Firstly, a few word of gratitude
To Team Forces, your grant makes all this possible, your support is not just an administrative line on a balance sheet. Because of your support, our team can challenge themselves, inspire each other, and experience life-changing moments.
To all our fundraisers, donors, and supporters, Team True Spirit extends heartfelt thanks to you all. Your efforts and generosity helped raise over £4,200 and your contributions make it possible for us to continue to deliver life-changing experiences for our veterans’ community.
We can’t thank you enough
Team True Spirit
Lakeland 100 and Lakeland 50: 25th – 27th July 2025
Reported by Mark Airey, Founder TTS
On Friday 25th July 31 members of Team True Spirit gathered at John Ruskin School in Coniston to compete in the Lakeland 50/100 Ultra Tour of the Lake District.
The team consisted of 3 competitors for the 100 and 28 for the 50 including 9 fundraisers for the charity. The fundraisers did a fantastic job and raised just over £4200.
The new sleek registration process meant that there was plenty of time to catch up, chat, eat and get taped up over at the TTS HQ gazebo on the overflow camping field.
The full team gathered at 1730hrs to walk up and watch the start of the 100 and see our 3 absolute legends embark on their journey. There was not a dry eye to be seen as the event got underway with the traditional opera singer belting out Nessun Dorma and then the roar and rapturous applause as the competitors got underway.
For the remaining 28 it was race brief, last minute race kit adjustments, food and bed ready for the buses up to Dalemain at 0700hrs the next morning.
Dawn came along with huge sighs of relief as it revealed the perfect weather for the event… slightly overcast and moderate breeze and most importantly no rain, which I am pleased to say remained like this for the full event.
The 0700hrs coach start was a revelation as the coaches did not get stuck in traffic and this cut down the journey by a good 45 mins.. it also meant that the actual start time for the race was earlier as well and so plenty of potential to see things we hadn’t seen before later in the race because it was dark.
After arriving at Dalemain, checking and rechecking kit and fittings, last minute toilet stops, lots of nervous banter and team photos, we entered the starters pen ready for 1000hrs start. It was fantastic to hear that it would be a mass start rather than a staggered start meaning that people could settle into their pace right from the get go.
The starting gates opened and the team immediately split into its 3 usual groups, the “Racing Snakes” that are going for their fastest time possible, “the Qualifiers” , the group that want to qualify for the 100 next year (so under 16 hours) and the “Have A Go Heroes” (HAGS) who just want the thrill of competing and completing the event. The amazing Bradd and Abbie, who are ultra distance legends, kindly agreed to set a pace of completing in 17 hours for the HAGS
The rest of the report is done from perspective of the HAGS as we have no idea what the fast folk got up to.
It is important to note that the best strategy for the event is to plan from checkpoint to check point, or as HAGS like to call it – feed station to feed station.
Dalemain to Howtown (11.2 miles to Cakes, Biscuits, Flapjacks and lots of other sweet stuff)
Starts with 4 mile undulating lap of Dalemain
Bradd and Abbie set a great pace, shocked some of us as it was lot quicker than our usual shuffle
After the 4 mile route you join the 100 route and its competitors, this is an incredible and very humbling part of the race as you realise that these guys have already been through 1 night without sleep and have already completed 59 miles. Even more incredible is that the first 59 miles are reportedly harder than the rest of the course!!!
Head out of Dalemain on a nice flat stretch out to Pooley Bridge and then head out up the first climb of the day up to the Cockpit on High Street.
Group doing really well and spirits were high, especially when you reach the Cockpit and there are wonderful views down the length of Ullswater.
From the Cockpit a steady decent down to Howtown along a path that is quite rugged in areas, those that were confident on their descent pulled out in front a little way… which meant that they got longer in the checkpoint (feed station).
We all gathered at the checkpoint, filled water bottles and snack pockets and we were through in record time, having been briefed by Bradd and Abbie not to wate time in the checkpoints – “get in and get out” I believe were their exact words – and off we set for the second leg.
Howtown to Mardale Head (9.4 miles to Sandwiches, Soup, Crisps and Midges)
A notorious climb comes almost straight out of checkpoint 1 – Fusedale!
For many this is the hardest part of the course, although most of the climb isn’t too steep it is relentless and there are 3 false summits which can make the heart sink if you are not expecting them.
