It’s only 1 week 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 from 4pm in the main marquee.
La Sportiva Social & Family Runs
On Friday 24th July, La Sportiva, Leki & Montane will combine to offer a selection of social runs at 3:00pm from the La Sportiva tent, close to the main start gantry, in Coniston. They will be at the pace of the slowest runner and very much a social element. There is no need to book in advance, simply turn up!
In the Montane Base Camp, there’ll be a CREATION STATION, where friends and family can make posters to support runners. Following the event, you’ll also be able to make FREE time stamped personal finish posters.
In Montane Base Camp, you’ll also find Nottingham University Sports Medicine team, offering free massage, injury assessments and taping.
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. We have 3 inspirational speakers taking the stage, hosted by the Young Hearts Run Free podcast team.
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.