MacNicol, Kaars Sijpesteijn triumph in Lakeland 50

Neil MacNicol and Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn claimed victories in the Montane Lakeland 50 on Saturday.

Scottish runner MacNicol came home just over a minute clear to take the men’s crown, while Kaars Sijpesteijn dominated the women’s race to finish more than 20 minutes ahead.

MacNicol took his maiden Lakeland 50 title having twice finished as runner-up in the Lakeland 100.

For Leeds-based Kaars Sijpesteijn, who spoke to RUN247 about her Lakeland 50 exploits prior to this weekend, it was her fourth triumph in the Lakeland 50 and a successful defence of her 2022 title.

Fascinating battles

The men’s race proved a closely-fought battle as MacNicol held off Robert Trigwell, finishing in 8:03:58, just over a minute clear of his rival.

The podium was separated by less than five minutes, with Dan Thacker taking third in 8:08:45.

Meanwhile, Kaars Sijpesteijn was dominant again in the women’s edition as she came home in 8:23:15 – 21 minutes adrift of the record time she set at the race last year.

The 2022 Lakeland Trails 100 winner and two-time Lakes Traverse 100k champion reached the finish in Coniston over 24 minutes ahead of second-place Victoria Thompson.

Lauren Graham completed the podium and was the only other woman to run sub-nine hours, crossing the line in 8:56:26.

The Lakeland 50 concluded a brilliant weekend of racing in the Lake District, with the Lakeland 100 producing two memorable races.

Andy Berry, who broke the Lake District 24-hour Fell Challenge in May, overtook Jarlath McKenna on the final mile to take the men’s win and Sabrina Verjee stormed to a third victory in the women’s event.

Montane Lakeland 50 results:

MEN:

1. Neil MacNicol (GBR) – 8:03:58
2. Robert Trigwell (GBR) – 8:05:12
3. Dan Thacker (GBR) – 8:08:45

WOMEN:

1. Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn (GBR) – 8:23:15
2. Victoria Thompson (GBR) – 8:47:43
3. Lauren Graham (GBR) – 8:56:26

Click HERE for the full results.