Great Langdale Marathon 2012

I am taking part in the event on 22/09/2012 (not long to go). Training is going great, currently at 50mpw, and i am running without music as i have heard there is no music players allowed. I am not scared of hills however there seems to be conflicting advice on how hilly this course actually is. I would not class a hill as a 50 yard rise for example only the monsters count! Anyone who has run this please enlighten me i am feeling apprehensive now but feel very much prepared and going to start my taper in 3 weeks time.

Go to Events and Great Langdale Marathon and read reviews - I think that just about covers what anyone can write - I've never done it by the way but have aspirations one day.......

They tag it as 'the Toughest Road Marathon in the World'!

Thanks for the quick reply. Dont know if it my work system but Events doesnt seem to be finding the marathon? Any chance you could link it for me here?

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/ratingsall.asp?sp=&v=2&ugn=1556&en=55553

From memory of doing the half a couple of times (and the marathon is two laps of the half course) there are two very steep hills (about 1 in 3) although they aren't massively prolonged. One is a mile in as you climb out of Great Langdale, the other about 9 miles in just after you cross the road at Skelwith Bridge and head up towards Grasmere. The rest of the route is just very undulating 

Brilliant race though and finishes in a beer garden.

Andy D, thank you very much. I am ready for the challenge and my aim is to finish. I have read reviews saying forget your watch and that is exactly what i am going to do! Beer garden sounds brilliant.

Skinny Fetish Fan, thank you for taking the time to supply me with the link.

I'm having a go at the full marathon this year after doing the half a few times before. It's a stunning course but is very hilly. The organisation is great and the race director 'rocket rod' is a real character. Training has gone ok so should run/walk round in 4.15 ish. Definately one to forget the watch and enjoy the views (and then the beer garden!!). The missus is driving back!!

I have read reviews saying forget your watch and that is exactly what i am going to do! Beer garden sounds brilliant.

I did the half and enjoyed it. SO glad i wasnt doing the full though !!

The first climb had me walking up with my hands on my knees. It really is that steep.

Absolutely stunning race though.  

I am really looking forward to it now. should be a great challenge. I have not done the half however i live near the Lake District and do some fell walking so i know how lumpy it can get up there  . I am looking to complete it in and around 4.15 too DaveClaret. However my plan is ready to change if i have a shock to the system. 4 weeks on Saturday! My taper begins after 2 more long run Sundays.

Keep well and injury free.

Not long now, can't believe how soon it is now. Already getting nervous. I'm going to try another 2 long runs too. Also some healthy eating as have just come back from a music festival which wasn't the best prep!! I maybe revising my target to 4.30!!. Take care all.

Hey dave it is coming round fast. I have one more long run of 20 miles on Sunday then begin my taper. I am pretty nervous too but i am sure my real target on the day is to complete the marathon. Train well.

I have being training very hard for the day. I actually live just south of the Lake District (Barrow-in-Furness) so my routes have all contained no flat surfaces really. I have put two really 'big' hills in my 14+ mile routes to try and mirror the course. I have being told there are 2 'big' hills and the rest is up and down, up and down. Is that true Cumberlandrunner?

yip-

the first mile is flat, then a decent climb- then a downhill mile, then constantly undulating to another big climb at mile 11/20 skelwith bridge, a fair descent to mile 23, then a mostly gradual incline back to the start.

I can't recall any periods of flat running.The undulations are more significant than average if you get my drift   My half PB is 1hr 46 and it took me just under 2hours to run one loop , although that was during a training run.

I can't wait though

PS the 'off road' route 'Langdale Horseshoe' fell race is the 13th October. thats a cracker too

I did it last year and am just trying to work up courage to enter this year as I have had 6 months off with injury. A great marathon but some big hills, as folk have said 2 big ones which most folk walk, the rest of it is run able by mere mortals like me. Maybe a tough one for my first one back but well should be a good day out.

Just completed an 8 miler tonight. Intorduced my legs,hips and butt to a foam roller for the firsttime tonight...ouch!!!. Can see how it will probably work if you grit your teeth. I hope the weather holds out for the day. My wife is due 2 weeks after the run with our 3rd child too so hopefully she can hold on!!. Elspeth Fay you should go for it! Good luck everyone. My bib number is 143. Run strong and stay injury free.  

Eslpeth- i was injured for six weeks over the summer, a few years ago and still did it anyway- so enjoy

Ryan- home you get some kip and rest in the bank after the marathon before number 3 decides to put in an appearance.

the other night, I ran up the hill at skelwith bridge 3 times (as you do....... ), there is one particuarly steep section round the corner- but its mercifully short. tempting though it is to throw in the towel at that point- I managed to keep going. it may be a different story after 10plus miles round them previous hills on the day

I plan to do 16miles this sunday. onwards..........getting close now......