Saturday the 5th June 2021 – Scafell Sky Race
The SSR is in its 5th year, but after cancellation last year link many it’s really only the 4th edition of the race in its delivery.
Racing over the highest mountain in England has its fascination and doing it in the Scafell Sky Race just adds to the feeling.
Last weekend 118 of the 150 entrants turned up to Great Langdale in the heart of the English Lake District to pit themselves against the gruelling 40km and 3000m course of the Scafell Sky Race, with 11 nations represented from New Zealand to South Africa, with Ireland, Poland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, United States, Wales, Scotland and England all being in the mix.
Temperatures were hot not only in the line up, but also with the weather and the Lake District was showing herself off with blue skies, perfect sunshine and hot hot running conditions.
In the Male race, Spencer Shaw from Manchester took the instant lead and smashed his way up Harrison Stickle to keep pushing all the way around the course. On taking the win in a super fast time of 05:03:13, Spencer said he was feeling it all right from the start line, but just kept putting the effort in and it rewarded him perfectly to take home the coveted slate trophy from the mines at Honister Pass. 2nd and 3rd places were fought out by Simon Roberts of Wales and Josh Wade, local to the Lakes. Simon had the edge until the midway feed-station at Seathwiaite Farm and then moved into 2nd place to keep control of that position to the finish back in Great Langdale opposite the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, which was the events centre for the weekend. Josh took 2nd place in 05:16:50 with Simon taking 3rd place in 05:24:34.
In the Female Race, Lauren Woodwiss took the win and the coveted slate trophy in a cracking time of 06:18:09, especially due to the heat of the day. Lauren battled with Sophie Likeman, local runner and 2nd place in the end, through the first 4 checkpoints, before pulling away on the 2nd half and more technical side of the whole route, keeping first place from Seathwaite Farm onwards. Sophie Likeman ran a strong race to keep hold of 2nd place in a time of 06:36:14, with Bethan Nadin who had been in 4th place until the summit of England, namely Scafell Pike, where she moved up a gear and took the 3rd place position to finish in a time of 06:44:54.
There were many great battles happening further back in the field outside of the podium slots.
all images ©routenorth
