At Morley Chiropractic Clinic, we know first-hand how much dedication it takes to push your body to its limits, and one of our own chiropractors recently proved exactly that. Chiropractor Martin Andersen took on the Montane Lakeland 50, one of the most punishing ultra trail events in the UK calendar, and came away with a result to be proud of.
Run as the second half of the legendary Lakeland 100 Ultra Tour of the Lake District, the Lakeland 50 sees runners cover 50 miles of demanding Cumbrian terrain. This year’s race took place over the weekend of 24th to 26th July 2026, with the 50 mile event setting off on the Saturday morning.
About the Race
Starting from the Dalemain Estate at the northern end of Ullswater, the Montane Lakeland 50 heads south through some of the most remote and rugged parts of the Lake District before finishing in Coniston. Rather than taking on the district’s famous peaks head-on, the route weaves through the valleys between them, tracing Ullswater’s eastern shore to Howtown before crossing to Haweswater and Mardale Head. From there, runners thread their way through Long Sleddale, Kentmere, Ambleside and Langdale before a final stretch through Tilberthwaite and down into Coniston.
Along the way there are six fully staffed checkpoints offering food and drink, and a generous 24 hour time limit that welcomes both runners and walkers to take on the challenge.
The Route and the Challenge
The Lakeland 50 covers rugged, often rocky Lakeland terrain, with roughly 3,100 metres of ascent over the course, around ten times the height of the Eiffel Tower. Rather than one sustained climb, the challenge comes from the constant rise and fall between valleys, with tired legs facing fresh climbs and descents right to the end.
For Martin, the toughest section by far was the stretch from Howtown to Mardale along Haweswater, a leg that took him just over two hours to complete. It’s a section many runners find brutal, thanks to its rocky, uneven shoreline path, and one that tests both legs and resolve well past the halfway point of the race. From there, he found his rhythm again, picking the pace back up for the final push into Tilberthwaite and on to the finish.
Martin’s Race
Racing under bib number 1029 for Huddersfield Triathlon Club, Martin competed in the MV50 category. He crossed the finish line in 11:09:58, finishing 145th overall, 120th male, and 18th in his category.
It was a result worth celebrating in more ways than one. Having taken on the Lakeland 50 three times before, this was the first occasion Martin finished in daylight, and a personal best by over two hours and 20 minutes. After the tough Haweswater stretch, he settled into a strong rhythm through Kentmere and Ambleside, before covering the final leg from Tilberthwaite to the finish in well under an hour.
What Ultra Running Does for the Body
Taking on a distance like the Lakeland 50 asks a huge amount of the body, from the cardiovascular system to muscles, tendons and bones. However, the physical and mental rewards are just as significant.
If you’re curious about what training for and completing an event like this does for your health, read about the physical and mental benefits of ultra endurance events in more detail in our previous blog on Martin and Julia’s Ullswater Way ultra.
What Comes After the Finish Line
Crossing the line is only part of the story. After 50 miles of demanding terrain and over 11 hours on his feet, Martin’s body needed proper time and care to recover, with rest, nutrition, hydration and soft tissue work all playing their part.
As a chiropractor himself, Martin knows better than most how important that recovery process is. Whether it’s remedial massage to ease overworked muscles or a chiropractic check-up to make sure everything is moving as it should, we’re here to help you get back to full strength, whatever your goals.
“In recognition of this fantastic effort, I was awarded a glorious T-shirt, a chunky medal and possibly the best pint of lager I have enjoyed this year. That kind of makes it all worthwhile.” – Martin Andersen
