Battles are won and lost on desire, determination, commitment, hunger and talent. At the elite level of the game the difference between success and failure is often measured by the smallest of margins. It can be just an extra one per cent of effort, during a game, which determines the victors from the vanquished.

But in recent year’s psychologists, and sports scientists alike, have begun to understand that to thrive and perform consistently, at the highest level, takes more than technical ability alone. Possessing the necessary skills to run, pass, tackle and score are, obviously, essential attributes. However, work outside the training ground is now considered to be increasingly important if teams are to succeed.

Individual players need to understand themselves, and the dynamics of the team, if they are to perform to their maximum potential.

And like any skill, the earlier a player learns the better. With this in mind St Helens Rugby Football Club has created a unique partnership with Brathay Trust, to work with their Academy squad ahead of their tour to Australia this summer.

Our world class facilitators are experts in performance development and our programmes develop the whole person. We will help young Saints players to explore the beliefs, and motives, that drive their will to win, and they will enhance their technical rugby skills with structured personal development.

Our team are experienced in coaching and mentoring, at every stage of competition, with the aim of developing world-class players who are mentally prepared to perform at the highest level.

Although our overall aim is to contribute to the development of performance levels, one of the key objectives will be to develop emotionally mature, self-confident, young people who take control of their learning, development and ultimately, their lives.

Mark Bushell, from Brathay Trust is particularly excited by the partnership. He said: “The Academy squad will attend a residential, in late July, at our training centre on the shores of Lake Windermere, in Ambleside. Here they will experience a variety of physical and mental outdoor challenges, combined with personal support and coaching. This will ensure that the squad is fully prepared for their tour ‘Down Under’”.

Neil Kilshaw, Player Performance Manager at St Helen’s said: “We are always looking for innovative ways to challenge our young players, both physically and mentally. Brathay Trust gives the squad a perfect setting to develop those all-important team skills necessary for a challenging tour to Australia, whilst enabling them to tackle some fears and adversity. The coaching team are very much looking forward to seeing those team dynamics tested and developed and we thank the Brathay Trust for their invaluable support of the clubs youth performance department.”

The residential will support the progression of each player and help them to attain the levels required to succeed.

Who knows, the partnership could ultimately help Saints achieve their ambition of selecting 17 players, for a Super League game, that have been developed through their youth system.

Click here to visit the St Helens website.

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Since its inception, in 1952, Joss has been a keen follower of the Trial, one of the longest and toughest fell races in the calendar. His enthusiasm, dedication and commitment, has seen him take part in a staggering 51, of the 52 Lake District Mountain Trials staged, since he first ran it in 1960.

And now, at an age when many would be forgiven for pursuing a more forgiving leisure activity, he aims to complete the route of 1964, which he failed to start due to injury.

Joss intends to complete his 52nd Trial on Friday 21st June, 2013, exactly 49 years to the day since the original 1964 race. The route starts at Glenridding and finishes at the Old Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale. There will be checkpoints at Red Tarn, Grisedale Tarn, Tarn at Leaves, Stake Beck and Angle Tarn.

The 16 mile route will see the septuagenarian climb an impressive 7,000ft through often difficult and dangerous terrain. Joss will also have to test his mountaineering ability, stamina and his navigational skills if he is to safely complete the challenge.

Whilst Joss sees the run as completing ‘unfinished business’, he’s also using the occasion to raise much needed funds for Brathay Trust, the Ambleside based national charity that improves the life chances of children and young people, by inspiring them to engage positively in their community.

To help him raise the cash Joss is appealing for four runners to join him on route. He’s looking for two runners to accompany him from Glenridding to Dunmail Raise and a further two to complete the run from Dunmail Raise to Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. In return Joss is asking that interested individuals place an auction bid to secure a spot running alongside him.

The highest bidders, for this once in a lifetime opportunity, will then get the chance to run with their hero on what will be an unforgettable day. Click here to place a bid.

Alternatively, if you feel that your body is incapable of surviving the rigorous nature of the challenge, but you would like to support Joss in his attempt, you can sponsor him by clicking here to visit his Just Giving page.

Recalling his first experience of the Trial, in 1960, Joss said: “It was a real beautiful day. The committee had asked me to run but I said I couldn’t as I was just having my breakfast. I had no shoes or owt like. No shorts.”

They managed to persuade him to take part but his approach to the run was slightly unorthodox, as he explained: “I got my knife out and cut the legs of me trousers. About six inches above the knee. I put me big fell boots on and marched myself down to the start. I struggled with cramp later in the race but luckily there were two old ladies by a bridge having a picnic and they had a salt pot out. I just got a handful of salt and was moving a lot better after that.”

Despite the stamina sapping nature of the course Joss is sure to regale his lucky running companions with similarly fascinating anecdotes, from his time scaling the peaks of Cumbria.

Scott Umpleby from Brathay Trust said: “Joss is an incredible man and it’s unlikely that anyone will ever better his achievements so I’m sure that there will be many runners out there who will be desperate to run alongside him. To dedicate this run to Brathay Trust shows that he’s not only passionate about all things running, but also about improving the life chances of children and young people.”

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In a stunning performance, that delighted the large crowds, Dave ‘Foxy’ Bayley, from Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, became the first person to complete five, successive, Brathay 10in10 events.

The amazing feat, which has seen Dave run 1,310 miles around Lake Windermere, arguably the most difficult marathon course in the world, beats the previous record of four, set by Steve Edwards in 2010.

The Brathay 10in10 runs alongside its sister event the Brathay Windermere Marathon, as our annual, flagship, fundraiser.

