 | Full Steam Ahead for Successful “Steamy Surprise” Runners from all over the UK, and visitors from New Zealand and Italy, were treated to a unique running experience on Saturday 3rd November, in an event dubbed the “Steamy Surprise”. |
Competitors first boarded the Ullswater Steamer “Raven”, for a half hour cruise to the start in the pretty hamlet of Howtown. Everyone on board were entertained and serenaded by singer/songwriter Pete Lashley. On their half hour cruise, much of the course along the lakeside was in full view, and with three sailings of 200 runners on each, there was a great camaraderie between those on the Steamer, and those out running the course.
From Howtown, the competitors ran along a 12.8km course that has been described as “the most scenic lakeside trail in the UK”, back to the finishing arena in Glenridding. The autumn colours were at their very best for the three events taking place, with staggered start times for walkers, Nordic walkers and less competitive runners wearing yellow numbers, then the first Puma Trailfox Ullswater Trail Race wearing blue numbers, and finally the main Trail Race wearing white numbers.
GB International Martin Cox flew over especially from his home in Italy, to take part in the event, and impressed everyone with his superb winning performance and even better suntan. Runner-up was fellow GB International John Brown from Salford Harriers, with Tynedale Harriers’ Marcus Byron in third place. World Masters Mountain Running Champion Maureen Laney, from Clayton Harriers, won the ladies race, from Clare McKeown (Border Harriers) and Phillipa Walsh (Preston Harriers) in third.
Children were treated to a guest appearance by the Ullswater Steamers mascot, Sammy the Squirrel, and enjoyed a fun day with bouncy castles, slides, face painting and their own Fun Trails.
The event was sponsored by Ullswater Steamers and lifestyle brand Puma, with £1000 worth of Puma product in prizes. Support was also received from Eden District Council, Cumbria Tourism and Cumbria Vision.
This first Ullswater event has proved an immediate National success story, and will be featured by major outdoor magazines in the next couple of months. The event has received nothing but praise from all the competitors, and has achieved an overall approval rating of 98% from the readers of Runnersworld magazine. This should make the event the “best new race in the UK in 2007”. The event also expects to generate over £100 000 to the local regional economy, through overnight stays and increased consumer spend.