Most of the group watched in awe as Bradd and Abbie sped off up Fusedale, it shouldn’t be possible for people to walk uphill at that speed – attempts to keep up with them were soon forgotten and we hoped that they would wait for us at the top. Instead the usual tactic of “poles out, head down, left, right, left” were adopted with the Fusedale mantra being chanted silently to yourself “don’t look up, don’t look up”
Because of the dry summer the usual marsh wasn’t bad at all and so most people managed to keep their feet dry, which was a bonus, although there were a few curses as people wandered of the side of the path and went knee deep in something nasty.
Eventually the famous wall appeared, and spirits soared as this meant less than 200m to the top.
Bradd and Abbie had indeed waited for us and so we gathered as a group and off we sauntered over High Kop and Bampton Common at a trot knowing that the biggest climb of the day was behind us, spirits were high and Haribo was plenty.
Very controlled descent down to the path at the side of Haweswater and it was there that we joined what for many is the worst part of the course, the world’s worst Conga. This section is a 3.8 mile single track with very few places to pass, especially for the first 3 miles, which basically means that it gets really clogged up. It is also in a rather narrow valley, containing Haweswater, and the ferns on either side of the track resemble something out of Jurassic Park which means that it is sweltering and extremely humid. Tempers are tested on this section; it only takes someone that isn’t very confident on rough terrain and the tailbacks can be huge.
However, we got through it and Mardale Head, checkpoint (feed station) 2 was insight.
Normal checks and refills were completed, ham, cheese and crisps or peanut butter and crisp (weird) sandwiches, usually dipped in soup, were consumed in plentiful doses and off we went again. We also got lots of extra protein from the midges.
Mardale Head to Kentmere (6.5 miles to Pasta Bolognaise, Smoothies and Sweet Stuff)
Straight out of the checkpoint is brutal, you are immediately onto the zig zag path that ascends Gatesgarth pass – it is a definite lung buster, the best policy here is to adopt a “just don’t let anyone pass me” attitude and then its everyone for themselves to the top. Once again Bradd and Abbie set off like it was flat, it is amazing to watch, I want to be like them when I’m grown up.
Conversation was almost non-existent on the way up, all that could be heard was the often muttered “WHY!”, but 20-25 mins of hard graft and it is done - all that is left is a very rough and ragged steep descent to the head of Sadgill valley. Legs are starting to get tired here and it is without doubt the 2nd toughest section on the feet, commonly known as “the blister maker”. Luckily, we all made it down, somewhat slowly, without incident. It was at this point we realised that Bradd and Abbie are not only climbing ninjas but also part mountain goat as they disappeared into the distance.
It was a self-paced descent down to the bridge at Sadgill, where we all regrouped. I had caught up to Bradd and Abbie and chatted through the fact that it was apparent that we, as a group, were not going to quite make 17 hours and that they should just crack on and enjoy the rest of the event at their pace rather than having to keep waiting for us to regroup. They very reluctantly agreed and I find it incredible that even after waiting for us they managed a time of 16:19 – beasts, the pair of ‘em.
For the rest it was over the steady ascent up through Sadgill woods and then steady descent down to Kentmere, through a section we have come to know as “the Grand National” because you must go over/through about 20 gates and stiles…. Nasty on the now tiring legs.
Before long the massive yellow arch and bright lights of the church in Kentmere came into view and mouths were watering in anticipation of the smoothie. And it did not disappoint, the berry one was definitely brain freeze refreshing and zingy.
For those that hadn’t done the event before it was at this point that they looked up and asked the question “what are those people doing up there? Are we going up that?” as they stared up at another climb out of a checkpoint (feed station) – Garburn Pass.
Kentmere to Ambleside (7.3 miles to anything and everything you could possibly want on an ultra event)
To be fair, on any normal day Garburn pass wouldn’t be that bad at all, however this isn’t a normal day and legs are certainly begging to tire and the section from Kentmere down to the road just outside Troutbeck is the worst terrain underfoot on the whole 50 course. The climb is quite steep but it gains just less than 300m in elevation and so compared to the other 2 it is short – I love getting to the top of Garsdale because it is at this point you can definitely say that a good 75% of the climbing is done, there are a couple of decent “bumps” left but the rest is just undulating. It’s a great morale boost as realistically you know that unless you get injured you are definitely finishing.
