Keswick AC’s Lord and Lady of the Forest Series, two races held on a Wednesday evening around Whinlatter Forest, will be raising money for local Keswick Community Interest Company Amy’s Care. Amy’s Care provides high quality day care services for older people in the local area and those living with dementia. They are currently trying to raise money to fund a fit for purpose minibus, complete with disabled access and wheelchair lift. It is intended that the money raised from the two races will go towards the cost of a new minibus so that Amy’s Care clients can experience the outdoors in a way that is both enjoyable and suitable to their needs and capabilities. Race organisers Jenn Mattinson and Carl Bell, who both run for Keswick AC, elected Amy’s Care for their 2018 race series.
The first race Grisedale Grind is on Wednesday 4th April, including junior (6pm start) and senior (7pm start) races. The junior event is around the trails of Revelin Moss and includes a short section of Grisedale Pike. The older you are the further up the hill you go! The senior race is a steep but short 2.5 mile classic evening fell race, taking in the summit of Grisedale Pike (weather permitting!). Hot and cold drinks and sweet treats will be available during the evening thanks to Shelley from Bean on the Fells who’ll be bringing her mobile coffee cart to the event and offering a ‘runners special’.
Lords Seat is on Wednesday 18th April and includes both junior and senior events, at 6pm and 7pm respectively. The junior races will visit the Gruffalo and a few more twisty paths in Whinlatter and the senior route is a relatively tame 5 mile fell and trail race which visits Barf and Lords Seat summits. It’s a good one for fast competitive racing and new fell racers alike, and is a great contrast to Grisedale Grind. The headquarters for Lords Seat is at Siskin’s Café at Whinlatter, where runners can enjoy a hot drink and cake afterwards. Siskins café owner Denise Grimshaw has kindly offered to open up the café for the evening, so both race registration and prize giving will take place in the café. Competitors are kindly asked to park at Whinlatter visitor centre for both events.
Both races are sponsored by Pete Bland Sports. Up for grabs will be Pete Bland vouchers for male and female and age category series winners, including spot prizes after the final race so it’s worth staying on at the café afterwards.
