Associate Architect Sarah Gerrish completed her first Lakeland 100 this summer, finishing the 105-mile circuit in just over 30 hours.

On 24 July, Sarah set off from Coniston for her first Lakeland 100 race. The route makes a long circuit through the Lake District, heading through the southern fells towards Eskdale and Wasdale before continuing north to Buttermere, Braithwaite and the northern section of the course. From there it turns back through Dalemain, Howtown, Mardale, Kentmere, Ambleside and Langdale before returning to Coniston.

By the finish, Sarah had covered 105 miles and climbed 6,850 metres, but it was not an easy first attempt. Sickness and recurring ankle pain appeared within the opening 20 miles, and the night-time stretch over Black Sail Pass proved particularly difficult.

Sarah reached Buttermere shortly after midnight, uncertain about the hours ahead. She took some time to refuel and regroup, with a simple cup of tomato soup proving unexpectedly welcome. By the time she set off up Newlands Valley, she had found some appetite again, and the miles to Braithwaite passed without much issue.

Daylight brought another change. After Blencathra, Sarah watched the sun rise over the northern fells before continuing towards Dockray, Ullswater and Dalemain.

Some of the hardest miles were still ahead. Sarah had dreaded the climb over Bampton Common between Howtown and Mardale, while the later climb out of Mardale Head over Gatesgarth Pass became one of the race’s lowest points. By then, the accumulated mileage, ascent and lack of fuelling early on were beginning to show.

Reaching Kentmere brought familiar ground and familiar faces. Sarah knows this part of the Lake District well, and the support helped make the finish feel possible. From Kentmere, the route continued through Ambleside, Chapel Stile and Tilberthwaite. Darkness fell again before the final section, with rain making the descent into the Coniston Coppermines wet and slippery.

Sarah crossed the finish line at 00:04 on Sunday morning in 30 hours, 4 minutes and 18 seconds, finishing 11th female, 3rd Female Vet 40, and 104th overall.

Sarah’s deep connection with the Lake District is familiar across the studio. Based in Cartmel, many of the team live, work, and spend their free time in the area. Colleagues followed her progress throughout the race.

“The Lake District is the place I call home and where I do most of my running. There was something quite special about being able to piece together some of my favourite areas.” Said Sarah.