Moods lifted, banter was back and it was time to just enjoy the rest of the journey. The highlight of this section is going through “Gnarly Woods” or Skelghyll Woods as it is officially called, it definitely tests your route choice, especially seeing that at this point it is getting dark and so the head torches are out and deep shadows make route selection a challenge. However, once you are out of the woods you are on the outskirts of Ambleside and near to the world’s best checkpoint (feed station) and ,more importantly, the chance of a porcelain loo.
The route takes you through the middle of Ambleside and the support from the alcohol fuelled bystanders is incredible – everybody embraces the spirit of the event and you can’t help having a huge grin on your face, which widens as you approach the church, which is also the checkpoint.
Take all the things that have been at all the other check points (feed stations), put them all together and then add some more goodies, add in a proper toilet and you have Checkpoint 4. BUT, it comes with a warning… do not go upstairs and sit down, it will be too tempting to stay sat!
As the group had split up slightly, some of the team had an opportunity to enjoy a slightly longer rest until we had all gathered again and then once everyone had refuelled, changed socks and revelled in the thought that we were at the 35 mile point and only the obstacles of the second zig zag path and Jacobs ladder to overcome, we were off on the 5th leg.
Ambleside to Chapel Stile ( 5.6 miles to Big Soup, bowls of Custard and Rice Pudding)
As ever, there is a steep climb to greet us out of the check point as you head up Loughrigg Brow but it really is short and sharp. Once you reach the top it is a steady descent down to Tarn Foot on a wide but rocky path and then from there on a road down to Skelwith Bridge. The descent down to Skelwith is a 20 percenter and a tough ask for tired legs but the reward is then a nice flat section straight down the Langdale Valley, via Elterwater. For those that haven’t done the event before this is where your map reading skills need to be on point, or at least you need to be reading the handbook, because as you leave the path onto the road there is a sharp left and then almost immediate sharp right that is easily missed. As it is dark at this point you can see the light from headtorches all over the place and mutters of frustration – it doesn’t always pay off to just follow the person in front and hope they know where they are going!!
A stroll past the famous Wainwright Inn and a wiggle through some houses then leads to the path beside Langdale Beck and you can see the checkpoints lights about 1 mile in the distance, skirting the edges of Baysbrown Farm Campsite, where there is always a party going on regardless of the late hour.
The checkpoint (feed station) is a large marquee in the middle of a field and always resembles a scene from an old war film hospital… there are bodies everywhere. Those brave souls that are doing the 100 (which is actually 105) are now at their 95 mile point and on their second night without sleep. It is hard to put in words how much respect everyone has for these competitors – what an incredible show of determination, mental toughness and resilience they display.
Trying to keep the group together at this point is quite hard, to paraphrase a wise old saying “things are harder just before dawn” – and that is exactly what is happening, there has been a definite lightening of lower edges of the sky and waiting around for too long will mean the body starts to cool and joints and muscle start to stiffen and so the little groups of the team that were hanging about were just told to crack on - there was only 10 miles to go now, we had done a fantastic job of sticking together for 40 miles but know was the time to just get this done.
So fed up on Big Soup with a desert of Custard off we headed for checkpoint 6 – Tiberthwaite.
Chapel Stile to Tilberthwaite ( 6.5 miles to Sandwiches, Soup or Cheese Toasties)
The path to the end of the Langdales is a combination of track that is really rough underfoot, single track across farmers’ fields and lots of steps. The great thing this year was that all the massive stiles over the numerous walls had been replaced with kissing gates and so it was a joyous relief for the legs. What most people forget about, or don’t know about, is the zig zag path up the steep climb at the end of the valley that takes you to Blea Tarn. It is a shocker and unless you really study the map, or have done it before, totally unexpected. You can hear the puffs, pants and curses cutting their way through the dark way before you get to it. But 10 mins of hard graft and you are at the top and a glance to the west now showed a real brightening of the sky and the onset of a fantastic sun rise.
A few deep breaths and off we set down past Blea Tarn and out along the treacherous path along Bleamoss Beck and then over the upper edges of Bleamoss itself. Thankfully due to the dry summer Bleamoss was not its usual boggy self and it was with great relief that we managed to hit the road, and virtual checkpoint, with dry feet.
