Rocket Rod's message to Langdale Runners

Friends old and new,

Saturday marks quite a momentous anniversary - the 33rd running of the Langdale Marathon and my becoming a vet over 85! And I'll be at Brathay welcoming some runners who competed in the FIRST marathon all those years ago! While I miss competing I handed over the baton to the capable hands of Scott Umpleby and his Brathay Trust team, who carry on with the ethos of an event for runners by runners.

It gives Dorothy and I great pride to see over 800 runners taking part to achieve their dream of simply finishing this tough but beautiful course. The weather is promised to be perfect! Be proud to be taking part in the toughest road marathon in the world. As you toil around the hill, please spare a thought for the great Ron Hill MBE who ran his last half marathon at Langdale. Also, belated congratulations to our friend Tim Farron MP who completed the London Marathon.

As a poet (not me!) once wrote:

'Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours, And say "To-morrow is Langdale Marathon." Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,

And say, "These wounds I had on Langdale Day."

Love and best wishes,

Rocket Rod.