Blisco Dash

The Blisco Dash is usually an informal, low-key Wednesday evening summer race with a £1 entry fee and featuring a Selwyn Wright prizegiving where prizes consist of miniscule bottles of cheap French beer and, as a general rule, the slower the runner – the more beer they receive! This year, however, the race has ‘hit the big time’ with a prime time Saturday slot as the final English counter and the British Short Champs one-off race. Separate men’s and women’s races and large fields should make for a great day of racing and spectating. As an up and down route, the race is pure perfection. Matterhorn-like, Pike of Blisco rears up from the Langdale valley like a challenge, asking: How fast can you climb it and return? The race route begins on the road which starts flat and fast, then slowly rises towards Blea Tarn. As the steep switchbacks are gained, the route breaks off right on to the rough path up the side of Redacre Gill. This pitched path steepens towards the top of the Gill which is crossed and the summit comes in to view and here the gradient briefly eases. The final part of the climb to gain the ‘crown’ of the mountain requires scrambling and some route choice. An exposed, rocky summit is tagged before the complexities of the descent are tackled. As with all the best races, the optimum line is in dispute and on a claggy day is fraught with navigational peril. Whichever line is taken, the aim is to hit the top of Redacre Gill before taking the treacherous descent down the greasy pitched path at full tilt. Emerging onto the tarmac gives a punishing extended sprint for the line. Once the race is done, tales can be shared over a pint or two in one of the greatest pubs in Lakeland – the Old Dungeon Ghyll. AS 8km/5m 650m/2133ft. Navigational skills required and local knowledge could be an advantage. Please note that use of GPS to navigate is not allowed in fell races.