Memorable day for Lancaster and Morecambe runners at Brathay Windermere Marathon

Andrew Shanley completes his 10th marathon in 10 days.

Carnforth’s Katherine Cousins won the women’s race by 12 minutes on Sunday while Morecambe’s Andrew Shanley completed his 10th marathon in 10 days as part of a remarkable challenge around the lake.

Renowned for being one of the toughest 26-milers in the UK almost 700 runners took part with Cousins producing a cracking run to finish 25th overall in 3h.07.23.

The Windermere Marathon also incorporates a 10 marathons in 10 days running event as 262 miles are covered around England’s largest lake with Shanley one of 15 taking on the challenge this year.

Katherine Cousins is the first female back in the Brathay Windermere Marathon. Picture: Peter Grenville, Brathay Trust

By day eight he was starting the feel the mileage with inflammation in his achilles and ankles, but with some physio treatment and determination he still ran a time of 5h.26. On the final day, when the main marathon runners joined the field, he finished off the challenge in style as he posted a sub five-hour marathon giving him a total time of just over 46 hours.

He said: “Family and friends were here cheering me on so I knew it was a case of just keep going and get across that finish line.”

The 10 in 10 challenge raised funds for the Brathay Trust’s work to improve the life chances of children and engage them in their communities.

You can sponsor Andrew by visiting www.justgiving.com/Andrewshanley10in10.

There were plenty of other Lancaster and Morecambe athletes in action at the Windermere Marathon.

Finishing times: Tony Jewitt 3h.24.43, Alan Clement 3h.54.03. Helena Lewis 4h.04.22, Andrew Haley 4h.11.17, Liz Hickingbotham 4h,08.42, Karen Cooper 4h.22.47, Gill Hamilton 4h.22.57, Charlie Satterly 4h.32.27, Tracey Bruce 4h.44.05, Drew Rucastle 5h.53.42.