Lakeland 100 & 50 - Supporting & Ultra Running Coach Experience

Max Stuart
Aug 4
4 min read

Updated: Aug 5

What a weekend.

The Montane Lakeland 100 & 50 is always a highlight of the UK trail running calendar — and this year was no different. With the weather (for once!) playing nice, the atmosphere buzzing, and the trails dry(ish), it was everything we love about ultra. Big climbs. Bigger smiles. And that post-race daze in Coniston where you wonder what just happened.

As a coach, a fan, and part of the growing Trails, Tales, and Fails community, it was amazing to see so many friends — and clients — out on course. Whether you were running, volunteering, or just yelling encouragement with a cowbell in one hand and a Rola Cola in the other… thank you.

Here are a few standout moments from our squad, plus some reflections on what makes this event so special.

🏃‍♀️ Sarah Page — 3rd Female in the Lakeland 100

If you listened to the podcast, you already know — Sarah absolutely smashed it.

Third woman and 13th overall in 24 hours and 40 minutes. That’s on a 103-mile course with over 6,000m of climbing. Technical descents. Sleep-deprived climbs. And the infamous sting-in-the-tail from Tilberthwaite to Coniston.

Sarah ran smart, stayed consistent through the night, and showed huge strength over the final third of the race. It was a gritty, brilliant performance — and watching her cross the line was one of those moments that’ll stick with me for a long time.

Oh — and her coach, Damian Hall? He only went and won the race. Casual.

🏃‍♂️ James — a Strong, Smart Lakeland 50

Let’s not forget the "short" one — the Lakeland 50, which joins the 100 route halfway through and still packs in 3,100m of climbing over 50 miles.

James, one of my athletes, ran a brilliant, well-paced race. He looked in control all day, kept things steady on the climbs, and brought it home strong into Coniston. I talk a lot in coaching about "running your own race" — and that’s exactly what James did. It was a pleasure to see.

If you’re looking at stepping up to a 100 in future, the Lakeland 50 is a phenomenal stepping stone.

🌤️ Good Weather? Good God.

Let’s talk about the weather.

After years of sideways rain and trenchfoot, the 2025 Lakeland gods finally smiled. Dry trails, perfect temps, and a golden sunset for the night runners. Sure, the sun got a bit punchy during the afternoon, but compared to the usual sufferfest? We’ll take it.

🤝 Community, Chaos, and Cola

Lakeland is more than a race — it’s a community ritual.

403 kids ran the Lakeland 1.
411 volunteers made it all happen — many who’ve given up their holiday to help year after year.
One checkpoint threw a kid’s birthday party mid-race.
And the legend of the 4,000 litres of Rola Cola lives on.

This is why I love coaching in this sport. These races aren't just about PBs or podiums — they’re about people. And Lakeland is the best reminder of that.

🏁 Race Highlights & Podiums

A few shoutouts to top performers across the weekend:

Lakeland 100 Women:

🥇 Anna Llewellyn – 22:20🥈 Charlotte Fisher – 24:21🥉 Sarah Page – 24:40

Lakeland 100 Men:

🥇 Damian Hall – Sub-20 Matt Neal – 25:18 PB (his 16th Lakeland!)Vet 70 champ: David Langrish – 37:20

Lakeland 50 Women:

🥇 Caroline Turner – 8:52🥈 Alice Bourne – 9:29🥉 Katie White – 9:33

Special mention: Jackie Stretton, first woman to complete the Lakeland 100 ten times — after being told she might never run again. That’s grit.

💬 Thinking of getting an ultra running coach for Lakeland? Here’s What You Need to Know

I’ve coached runners for both the Lakeland 50 and 100, and here’s the truth: it’s brutal, but it’s achievable — if you train smart.

The biggest keys:

Time on feet > fancy speedwork
Get comfortable in discomfort
Practice night running and navigation
Know your nutrition — and have backup plans

Every athlete is different, which is why I build fully tailored ultramarathon training plans for races like Lakeland.

If you’re thinking of entering next year (or going back for redemption), I’d love to help you train for it properly — without burning out your body, job, or life in the process.

🎯 Ready to Train for Lakeland?

Whether it’s your first 50 or you’re chasing sub-24 in the 100, I’ll help you build a plan that works around you. Your life, your goals, your starting point.

➡️

to learn about coaching with me

Or drop me a message and let’s talk about where you’re at.

🎙️ PS — Want the Full Recap?

This blog’s the quick version — if you want the behind-the-scenes, race reflections, and checkpoint stories, head over to the podcast: Trails, Tales, and Fails.

Thanks again to everyone who made Lakeland what it was. Whether you ran, volunteered, or handed me a cup of tea in Ambleside — you’re part of this story.

See you on the trails.— Max