The SupaLite team recently took on the Virtual Lakeland 50 challenge – and what an experience it turned out to be! Over the course of 12 days, our goal was to complete 50 miles each, whether by walking, running, cycling, or even swimming. We expected a fun and active challenge, but we didn’t anticipate just how tough – and rewarding – it would be.
Our team showed incredible determination and team spirit. Not only hitting the target but absolutely smashing it with a combined total of over 356 miles! From discovering new routes to sharing scenic snaps of their journeys, it’s been fantastic to see the team getting active, pushing themselves, and supporting each other along the way.
This year, the chosen charity was Derian House, where all profits from the Virtual Event were donated.
Read on to discover more about this brilliant challenge and the adventures we encountered.
Elizabeth’s Story: More Than Just Miles
Elizabeth, our Customer Service Advisor here at SupaLite, participated in the Virtual Lakeland 50 challenge.
“I’ve never done a charity race before, but when the Lakeland Virtual 50 event was first put forward in the newsletter, my initial reaction to the idea was strongly influenced by how my colleagues responded. What I saw straight away was a level of enthusiasm and excitement that really gave me the energy and drive to give it a go.
While it has been a challenge to get 50 miles done in less than two weeks (and I certainly underestimated how much effort would be involved), I’ve found the experience to be quite rewarding.”
“On just a personal level, it has got me exploring parts of the local area that I don’t normally set aside enough time to experience. It has been particularly relaxing to spend more time around nature on my walks.
But I think the best feeling of the event can be expressed in a small anecdote from one of the first walks I did. Heading home, I crossed the Ribble via a bridge to Avenham Park, which is covered in sentimental padlocks and small charms. While some of these celebrated happy relationships and teenage sweethearts, the ones that stood out the most to me in that moment were remembrances for loved ones no longer with us.
To me, it was such a strong reminder about what this was ultimately all for. The goal of this event was to raise money for Derian House. This organisation that provides respite and end-of-life care for seriously ill babies, children, and young people across the Northwest. I knew that any one of those keepsakes tied to the bridge could hold the story of a young person once helped by Derian House, and that really gave the event – and our efforts – greater meaning.”
“I’m glad that as a team we’ll be sending money to where it can support such a valuable cause, and generate a tangible, positive impact in the world. And if the opportunity comes up again for staff to get involved, I will strongly encourage everyone to give it a go!”
Nina’s Lakeland 50 Journey 2024
Nina, our Finance Director, is no stranger to marathons. She took on the Lakeland 50 last year, and what an experience it was! Read all about her journey below.
Last July, I took part in the Montane Lakeland 50, which was my first ultra-distance race.
The event comprises two races: the 50-mile and the 100-mile. It is hugely popular in the trail running community due to the race’s inclusive ethos.
During the last weekend of July, the town of Coniston transforms into the race HQ for the event. Each year, the organiser selects a theme; last year, it was Top Gun, and the year before it was Cowboys. In line with the organiser’s approach to the event being a personal journey for each competitor, they have selected the theme of “all about you”.
In the weeks leading up to the event, we have been fortunate enough to read some of the stories about competitors’ reasons for participating and their past experiences with the race.
The Road to 50 Miles
On 27th July, I arrived in Dalemain, which hosts the start of the 50-mile race and is the halfway mark for the 100-mile race. To avoid congestion, runners are set off in groups to run a 4-mile lap around the grounds of Dalemain before making their way to Pooley Bridge and then along the shores of Ullswater.
During this wait, with nerves already high, the music blasting from the speakers only added to the excitement of the adventure that was about to unfold. I remember Thunderstruck by AC/DC and Bat out of Hell by Meatloaf, both blaring out.
We got underway and soon arrived in Pooley Bridge, where the pavements and beer gardens were full of crowds cheering us on. It was incredible to see, and more so, my support team had surprised me with a banner.
Through the Checkpoints and Over the Fells
Once we cleared the madness of Pooley Bridge, we were greeted by the tranquillity of the open fells to the east of Ullswater and on to our first checkpoint at Howton. A running club manages each checkpoint and incorporates a theme. Howtown did not disappoint. They had French music playing, the volunteers donning berets. Sadly, there were no pain au chocolat or crepes on the menu.
From leaving the checkpoint, the first big climb begins. Mention Fusedale to any past participant, and you will notice them shudder. It is approximately 3 miles long and takes you to High Kop, the highest point on the course. Once you hit the top, you are rewarded with incredible views of Haweswater.
The downhill after the climb isn’t particularly rewarding, as it can get very boggy and slippery; you can’t take full advantage of the descent because of this. After running alongside Haweswater for what seems like forever, the second checkpoint greets you at the south of the lake, located at Mardale Head. This was the checkpoint where the faff set in.
I think I forgot I was taking part in a race while at this checkpoint. I spent far longer than I anticipated here, trying to help fellow runners rather than concentrating on my race. Lessons can always be learned from these experiences; however, I would still stop to help a fellow runner in need again in the future.
The Final Push and Finish Line Feel
Like the sunset from Gatescarth, I was spoiled with a stunning sunrise over Windermere and witnessed a cloud inversion over the lake, which was truly magical. I trotted on to the next checkpoint, which is at Chapel Stile. Beef Stew was on the menu here. I was grateful to eat anything savoury by this stage.
The penultimate section of the race is relatively easy, either that or I’ve blocked the memory! The morning was pressing on, and it was already starting to warm up. The lure of cheese toasties at Tilberthwaite was dragging me through those final miles. Upon arrival at that final checkpoint, I made use of the camp chairs to sit down while eating my toastie.
I got chatting to a fellow competitor who is in her 70s and about her experience of the race over the years. Also, while at Tilberthwaite, eagle-eyed Ewa spotted me on the live feed, talk about timing! I received several texts of well-wishes and motivation while I was getting ready to set off.
With just over 3 miles until the finish, I thought it would be a good idea to get my backside in gear and finish the race strong.
The final section is notorious; the climb from Tilberthwaite consists of numerous steps, followed by a sharp incline. It is known as “Jacob’s Ladder” and is dedicated to the memory of a little boy. As part of the mandatory race kit, you must carry £1, which you pop in the Derian House bucket to continue the race. The event organisers then double the amount collected, and this is donated to Derian House each year, which is a local children’s hospice.
As I completed those final few miles, I was in disbelief that I had almost finished; big, ugly, uncontrollable sobs kept emanating from me. So many emotions were whirring around my mind. As I descended the climb towards Coniston, cheers and encouragement rained down from every side. I felt as if I was gliding towards the finish line.
Looking Ahead and Giving Back
I am very proud that several of my colleagues took part in this year’s Virtual Lakeland 50. This challenge sees participants take on 50 miles over 12 days, encouraging our team to get out and explore their local areas while doing something that will make them feel amazing.
We have set up a joint fundraising page for the miles covered between us over the past 12 days and the event this weekend. If you’d like to support the children and families of Derian House, please consider donating. You can donate here.
A big well done to everyone who took part in this year’s Virtual Lakeland 50!
