All sporting events, indoor and outdoor, were an immediate casualty of the lockdown measures. Sports and sporting activity, such an important part of the national fabric, have been grappling ever since as to how they can be restarted in the new pandemic world.

A lot of activity has gone virtual. Gym sessions, pilates and yoga sessions via Zoom have for example been well adapted and adopted. The early morning daily workout sessions by media fitness coach Joe Wick, originally targeted at school children being taught at home, have become a national institution.

In the Lake District, all village sports days and events have been cancelled. Grasmere Sports Show, a regular event since 1868 and unbroken except for the 2 periods of World Wars, fell victim too.

All fell races and trail running events were also cancelled. Running on the fells was discouraged due to the risk of call out of emergency services. Could these somehow go virtual too?

As exercise restrictions were more and more partially lifted, running in Lakeland became even more special. The fells were completely deserted. The sights, sounds and feel of the mountains were just magical and incredibly beautiful.

I was due to race in the Lakeland 50 in July, this is a 50 mile run across the fells from Dalemain to Coniston. It is the premier 24 hour long distance trail event in the UK. Following cancellation, the organisers have now also come up with a virtual version – you have to run the distance and submit evidence digitally. Generously, you have a week to complete the distance which will be during the last week of July.

Not quite the same, but at least something to go for.

David Johnson

ps a few Grasmere folk will be running, we’ll be back here to hopefully show off our medals and t-shirts!!