Salomon is really pushing trail running at the moment and are putting on a series of workshops to help people experience the joy of running on trails for themselves. Lured in by the opportunity to test the latest Salomon and Suunto gear all for free Victoria and I signed up for one in the Lake District led by fell running legend Ricky Lightfoot. Now that sounds like a good morning out.
We were meant to attend the beginners class but thanks to the A1 being closed we added 2 hours to our journey and missed it so had to settle for the intermediate class that started a few hours later.
The route was a chosen by Ricky to give a good introduction to the fells. Victoria was a little apprehensive about doing the intermediate class but Ricky made sure everyone was well looked after throughout. I was nervous of the potential grief I might get when we finished if it turned out that Victoria hated it. Thankfully it seems like we have a convert to fell running.
From Dodds car park the run follows a single track for 1.5 km before starting the climb up to Ullock Pike, the trail continues on single track with a height gain of approx 500m in 2 km.
From the summit the trail descends to the col between Dodd and Carlside becoming steeper as you go, the trail is a little more technical here until the col is reached.
At the col we then follow the 4×4 trail down and continue our descent down alongside Skill Beck until the car park is reached.
For a free event it was fantastic. Ricky really looked after the group and ensured everyone was ok and at the same time imparting some of his vast knowledge of fell running on the group and helping us put it into practice.
One thing that was interesting was listening to his knowledge and advice on which routes to take and the best trails in the area including pointing out the location of a crashed Wellington bomber. That’s something to go and investigate next time we’re in the area.
Salomon are onto a winner with these events. Getting a master class by their athletes whilst testing their gear is a great way for people to buy into the brand. I know for sure they have sold at least one pair of Speedcross and a Suunto watch as a result.
If you get chance then sign up and go. There are events up and down the country so theres a good chance of finding an event near you.
More info and sign up here
