The Great Lakeland 3 Day Mountain Trial April/May 2006 Report by Joe | Results GL3Day 2006 was certainly different and caused me some stress and concern but everyone seemed to enjoy it! Shane Ohly had a report on his website within a day or two, and it is a really good read. There is no need for me to write too much here as all entrant’s will have their own stories and Shane’s report is also very informative for anyone want to know more. (see planetfear.com) Garry Parratt, our most loyal GL3Day entrant also has his GL3Day memories on www.lmrbean.plus.com as well as a host of other running info. By delaying my own ‘organiser’s report’ I have also been able to take stock of 2006 and do some ground work for 2007. I would also like to thank Shane for his support personally and professionally via his www.planetfear.com web shop. I’ll start with a few ‘thank-yous’ as many people make the event happen. Firstly, many thanks to Lindsey without whom it would never, ever have started. Many thanks as well to Pauline, Phil, Keith, Gill, Sandra, Chris, Geraldine, Alan and Trish who contribute in many different ways. Please think of them, and what they do for you. I’ve probably missed someone too, and we must remember that such events won’t continue without the massive voluntary contribution people make. The Route From the feedback I’ve had, you all seemed to enjoy it. This year the route planning did give me many sleepless nights, but overall I was pleased with the routes. However, the overall times were very fast and this was a surprised to me, especially at the end of Day One. I’ve used mapping software for planning purposes for a number of years but entirely trusted it for the timings this year. Somehow the times people recorded were significantly up on expectation which had a two-fold consequence. Firstly, it led to me placing Scafell as an optional control as I feared the distance was not feasible by all entrants. Secondly, the terrain was more runnable than before and hence with a shorter day, entrants ran faster. This was evident during the first evening when many people looked drained and very tired. Finally, of course, perhaps you all are just getting faster .. . With a relatively short day, Day Two also became a mad dash. It had kept it short-ish because of the reasons above, but people again were in front of my expectations. Consequently, the whole event was a little bit different from before, with many people have very long and pleasurable evening recovery periods. Don’t be lulled into such an easy time next year . . . .. ! This year we had reverted to the Bank Holiday weekend and repeated the format of having two nights in one place. I personally, think this is regrettable as it lessens the ‘journey’ aspect of the event but it does have good logistical reasons that help with overall planning such as facilitating campsites and transport logistics. We can’t keep the two nights in one place a surprise any more, so I can confirm that it will probably be the format for 2007. More of 2007 later . . Other thoughts . . . Entrant numbers were up in 2006. I had accepted 50, plus the extras on the reserve list, and very few people withdrew in the couple of weeks prior to the event. With nearly sixty people finishing at Rydal in a narrow time band, rather than forty spread wider apart as in previous years, we struggled to cope with supplying food and drink to you. I’m sorry our standard slipped a little here, and ‘Yes’, we did forget the cakes from Wilf’s. GL3D will remain as a small informal event. If it got bigger, or had prizes or different classes, than I believe it would change for the worst. It is not intended to be elitist but will remain . . “one of the tougher events in the calendar.” I have just one small gripe; entrants must ensure that they can cope with the navigational requirement in mist and rain, and that they carry plenty of clothing and food each day. I was surprised how many people seemed a little short on navigation skills during 2006, and whilst I admire their courage I do fear for their safety. Please be safe out there at all times. GL3D 2007 I do have some changes to report for next year. GL3Day 2007 will be the tenth year of the event and to celebrate we will be holding the event in North Wales - ‘GL3D ’07 en tour!’ The reasons for this are that my good friends, and your loyal band of supporters, have volunteered to plan the whole route so that I can take part as well. Furthermore, they have decided that they know Wales much better then The Lakes, where I’ve used up many of the good routes over the past eight or nine years. I will be fun for us all. Further information will follow on the website in due course and entries will be taken once a few more details have been finalised. Please keep an eye on the website for updates. A 2007 entry form will appear at some point in the future. Please do NOT send me a 2006 copy, however you might adapt it. If you would like to be placed on an email mailing list, please send me your address. Thank you to those taking part in GL3D 2006. It wouldn’t happen without you and I hope you are looking forward to next year as much as I am. One last thing – we have moved house in the past few months, so please note our new address. If you would like a printed hard copy of 2006 results please contact me. There are a few ’small’ and ‘Xlarge’ sized T-shirts available to free any entrants, again email me for info. Roll on GL3Day 2007en–tour . . .. Joe Faulkner Co-ordinator. |