Derwent Water Dawdle
Derwent Water Dawdle: 27th Apr
Location: Braithwaite, Cumbria
Length: 23 Miles
Elevation: 4300 ft
Terrain: Trail, Single track, rocky paths, open fell and road
Ever since I saw the route for the Derwent Water Dawdle I have been looking forward to it. The Keswick area is one of my favourite areas in the Lakes, so I naturally couldn’t wait to race there. Training had been good in the build-up to the race but in the week preceding the race there had been some unseasonal hot weather. I really struggled in the heat so I was relieved when the forecast for race day was around 10C and showery.
Showers were on and off all the way up until the start. We had our race briefing where encouragingly race director Jeff told us to prepare for the worst and expect conditions to deteriorate throughout the race, happy days. Conditions were near perfect, if a bit chilly, as we set off from Braithwaite heading towards Cat Bells which would be our first climb. The first two miles were relatively flat so it was quick going, perhaps a bit too quick for my liking, we were averaging 7:30 min/miles, but as we pulled up to the base of Cat Bells that suddenly slowed. The racing snakes gunned it up the fell and I knew I was no match for them so reluctantly backed off the pace and marched up the fell as quick as I comfortably could. I lost a few places on the way to the summit but I knew that there would be more climbs later on and I would need my legs for those, still I reckoned I was in the top 20 so summited Cat Bells with a smile on my face.
The view from the top was stunning as ever, not too many tourists about either! Thankfully the rain hadn’t set in just yet but the clouds made the panorama that bit more atmospheric. We headed off the fell down the main tourist track which I had been fearful of because of the weather. It’s very rocky and wet rock isn’t the most grippy of substances, that and my Scott Supertrac Ultra RC’s must had about 700 miles in them and very little teeth left. Nevertheless, I charged down the fell and regained a position, managed an impressive leap for the course photographer, who missed the shot (serves me right for being a loon – he still got some cracking shots). Just before the bottom of the fell we speared off to the right and down a faint track heading in the direction of Castle Crag. This was a great little track which I had no idea was there until recceing the course, I left it as a surprise for race day and I’m glad I did although there was a moment of confusion with another runner where we debated which way to go at a junction. We figured it out and soon enough we were at Castle Crag where the rain came.
I ran with this chap for a good while, unfortunately I didn’t catch his name, he was pushing me and I actually felt a bit uncomfortable, mainly I think because I’d had a rather large breakfast. I stuck with him climbing gently past Castle Crag and on towards Honister before turning down to Rosthwaite and our first check point. There were three of us in the check point and we all had a silent agreement to head out again together. After downing some coke and a slice of lemon cake the three amigos headed out into the rain and along the Cumbria Way out of Rosthwaite towards the infamous Stonethwaite Steps of Doom. The three of us did well on the flat out of Rosthwaite and I was fully prepared to let these guys go up the steps of doom and go at my own pace.
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| Wet first check point... |
That didn’t happen, I led the way up the steps of doom and my word, if you want a leg buster, head to Stonethwaite and climb the 1000ft climb to Dock Tarn. We zig zagged our way up the forest steps and eventually levelled out on the top. The amigos were close behind and I could see the next person ahead. Still climbing, I ran what I could and power hiked where needed and unfortunately lost the amigos behind (unfortunate because I didn’t get to say goodbye – we’d had a strong partnership which was gutting to break). I closed up to the guy ahead and planned to run with him. Passing the moody Dock Tarn, sniffing out any trace of a path I caught Steve. As I caught him we passed some walkers who said, “well done guys, you’re doing great! You’re in 7th and 8th”. I turned with a look of disbelief as we passed them, “8th place?” They assured us that they’d seen everyone through and so we carried on. Steve and I had a momentary navigational issue but I got us back on course. Steve urged me to go past as he didn’t feel he could keep pace so I moved into 7th. I knew 7th place was utterly bonkers for me but I said to myself “I wonder if 5th is possible? I feel really good.”
