It’s only 4 weeks to go, how time flies… We’ll soon be gathering in Coniston for the greatest weekend of the year.

The full event notes have already been published and you should read those in full. But let’s look at a few traditions of the event, that you won’t want to miss.

Nessun Dorma

Completing 100 miles within the 40 hours time limit requires runners to travel through at least one full night, often 2 . Hallucinations are common amongst competitors and in 2012 one runner was convinced that he had passed opera singer Paul Potts (Britain’s Got Talent winner) and ‘swore blind’ he was humming Nessun Dorma at the time. The relevance of this story is that Nessun Dorma translates as ‘none shall sleep’ which seemed appropriate given the circumstances of the runners. Roll forwards 12 hours and during the Sunday presentation party, a Twitter conversation with Paul Potts, revealed that it was in fact him on the course and not a hallucination at all…. much to the amusement of those tired souls who attended the presentation.

Following that moment in 2013, our anthem was set and it’s now part of the event history. Each year we invite an operatic tenor to sing Nessun Dorma live at the start line. You won’t want to miss the 100 start, it’s one of the most iconic moments of the event.

The Lakeland 1

You may think this weekend is all about the 50 & 100 (105) mile events, but anyone who’s been before knows different. The weekend is in fact all about the Montane Lakeland 1 which starts at 6:30pm under the main start gantry. It’s free to take part, all children get a medal and parents, grand parents and push chairs are all welcome. You don’t need to register beforehand, register on Friday in the main marquee.

La Sportiva Social & Family Runs

On Friday 25th July, La Sportiva, Leki & Montane will combine to offer a selection of social runs at 3:30pm from the La Sportiva tent, close to the main start gantry, in Coniston. They will be 5k in distance, at the pace of the slowest runner and very much a social element. There is no need to book in advance, simply turn up!

Each of the run groups are lead by La Sportiva or Montane guides and sponsored athletes, which includes past winners of both the 50 & 100 mile event.

If you’re running the 50 and want to loosen the legs with a VERY EASY 5k, then you can join in for free and there’s no need to book. If your family, friends, or partner are joining you for the weekend but not taking part in the main event, this is the perfect way for them to get out and see a little of the surrounding area.

Guest Speakers

At 8pm Friday we’ll have guest speakers on the stage in the main marquee. There’s food, drink and beer available, so come along and relax. Details of guests is coming soon!

Jacob’s Ladder

The final checkpoint on the course is Tilberthwaite, where competitors climb the famous steps, now known as ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. The steps are named in memory of a little man called ‘Jacob Willet’ who passed away with cancer his steps are now synonymous with this event. Please take £1 and drop it in the bucket at the bottom of the steps, all proceeds will go to children’s cancer research.

The Presentation

On Sunday at 12 noon, we host the presentation and celebration in the main marquee. If you’ve never been to the event before, you won’t want to miss the presentation. It isn’t your standard awards ceremony.

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY AND ARRIVAL

We’ve already provided full details in the event guidance notes, but wanted to highlight some of the key issues and times, to ensure that the process runs smoothly. The 3 sites that you can access are the ‘main camping field’ , the ‘overflow camping field’ and the ‘car parking field’

What’s key for the full weekend is that we maintain a flow of traffic on Lake road (this is the road to the lake, on which John Ruskin School is based). Here’s some key things you need to know:

Friday

1. The car park(s) open at 9am, please don’t arrive any earlier and you must not wait on Lake Road under any circumstances. We do not want a queue on Lake Road prior to that time. If you arrive prior to 9am, to prevent the road being blocked, you will be direct to the overflow camping field and you’ll camp there for the weekend.
2. The main camping field is the first field on the right, you drive along Lake Road and enter at the bottom of the field. Drive past the school and continue for 150m to the bottom of the lane. DO NOT attempt to drive through the main school gates.
3. The overflow camping field is only a further 100m on the left. This will be used when the main field is full. Motorhomes and caravans will also be placed on the overflow field, there is no electricity hook up.
4. Once on the main field, you will not be allowed to leave until Saturday. You cannot drive onto the main field on Friday, pitch your tent then leave in your car. This is due to safety reasons (there are too many adults and children on the field) and also the fact that there is one access point, so we cannot have 2 way traffic.
5. If you wish to park, register and then leave, you will use car parking field, which is next to the overflow camping field. The same applies if you would like to pitch your tent and then leave, park in the car park and carry your equipment onto the overflow camping field.
6. Alternatively, use the pay and display in the village centre. WE MUST avoid 2 way traffic as much as possible on Lake Road, so please consider this if you’re planning to camp and then leave from the overflow field.
7. The Lakeland 100 starts at 6pm, so to further ensure that we minimise the impact on traffic, please arrive prior to 5:30pm or after 6:30pm. Do not arrive within that 1 hour window and you will not be able to drive through Coniston due to road closures.
8. The camping fields are locked down overnight and there is no access in or out, camping fields between 11pm and 6am. The car parking field remains open, so runners can be collected at any time throughout the night by friends or family. For them to access the car park, they will need a car parking pass (note that this pass isn’t transferrable between cars).
9. To access all camping or parking, you will need the barcode which can be found within your resultsbase entry (barcodes will be available soon). You only use the barcode when you first arrive, then at registration, you will be given a car park and camping pass to go in your window, which will display your car registration. You will have one car parking pass, for your car. Friends, family and supporters in other cars cannot access the camping or parking field.

Saturday

1. Buses will transport people to Dalemain from 7am, but friends and family can drive there to spectate. Supporters must be at Dalemain by 9:00am (car park closes at this time). It’s a 75 minute drive from Coniston. By asking spectators to leave early, it reduces congestion for coaches on the Ambleside road and also on the Dalemain road to Rheged.
2. As above, please minimise traffic in and out of Coniston. It’s important throughout the whole weekend that we reduce traffic on Lake Road. If you don’t need to leave, then stay on the field.

Sunday

1. At no point should anyone park on Lake Road. Last year we placed traffic cones along Lake Road and prior to the presentation (to gain a quick exit) the cones were moved and people parked on the road. Be aware, traffic wardens will manage that area over the weekend. Do not park on Lake Road at any time throughout the weekend, you will receive a ticket.

Coniston is a wonderful village and we’re privileged to be there. It’s important that we minimise the impact on local residents. Ensure you’ve read the guidelines above and help us to ensure that things run smoothly over event weekend.