‘I ended up chasing my ghost’ – Lucy Gossage on how she beat her own record in Lakes ultra

Brilliant 2025 Winter Spine Race winner Lucy Gossage claimed another ultrarunning title at the weekend with a record-breaking display in the UK’s Lake District.

The NHS oncologist and former pro triathlete, with multiple IRONMAN victories to her name, has made a real splash in ultrarunning circles in the last couple of years.

And on Saturday she returned to ‘The Lap’, a 45-mile loop around Lake Windermere.

‘Ever smiley Lucy does it again’

Not only did she win the women’s race in a time of seven hours, 51 minutes and 29 seconds, that also saw her improve her own course record.

Organisers posted: The ever smiley Lucy does it again. Lucy’s performance just proves that no matter how amazing your past may look, if you keep pushing forward, and keep consistent you will achieve even more than you ever imagined!”

And Gossage herself had further cause for celebration as her sister also completed the event – her first ultra – to make it a memorable family weekend.

‘Doing ultra my way’

Gossage posted on Instagram: “What a weekend. I don’t think I have the words to describe how special it was watching Harriet smash her first ultra – actually, her first race longer than a half marathon! I felt unreasonably proud, but also just so grateful to have a sister who gets why I love doing these crazy things.

“I loved my run. I feel I’ve found a good balance between giving what I can on the day (this year I ended up chasing my ghost to try to go quicker than my own course record) yet not sacrificing the rest of life for training or tapering.”

And on that latter theme, Gossage revealed that despite her ultra successes, she’s happy combining her multiple commitments rather than going ‘all in’ on running.

She explained: “I guess there is a little bit of me that wonders how good I could be if I did give running my all but I’ve done that with triathlon and I don’t want or need to do it again.

“I’m comfortable with doing ultra my way. Freedom over structure. Adventures over results. But it’s still nice to be able to push hard every now and then and I don’t take my ability to do this for granted.”