After a little think I decided to push for it and go. The decent to Watendlath from Dock Tarn was treacherous, super slippy rocks and wet grass made things very interesting but I gained another place over taking someone who wasn’t too confident on the slippy stuff. I was in 6th place going past Watendlath and knew that check point 2 wasn’t far off. After a brief hail storm I followed the beck path down towards Surprise View on an absolute flyer. “Just stay on your feet Charles and put the power down” I kept saying to myself. We were about 14 miles in and I had come to life. The path was very rooty and unfortunately I slipped, tried to save myself but ended up gracing the forest floor with my presence. First concern, is my coat ripped? Second concern, don’t lose 6th place. Third concern, can I run? I picked myself up off the ground and broke straight into a run, only when I was running did I check for any damage to myself. Thankfully, I got off lightly, a slight scratch below my knee and some tingly hands, so I pushed on. Just before we met the road to Surprise View my next target came into view, he was moving slowly but consistently up the incline and thought he’d be one to watch on the next climb. He struggled on the tarmac and downhill but I was wary of his uphill pace. I overtook him going into the check point but he left before I did. The check point staff told us we were doing great and I was in 5th but 4th was long gone. I thought all I have to do is create a big enough gap and 5th is mine. I didn’t take a look at Surprise View as I knew the race for 5th was on. Nevertheless, I retook 5th before Ashness Bridge and powered down to the iconic spot and had enough of a gap for a quick snap. The next shower came in for our last big ascent. There were so many thoughts running through my head. Will my body hold up? Have I got a big enough gap behind? Where’s 4th?
I ploughed on up the climb which is very steep and a bit of a scramble in places but progressed well! It was chucking it down and the course photographer got some cracking snaps, this time I wasn’t such a loon – I was in race mode. At the top of the climb I had a good view back and could see P6 was a long way back so relaxed a bit and pushed on. At the summit of Walla Crag I enjoyed the view for a moment and got some people to take my picture and told them I’d have to be quick but realistically I had a good few minutes in the bank. I could see 6th being chased by 7th ,told the tourists to cheer them on as I could see 6th was struggling.
When I got to the stile leaving Walla Crag, a bus load of tourists decided they weren’t going budge and let a single, soaked runner, through. Fuming and determined to make a point I climbed the wood fence next to the stile and leaped the wall, a number of tuts were heard but I could care less – I was on a mission.
Then began the strangest sensation ever. There was no one in front and no one behind, I was all alone heading into Keswick. I knew I was on course but it was slightly unnerving not having anyone around. I passed all the tourists milling down by the lake all looking at me like I had a third eye and bombed off into Crow Park. Exiting Keswick I joined the motorway like path to Portinscale. Dead straight and lovely even ground for half a mile. I spotted something that looked like a runner, are they in the race? Yes! It’s a runner! It’s Bum bag man! I remember him from the start! Bum bag man ran and then walked, clearly in struggle city, but I caught him just after coming off the motorway. 4th place! WHAT! Bum bag man tried to keep with me, and was using me for navigation which I decided I wasn’t having. I pushed hard to break his line of sight down the little alleys of Portinscale and by the time I got to Ullock he was nowhere to be seen. Keeping focussed I kept the legs spinning and returned to Braithwaite, there was a stressful moment in Braithwaite when I couldn’t figure out which road to go down but I quickly found my way and knew Bum Bag man wasn’t around. I crossed the A66 and crossed the line in 4hrs 26mins and met my friends Michael and Jenny who were waiting at the finish! I handed in my number and was told that I had finished in 5th! The walkers had miscounted and I wasn’t 4th but I didn’t care. 5th was an unbelievable result for me.
I went inside and shook hands with the other finishers and waited for the others to come in. 6th place ended up going to one of the three amigos which was great bud sadly we have no idea what happened to the third (the one that I ran a good chunk of the race with). 7th went to the first lady through and 8th went to Bum bag man, I do really feel for him – he was gutted at the finish – I told him he did a good job but I don’t think it was much consolation. 9th went to the guy that was struggling at Ashness Bridge and 10th went to Steve.
It was a fantastic day out there and there was some seriously good banter and racing with the guys out there on course. The weather was actually pretty decent, nice and cool, little wind and the occasional shower.
I would highly recommend Ascend Events runs, they have a real passion for seeking out awesome trail runs. I’ve done two of their events now and hope to collect the others at some point.
P5, not really sure how it happened but man am I over the moon with that result.
The Gear that made the difference:
Salomon SLAB Sense 8 - Pack
Scott Supertrac Ultra RC – Shoes
OMM Flash Tights .75 – Leggings
Montane Minimus Stretch Ultra – Coat
Injinji Liner – Sock
Injinji Ultra – Sock
Meglio Zinc Oxide Tape – Blister prevention
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