Half a mile or so on a nice tarmac surface at this point may seem ideal, however most of it is down a 20% decline and on tired legs, knees and hips were screaming, but it is short lived and a right turn down a nice path and it is just a nice steady climb and then descent, through the famous quarry area, into Tilberthwaite and checkpoint 6.
At this point the sun hasn’t risen enough to touch the steep sided valley and you can see the firepits of the checkpoint glowing in the distance as you start the descent and thoughts drift to the potential of on open fire cooked cheese toastie.
However, the trick here is to be quick – only 3.5 miles to go, grab the toastie, top up fluids and get going – straight up the infamous Jacobs Ladder!!
Tilberthwaite to Coniston (3.5 miles to THE FINISH)
As you throw your £1 into the charity bucket at the foot of Jacobs Ladder and look up it seems really daunting in the predawn light as it is illuminated with hundreds of glow sticks for the first few hundred meters and then beyond that you can see the headtorches twinkling , off and up in the distance. But its just a case of head down, suck it up and off we go. The first 400m definitely lets you know you are still alive and need to make the most of the available oxygen but then after the slight scramble over some steep rocks it evens out and the climb besides the beck is steady until you reach the head of the pass. It is now light enough to have a good look around and admire the wonderful views, UNLESS you are scared of heights in which case you are better off just looking ahead.
As you round the corner at the top of the pass the panorama opens to reveal Coniston and a fantastic view straight down the full length of Coniston Water – it is stunning. Feet are sore and legs very tired and so it is time to make a choice of how you are going to approach the very steep and rugged descent down to the mines – a) sensibly, taking your time but hammering your legs and feet or b) just go for it, which does come with a risk but is over quickly – there was mix of approaches but we all gathered at the miners bridge, knowing that there was less than a mile to go.
It is a steady descent down a track into the town of Coniston and you are always met with a big group of supporters, who whoop and cheer and shout out congratulations as you pass – the word “legends” is frequently used – it raises the spirits and brings a tear to the eye. Smiles were cracking every face on the group. Over the bridge and a left turn just after the fuel station and its 200m to the finish, the crowds are lining the street and the welcome is phenomenal. We gather as a group and cross the finish line together. Marshalls then herd us together and guide us into the event marquee where we are introduced as “more from the fantastic Team True Spirit” and the crowds go wild. Our own supporters and families stand teary-eyed and a quick glance round shows that this is mirrored by the group, and rightly so.
We are then ushered into the finish area where we receive our medals and t shirts and have our photos taken – lots of hugs, pats on the back, moments of quiet reflection and that is it - we have completed the Lakeland 50.
It would be remiss not to mention the 3 absolute legends that set out to do the Lakeland 100. To even think about doing this event is an amazing achievement, to turn up at the start line is astonishing and to imagine the amount of time dedicated to training, the mental toughness and resilience required and the downright courage required is humbling.
The 50 joins the 100 at their 59 mile mark and from that point I am personally in awe of every single one the 100 competitors that we pass or indeed, pass us… for a start, the thought of hitting Fusedale after 75 miles makes me queasy, let alone everything that follows.
But the respect and admiration is amplified even further for any of our members that attempt this insanity. I know that everyone has their story and I in no way mean to diminish the importance of that, for every competitor of the 50 and the 100, but it is even more so for these guys. Each of them has a story that will curl your teeth, have seen and been part of things that are best forgotten, and yet they can’t forget – they have overcome physical and mental adversity and have bounced back to become the legends that they are today.
Deano, Tom and Steve, we salute you!!
Especially Deano - this was his second completion and I know that he has his eye on the slate… which he will get when he has completed 5!! – I’ve only one thing to say to you Deano… “what is wrong with you mate” 😂😂
What did the competitors have to say after the event!!
“Just want to echo what everyone else has said about this weekend. Thank you all for being so supportive, welcoming and most of all encouraging. A challenging weekend made better by all of you. Thought I was going to tap out at one point but my running partner got me through. Would I do it again? 100% YES – thank you all, you bunch of legends.” –
Deian Roberts (Taff), beneficiary.
“After my struggle up Fusedale and nearly canning it at Mardale Head, I want to thank Sam for supporting me, perking me up and helping me to the next checkpoint.
