Around 40 brethren, their partners and family members from the Furness and South Lakeland Group of Freemasons assisted in the marshalling of the western sections of the Brathay Trust Asics Windermere Marathon.
This selfless giving up of time on a precious Sunday was much appreciated by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield, the group executive and the organiser in chief, group charity steward Phil Renney. It ensured that the 15 ‘10 in 10’ runners and 650 participants running on the day were kept safe from the worst of the Lake District’s traffic between Brathay Hall itself and Newby Bridge at the southern tip of Windermere. Hi-visibility vests and walkie-talkies were the order of the day, directing traffic and ensuring safe passage for participants.
The first three male runners home were Beau Smith (2h 44m 15s), David Narborough (2h 48m 31s) and Sam Matthews (2h 53m 28s). The first three female runners were Catherine Williamson (3h 02m 25s), Penny Addison (3h 11m 26s) and Lindy-Lee Folscher (3h 16m 41s).
Brathay is one of a handful of marathons run entirely within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon, this breath-taking course finishes amidst a carnival atmosphere, in the grounds of Brathay Hall with stunning views over England’s largest lake.
The Brathay Trust works in several areas, offering courses in personal and professional development, notably with young people who are victims of circumstance, not victims themselves. They are supported at Brathay and out in the community to become more self-aware and find the potential and resilience they never knew they had.
Looking to next year, there is a chance the event could take place on a Saturday, which may be an incentive to all lodges and chapters in the Furness and South Lakeland Group to encourage better attendance at this event. It’s a fantastic shop window to illustrate the spirit of Freemasonry, the ethos of charity and benevolence.
