Running: Bridge opens to restore Coniston 14 route (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Running: Bridge opens to restore Coniston 14 route

5:30pm Wednesday 28th December 2011 in Sport By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

THE Coniston 14 Road Race will return to its popular route in 2012 after the Bouthrey Bridge was reopened.

The bridge was damaged during the Cumbrian floods in 2009, forcing organisers to alter the race route.

The alterations added three miles to the course, making it the Coniston 14+ in 2010 and 2011, with runners having to cross the river Crake at Lowick.

But the bridge’s restoration is now complete and organisers plan to revert to the original route, which should ease the worries of participants who can save their feet a few extra yards on a challenging, undulating course.

Each year more than £15,000 is raised for charities through the event and this year’s event, on Saturday, March 31, will be the 31st year of the run.

To enter the race, visit www.coniston14.co.uk