Team True Spirit — Lakeland 100 & 50: The Journey
25–27 July 2025
Setting the Scene
Friday 25th July, Coniston. 31 members of Team True Spirit gathered at John Ruskin School to take on the infamous Lakeland 100 and 50. Three legends were tackling the 100, while 28 of us were running the 50 — including 9 amazing fundraisers who raised over £4,200 for the charity.
With registration done, kit checked, tape applied, and enough snacks to feed a small army, we headed to the TTS HQ gazebo on the overflow camping field. The buzz, laughter, and last-minute nerves were palpable. At 17:30 we marched up to watch our 100-mile warriors embark on their epic journey under the stirring strains of Nessun Dorma — goosebumps all round.
Race Day – Perfect Weather
Saturday dawned with sighs of relief: overcast, moderate breeze, and, most importantly, no rain. Coaches left at 07:00, avoiding traffic and giving us a head start on the day. Arriving at Dalemain, we double-checked kit, took nervous loo stops, and posed for the obligatory team photos. At 10:00 we lined up for a mass start, giving everyone the chance to find their pace from the outset.
The team quickly split into three groups:
- The racing snakes
- Those aiming to qualify for the 100 next year (<16 hours)
- The “have a go heroes” — us humble mortals.
Bradd and Abbie, ultra-distance legends, promised to pace us for 17 hours — later clocking 16:19 when they broke away (under protest).
Feed Station to Feed Station
The aim of the day was simple: Dalemain → Howtown → Mardale Head → Kentmere → Ambleside → Chapel Stile → Tilberthwaite → Coniston. Each leg was a mix of climbs, descents, and feed-station heaven.
Dalemain → Howtown (11.2 miles): A four-mile undulating lap to start, then joining the 100-mile route. The checkpoint at Howtown was full of cakes, flapjacks, and biscuits — a carb-fueled heaven. Bradd’s wisdom: “get in and get out”.
Howtown → Mardale Head (9.4 miles): Fusedale greeted us with three cruel false summits. The “world’s worst conga” single-track alongside Haweswater tested patience, navigation, and leg endurance. Midges provided extra protein for those who lingered.
Mardale Head → Kentmere (6.5 miles): Gatesgarth Pass demanded lungs and grit, followed by the infamous “blister maker” descent. Kentmere’s checkpoint brought smoothies, sweet treats, and a brief chance to celebrate reaching the halfway mark.
Kentmere → Ambleside (7.3 miles): Garburn Pass loomed, Skelghyll Woods tested headtorch navigation, and Ambleside welcomed us with a full banquet and — bliss — a proper toilet.
Ambleside → Chapel Stile (5.6 miles) → Tilberthwaite (6.5 miles): Short sharp climbs, rocky paths, and the zig-zag path up to Blea Tarn in the pre-dawn glow. Jacobs Ladder prepped us for the final push.
Tilberthwaite → Coniston (3.5 miles): Predawn glow, twinkling headtorches, and the steep descent into Coniston. Streets lined with supporters, cheers ringing, tears and smiles everywhere. We crossed the finish together, medals donned, pride swelling.
The Lakeland 100 Heroes
Deano, Tom, and Steve showed what TTS is all about: grit, courage, and sheer endurance. Deano completed his second Lakeland 100, eyes on the five-completion slate. Tom and Steve battled through brutal terrain and fatigue, embodying the TTS ethos: “We falter, we get up, and we go again.”
Passing 100-mile competitors at 59 miles was humbling — mental toughness, resilience, and courage on display in every stride.
Words from the Team
“Just want to echo what everyone else has said about this weekend. Challenging, yes, but 100% worth it. Thank you all for being so supportive — you bunch of legends!” — Deian Roberts (Taff), beneficiary
“TTS feels like family. Support is second to none — no judgement, just strength and encouragement.” — Zoe Savage, beneficiary
“Feet in bits, need another 8 hours sleep… When do we sign up for next year?” — Iain Cameron, supporter/fundraiser
“Lakeland 100, how hard can it be? Training went well… then reality hit! Thanks to Deano for the kick up the $#%| — we marched on!” — Tom Thomas, 100-mile legend
“Support, love, grit — TTS is priceless.” — Ian Morgan, supporter/fundraiser
Thank You
To Team Forces, your grant makes all this possible — from transport to first aid, food, and tents. Because of your support, our team can challenge themselves, inspire each other, and experience life-changing moments.
We left muddy, exhausted, smiling, and proud — and we’ll be back again.
Team True Spirit
“TTS feels like family. Support is second to none — no judgement, just strength and encouragement.”
