while I think - possibly who Graham meant) when I was chatting to him only this February. He did tell me the route then, but I couldn't remember the detail - I might see him tomorrow to ask him again.

I also mentioned this on our club run last night (whilst going over Red Pike to Scarth Gap from Buttermere - felt appropriate!) and there was some interest in it. If you want I'll mention it in our next club meeting (12th June) to see if there is the appetite to organise it as a club (CFR). I think if we can get it to finish at the Kirkstile Inn it would be a perfect finish to a race!

That would be amazing - thanks. When you consider the amount of interest in other long Lakeland races, I'm sure there are enough runners who'd be interested. Like I said before I live in Manchester, but I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

[Bobster]

I agree with Lemming. Sounds like a pefect opportunity for CFR. It looks such a good logical and classic route to take. A kirkstile start and finsih would be perfect. Oh. I am salivating already!

[wheezing donkey]

That would be amazing - thanks. When you consider the amount of interest in other long Lakeland races, I'm sure there are enough runners who'd be interested. Like I said before I live in Manchester, but I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

Dan, living in Manchester does not preclude you from organising a race in the Lakes. Bear in mind that several people who have been the Jura RO over the years have resided in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Alan Kenny ( Morecambe area ) has been RO for OCT and Grizedale Horseshoe. Not to mention that for the first 12 editions of the Anniversary Waltz, Steve & Wynn were residents of Leicester; and Yiannis organises the Arenig Fawr race ( between Bala & Trawsfynydd ) despite living in Liverpool. You can do it if you really want to.

Ian.

P.S. I first spotted it in the 1985 FRA Calendar but fom previous posts it obviously was run before that.