This race report comes from Alison Smith. Thanks Alison! Noreen
It was with some trepidation and lots of excitement that Becky Coleman and I along with friends and Brecca training pals Anna and Claire walked up to the race HQ for briefing and kit check prior to the start of Brecca Buttermere sprint last Saturday. Swim/run suit – check, swim run shoes- check, hat and goggles- check, soft flask – check. A new multi sports event is a great excuse to try and buy new and funky kit!
Brecca swim run involves a number of open water swims ranging from 100-750m and a number of hilly trail runs ranging from a few hundred metres to approx 7k. It is a team event and you need to stay with your Brecca Buddy at all times. If not you’ll be yellow carded and then disqualified!!
The race was an a brilliant adventure around and across Derwent water. It was great to see so many supporters on the course (especially Mark Smith and Katherine Davis with the mini Smith support team too😀). There were a couple of check points on the course where we dibbed in and refulled but we didn’t stop for long! I found the long swim across the breadth of Derwent Water quite tough but my Brecca buddy Becky was by my side encouraging me and making sure I swam in the right direction🤪! The sun was out and we had magnificent views of the Lake as we climbed up the side of Catbells on the last and longest run. Then it was a swampy swim/paddle through mud (due to low water levels) where I nearly lost my shoe and we were back on dry land for the final 400m uphill to the finish. Family, supporters, beers and bbq awaited us and we were over the moon to discover that we were third ladies team!
The Brecca swim run is a brilliant and well organised event and I would highly recommend it. Next event is Brecca Conniston (sprint and standard distances). Go on- give it a go!