History of the Windermere Marathon
The original Windermere Marathon first took place in 1982 and ran between 1982-86 before being revived by Brathay Trust in 2007.
In 1982 a group of local runners and volunteers got together to form a Windermere Marathon committee and organised the first marathon around England's largest lake.
This group of enthusiasts included: Alan Dodds from Windermere Rotary Club, John Nettleton from Kendal AC, and Pete Bland, Chairman of Kendal AC. Pete's wife Anne Bland subsequently won the Ladies race twice in 1984 and '86. They were joined by Chris Brasher - who of course started the London Marathon, and John Disley. The inaugural Windermere Marathon in 1982 attracted 2,600 entries, at an entrance fee of £2.00!
Course Record
- The course record of 2:23:16 was set by Mike Critchley of Bolton AC in 1985.
- The women's record of 2:52:08 was set by Lorna Irving of Border Harriers in 1983.
Winners 1982-86
| Year | Name | Club | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Nick Sirs | Windsor Sloan & Eaton | 2.27.02 |
| 1982 | Melani Jones | Essex Ladies | 2.55.47 |
| 1983 | Graham Huddleston | Black Combe Runners | 2.26.20 |
| 1983 | Lorna Irving | Border Harriers | 2.52.08 |
| 1984 | Ian Thompson | Luton AC | 2.27.08 |
| 1984 | Anne Bland | Kendal AC | 2.58.02 |
| 1985 | Mike Critchley | Bolton AC | 2.23.16 |
| 1985 | Jackie Casey | Black Combe Runners | 2.59.25 |
| 1986 | Tom Burgess | St Helens | 2.28.38 |
| 1986 | Anne Bland | Kendal AC | 3.02.52 |