Runners forced to tread water and retreat (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Runners forced to tread water and retreat

9:23am Monday 18th August 2008 in Cancercare By The Westmorland Gazette

A CHALLENGING half-marathon across the Morecambe Bay sands took an unexpected twist when torrential rain and strong winds forced the runners to turn back.

Aimed at raising vital funds for CancerCare, the Cross Bay Challenge is a popular annual event that sees hundreds people take to the sands to run a carefully planned route from Flookburgh in Cumbria to Hest Bank in Lancashire.

However, this year, the heavy rain that put an end to numerous events in the region literally stopped runners in their tracks.

Sarah Stimson, fund-raising manager at CancerCare – a local charity that provides support, friendship and therapy to cancer patients and their families in the South Lakes and north Lancashire – explained that when the first runners reached the Kent Channel they discovered that the depth of water and strength of the current was too great to cross safely.

“Having run about five miles, with the wind behind them, the runners had to turn around and run back again,” she said. “They then had to face the strong winds, and all the sand they were carrying, head on. It was a really gruelling five-mile return.”

Ms Stimson said that although everyone was disappointed that they did not get to cross the finish line, all of the runners were really understanding and embraced the new challenges presented by the unanticipated turn of events.

“The runners were amazing,” she said. “Of course there were some very disappointed runners but all in all the general feedback we have had is that they really enjoyed it and they can’t wait to finish it next year.”

Also affected on the day was a group of 300 walkers, who were taking part in the other part of The Cross Bay Challenge.

Ms Stimson explained how the walkers, many of whom were the friends and family of the runners, followed the same route but from the other direction and added: “They obviously could not cross the channel either, which was a shame because normally the two groups pass each other and the walkers cheer the runners on.”

She also stressed the fact that the safety of the participants had never been under threat, with the St John Ambulance and Alan Sledmore and his team of bay guides and safety vehicles on hand throughout the event.

“Part of the thrill of doing the half-marathon across the sands is that it is not something you can do every day. You need a guide and it has to be properly organised,” she added. “It is just a shame really that people could not cross the channel and get their prizes.”

The CancerCare team is now planning next year’s event, as well as a whole host of other fund-raising activities, including the Cockerham Triathlon, which takes place on August 25.

For more information about CancerCare visit www.cancercare.org.uk or call 01524-381820.