This is what TTS is, a family, no matter how well we know each other or not, we pick each other up, dust each other off and support each other to the end” –
Paul Fee, beneficiary
“TTS, to me, feels like family. The support and love that everyone gives each other is second to none. It’s the most special thing I have ever been part of. It means so much to me to be part of it and to have the opportunity to keep coming back. I know that we are all in it together.”
Zoe Savage – beneficiary
“Here are my thoughts. I'm not ex services, I have no injuries I am merely an ordinary person. Being with TTS puts me alongside the extra ordinary the men and women battling their own challenges every day and overcoming their ever present demons. I love supporting people but in TTS there is no distinction, everyone supports each other - there is no judgement there just is the absolute knowledge that if you stumble there will be a hand to steady you, if you fall there are arms to lift you to your feet if you need water it will be there. There is no thought needed you just know. Being amongst TTS is safety, it is support and it is family you choose and for me that makes it priceless. Thank you TTS peeps for making me a better person. Special thanks to Lisa for going half speed so my little hobbit legs can keep up.”
Ian Morgan – Supporter and Fundraiser
“Feet in bits, need another 8 hours sleep, shoes wrecked, legs cramping…. When do we sign up for next year” –
Iain Cameron, supporter and fundraiser
What an absolute pleasure and privilege it was to run this event as a proud member of TTS. Many times over the weekend I didn’t think I could complete the race and thought about quitting. Then the TTS pride pushed me to the finish”
Dean Middleton (Deano) – beneficiary and Lakeland 100 legend
“Lakeland 100, how hard can it be? Training went very well for this race, incorporating lots of hill work, hiking and some big mileage, I was very very confident in crossing the finish line donning my TTS t shirt. Game plan was getting to each checkpoint, it was working. Dalemain checkpoint (halfway) was a welcoming break for a fresh pair of socks and shoes( same type of trainer, this was to become my downfall). We eased out of Dalemain at a steady trot confident in getting to the finish sticking to the Checkpoint game plan. Into the second half is where I realised that the trails in the Lake District are absolutely brutal underfoot after many miles. Hobbled into Kentmere with a doubt in my mind as my ETA on my watch was increasing at worrying pace. I considered withdrawing, thankfully Deano gave me a kick up the $#%| “Keep Marching”. Marched on we did!
The Garburn Pass was absolutely brutal, my pace was now down to about 1mph, the back walkers were now passing me with words of encouragement (much appreciated) as I hobbled my way to Ambleside, even had a chuckle or two about the short hallucinations that briefly appeared. I was sound in mind and legs were good, but the swelling in the ball of my foot felt like a golf ball, I pulled the plug at Ambleside clocking 90 mile on the watch. In reflection I was proud of the distance I covered, but also gutted not to display the TTS ethos at the finish line. We falter, we get up & we go again! TTS ❤️”
Tom Thomas, beneficiary and Lakeland 100 legend
“Ladies and Gents what a pleasure and honour yesterday was. Some brilliant achievements and times, but the biggest achievement is coming here and stepping off that start line. I really hope everyone suffered and enjoyed the experience in equal measure. Well Done to each and everyone, whether it was a breeze or an event you questioned your life choices on.
I loved it, my feet are in bits, my body feels that of an airborne geriatric....... 😀🆎️🙂 But, I will be back again, I think. Recover well, take in your great achievement and hopefully, see you all soon. Peace, out.”
Bradd “the beast” Braddock, supporter and beneficiary
“Well done everyone, that has to be the hardest thing I have ever done but grateful for the chance to give it a shot, so thank you. Absolutely knackered and in a bit of pain but loved it”
Rob Law, beneficiary
Absolutely amazing effort from you all. For those that didn’t quite reach our targets, its not the end of the world, it’s a learning curve. Rest up, recover, regroup and return next year to settle a score”
Steve Kelliher, beneficiary and Lakeland 100 legend
“I faced brutal terrain and my own limits – but with the unstoppable support of TTS I rose above them all. Together we turned challenge into triumph” –
Rachel Kipling, beneficiary
“Here are my thoughts. I'm not ex services, I have no injuries I am merely an ordinary person. Being with TTS puts me alongside the extra ordinary the men and women battling their own challenges every day and overcoming their ever present dem
