Blisco Dash
Saturday 27th July 2024
British and English Championship Race
Women start 1pm, Men start 2.45pm
2023 results here
Race details
The Blisco Dash is usually an informal, low-key Wednesday evening summer race with a £1 entry fee and featuring a Selwyn Wright prizegiving where prizes consist of miniscule bottles of cheap French beer and, as a general rule, the slower the runner – the more beer they receive!
This year, however, the race has ‘hit the big time’ with a prime time Saturday slot as the final English counter and the British Short Champs one-off race. Separate mens’ and womens’ races and large fields should make for a great day of racing and spectating.
As an up and down route, the race is pure perfection. Matterhorn-like, Pike of Blisco rears up from the Langdale valley like a challenge, asking: How fast can you climb it and return?
The race route begins on the road which starts flat and fast, then slowly rises towards Blea Tarn. As the steep switchbacks are gained, the route breaks off right on to the rough path up the side of Redacre Gill. This pitched path steepens towards the top of the Gill which is crossed and the summit comes in to view and here the gradient briefly eases. The final part of the climb to gain the ‘crown’ of the mountain requires scrambling and some route choice. An exposed, rocky summit is tagged before the complexities of the descent are tackled.
As with all the best races, the optimum line is in dispute and on a claggy day is frought with navigational peril. Whichever line is taken, the aim is to hit the top of Redacre Gill before taking the treacherous descent down the greasy pitched path at full tilt. Emerging onto the tarmac gives a punishing extended sprint for the line.
Once the race is done, tales can be shared over a pint or two in one of the greatest pubs in Lakeland – the Old Dungeon Ghyll.
Details
AS 8km/5m 650m/2133ft
from Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale, Ambleside GR 286061
Navigational skills required and local knowledge could be an advantage.
Please note that the FRA do not allow the use of certain GPS functions for navigation in their races.
Entry information
Enter on SI entries from 1st May 2024. Cost tbc – likely £8-10
Contact
Dan Duxbury
142 Windermere Road, Kendal
danmunro2014@gmail.com
01539728249
Records
Male: J. Maitland – 00:36:01 – 1987
Female: Hannah Horsburgh – 00:44:34 – 2018
A classic photo from 1984 – tight shorts, string vests and fast times!
Results
2023 136 runners
2022 75 runners
2021 61 runners
2020 no race due to COVID
2019 82 runners
2018 92 Runners
2017 54 runners
2016 72 runners
2015 50 runners
2014 44 runners
2013 men 207 runners
2013 women 80 runners
2012 61 runners
2011 74 runners
2010 65 runners
2009 61 runners
2008 66 runners
Has anyone reading this got any older results, either digital or hard copy? If you can help please contact Dan at danmunro2014@gmail.com