Records smashed in a nail-biting finale at SILVA Lakes Traverse

Both the male and female records were broken on Saturday 2nd April at the 2022 SILVA Lakes Traverse, a 100km ultra race starting in St Bees and ending in Shap.

Daniel Weller was the first to cross the finish line in just under 11 hours and 6 minutes, breaking the course record after putting in a strong performance over the tough Lake District terrain.

Equally impressive, was an absolutely phenomenal performance from Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn, who came in less than 2 minutes later, at 11 hours 7 minutes. Not only was Katie first lady and second overall, but she also knocked over 4 hours off the previous ladies’ record.

It was a close race indeed at the front of the field, with Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn, Daniel Weller and Jeremy Cottingham all battling it out along Haweswater as they inched closer to their end goal. It was a nail-biting conclusion, with supporters in Shap watching the GPS trackers intently to see who would remain victorious. Eventually it was Daniel who had the edge, sprinting down the road into Shap.

Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn and Daniel Weller at the finish line of the SILVA Lakes Traverse in Shap © No Limits Photography

These runners have had an incredible journey through the Lake District

The route goes over undulating coastline from St Bees before heading inland through the wild, unspoilt beauty of Ennerdale. From Ennerdale, there are several large climbs to contend with, taking in the beautiful sights of Honister, Borrowdale, Easedale, Grisedale Tarn and the high point of Kidsty Pike. From Kidsty Pike, the route flattens somewhat, following the Haweswater shoreline before crossing fields and roads into Shap. There were support points at Rosthwaite (~47km) and Patterdale (~71km) where participants could refuel.

Incredible views on the way to Honister © No Limits Photography

There was sunshine and smiles at the start line

The atmosphere at the start line was electric in St Bees as participants lined up on the start. The weather conditions could not have been more perfect, with the sun out in full force. After reports of snow on the ground earlier in the week, most participants were relieved that conditions seemed mild.

As the horn went off at 9:30am, many supporters gathered to watch as the SILVA Lakes Traverse participants shot off before tackling their first climb up onto the headland.

An hour later, the SILVA Northern Traverse participants also began their adventure, having dipped their boots into the Irish Sea as is the tradition for a Coast to Coast crossing.

Participants were raring to go © No Limits Photography

Runners dip their shoes in the sea and pick a rock to take across to Robin Hood's Bay © No Limits Photography

Spirits were high at the first support point in Rosthwaite

The first support point on the SILVA Lakes Traverse was in Rosthwaite, a beautiful hamlet nestled amongst the dramatic scenery of Borrowdale valley. Daniel Weller was already in the lead here, followed closely by Jeremy Cottingham. Edward Catmur wasn’t far behind them, with first lady Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn already hot on their heels.

Spirits seemed generally good at the first support point, where there was a buffet of food for participants to choose from to refuel. Participants had really appreciated the spectacular views of Ennerdale and the good weather conditions.

Nathan Pictor was having a particularly good time out on the course. He said: “It’s like running on the West Coast of Ireland, but with better weather.” He was particularly looking forward to the next section of the route: “It gets a bit more interesting - less about maintaining the pace and more going up and down, which is the best part of running.”

Ben Naylor was also happy to stop for a chat. “It was hard running by Ennerdale, but there were picturesque views.”

In general, people were grateful that the weather conditions were so favourable. “It’s incredible up there,” said Damian Boyle, who was feeling great after the first 47km. “It’s like you’ve organised the weather for us – it’s perfect, cool and dry.”

Running through the Borrowdale valley © No Limits Photography

“It was a very intense last 10 miles”

Later on, there was much excitement on the finish line of the SILVA Lakes Traverse in Shap, as supporters and event team geared up for a close finish.

The mood was one of complete elation as we spoke to the winner, Daniel Weller, about his race experience. “It was a very intense last 10 miles. I thought I was running with Jeremy and we would finish together, but then Katie caught us at the bottom of the last climb and there was a massive shot of adrenaline. I just started running really hard.”

After Katie managed to catch him again at Shap Abbey, Daniel had to push really hard to beat her. “There was a mile and a half left so I just sprinted. I think I ran the last mile in seven minute mile pace, which is quite hard to do at the end of that.”

Daniel receiving his trophy from race director Graham © No Limits Photography

Katie was also delighted with her race after an outstanding performance. This isn’t her first win, as she won the iconic Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ in 2019.

“It was really good,” she said. “I took it really slowly until I got to Black Sail because it’s quite flat and it’s quite easy to get carried away. I think quite a lot of people got carried away there. And then, I thought, I’ll just carry onto Rosthwaite, and I felt really good at Rosthwaite.”

“I didn’t really have too many bad spells and just kept moving.” She said.

Her competitive instinct kicked in when she came out of Patterdale. “I saw a guy coming out of Patterdale and thought I’ll try and catch him. Then I saw him and another guy (Jeremy Cottingham and Daniel Weller) coming off Kidsty Pike and I thought, I’m going to storm that and I caught them.”

After Katie caught the leading men though, Daniel shot off. “It was like he was running a 10k” Katie said.

Katie enjoying the sights of Ennerdale © No Limits Photography

Katie’s route highlight was Easedale Valley. “That’s a really nice descent and it was really warm there, which was nice.”

It’s been a long day for our SILVA Lakes Traverse participants, but the atmosphere has been incredible the whole way, with some absolutely immense performances.

SILVA Northern Traverse Update

In the meantime, the SILVA Northern Traverse participants will be continuing their journey, with another 200km before they reach Robin Hood’s Bay.

Kim Collison is currently in the lead by quite some way. He went off at a furious pace and has managed to maintain his lead. He spent no more than 10 minutes in the Patterdale support point and said he was feeling “pretty good” as he flew through Shap at 22:15.

SILVA Northern Traverse frontrunner Kim Collison is going strong © No Limits Photography

In the ladies’ race, Karen Nash, 2018 winner, lost her early lead to Elaine Bisson (second place in the 2021 Montane Dragon’s Back Race@ and the 2022 Montane spine race) and then Lisa Watson (2019 Dragon’s Back Race® winner), who was the first lady into the Rosthwaite checkpoint.

At the checkpoint, Lisa said: “I’m feeling good. I thought might as well run while it’s a nice day.”

Lisa Watson is having a great run on the SILVA Northern Traverse © No Limits Photography

Elaine wasn’t far behind Lisa, gliding into the checkpoint just as Lisa was preparing to leave with a sandwich and crisps in hand.

It will be interesting to see how the competition shapes up as the runners head into the night. Lisa said that while the day has been lovely, she is “apprehensive” about the night section. She currently has a comfortable lead in the ladies’ race.

With 200km still to go though, a lot can still change in the Northern Traverse.

Remember, you can track the participants’ progress here.

If you’re feeling inspired, why not sign up for next year?

It's been a wonderful adventure in the Lake District © No Limits Photography