Dave was delighted to have finished his 5^th successive Brathay 10in10, he said: “I can’t believe I’ve done it and I don’t think it will sink in for a few days. It’s been an incredibly emotional experience, and I don’t think the record will be beaten soon.”

The question is will he return in 2014? “No,” insists Dave, “I’ll be back, but just to support the Class of 14 and, perhaps, run the Brathay Windermere Marathon. Five is enough for anyone!”

Running alongside ‘Foxy’ was the remarkable John McCann. The 61-year-old, from Morecambe, was the oldest runner in this year’s event and he completed each marathon in just over four hours.

The retired physiotherapist said: “This has been a huge challenge as, in some ways, you can’t prepare for it. You can put in the physical training but you can’t prepare mentally for the day-to-day slog. I’m proud that I’m still going and I feel quite strong. Hopefully, I may inspire other sexagenarian’s to get out, run and stay healthy.”

Mark Bushell from Brathay Trust said: “The Brathay 10in10 runners are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and they’ve had to put their lives on hold, for a year, in order to prepare for this event. Their heroic efforts will, importantly, help raise money for Brathay Trust so that we can inspire children and young people to engage positively in their communities.”

For the first time in the history of the event, the Brathay Windermere Marathon saw a local, male, winner. Marcus Scotney, a 38-years-old sports therapist from Kendal, stormed home ahead of the pack in a gut busting 02:38:50.

Marcus, who is an Ultra Runner for England and Team GB, was running only his third road marathon. He said: “I’ve always wanted to give the Brathay Windermere Marathon a go. I run two 100k events a year, and I’m ranked 7^th in the world at 50K, but I have to say I found it extremely tough. The course is relentless, there’s no rest on the hills. I was going for a personal best but I realised, after only seven miles, that is wasn’t possible”.

The female winner was 40-year-old Nicola Shaw, from Tarporley, in Cheshire. She has only completed ten marathons, over the course of the last six years, and five of these have been Brathay Windermere Marathons. Incredibly this was her third victory in the event coming over the line in 03:08:59.

“I love the scenery around the course,” she explained, “I don’t run many marathons but I keep being drawn back to this one.”

Mark Bushell concluded: “This has been another fantastic year and, once again, we’ve managed to draw runners from across the world, including Boston, in the USA. To get the first local winner, in the male category of the Marathon, was a particular highlight, as were the large crowds on site. The supporters had a fantastic day and, importantly, got the opportunity to find out about our charitable work with children and young people.”

Click here for full results from the 2013 Brathay Windermere Marathon

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The man who was beset by injury whilst preparing for the 2012 Brathay 10in10 had, agonisingly, the misfortune of being struck by injury again.  Having overcome an almost debilitating back problem, just over 12 months ago, he had confounded the medics to run in this year’s event.

But with 20 miles to go the 36-year-old, former RAF man, was brought to a sudden standstill by excruciating pains in his right knee. It was obvious that this was more than just a simple tweak. This was serious.

Within minutes the Brathay 10in10 medical team were on hand to administer support and advice. Despite their heroic attempts, to get Phil back running, he was forced to walk the remainder of the course. He valiantly crossed the line just before 7:00pm, yesterday evening, having completed Day 8 in 08:25:17. The word ‘courageous’ is an inadequate description of his performance.

It was with much sadness then that Day 9 started, predictably, without Phil on the starting line. He’d taken the decision, overnight, to retire from the competition. Medical advice suggested that it was a ligament problem and that a further two days punishment would be too much for him. Everyone concerned with the Brathay 10in10 respects his decision but it made for a sombre atmosphere amongst the close knit group of runners this morning.

But their steely determination to complete the challenge, in honour of their erstwhile companion, saw them set off; beneath the rolling, slate coloured clouds, with renewed vigour. Impervious to the wintery downpour, that drenched spectators and runners alike, they ran into the distance knowing that they were almost home.

Rik Vercoe did the business again, coming in 1^st. He’s only failed to lead the pack on one occasion and that was when he was narrowly beaten by the unfortunate Phil Eccleston, on Day 5. “I was hurting after 1 kilometre,” explained Rik, “but I forced myself on.”

For the second day in succession Grimsby’s Tony Hooper, made it home in second place proving, beyond doubt, that children seek parental approval even into adulthood. It was only yesterday that his father admitted to giving him a ‘pep talk’ to improve his performances!

John McCann, once again made it home in a respectable time of 04:39. The 61-year-old, from Morecambe, was happy just to finish as he explained: “I was coming through Bowness when I hit a dip in the road and, suddenly, I felt my hamstring go.”

The former physiotherapist is all too aware of the possible consequences of such an injury: “I began to really take it easy and crawled round the last few miles. I’m extremely tired but I’m very pleased to be here, at the end of Day 9, with just one more run to go.”

And what of the effect of Phil’s departure on the group. “We were all really down early on today,“ explained John, “however, Phil seems to have taken it really well and he was out there on the course cheering us on, which was brilliant. The fact that he seems ok about it has made it easier for the rest of us to take.”

So, just one more day to go, 26.2 miles left to run, one last physical and mental push that, if successfully completed, will catapult 14 ordinary people towards extraordinary, running greatness.

Bring it on!

To watch daily video updates from the 10in10, finishing times, and to find out how you can sponsor the runners, click here

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There’s a fragrance around the estate. The unmistakable smells of hot food being prepared, cut grass, Brathay Mint Cake, all signalling the imminent arrival of the final day of the Brathay 10in10 and the challenge of the Brathay Windermere Marathon.

The runners see the change and for some it can be disconcerting. As John Grundy commented: “You can see the activity around the grounds. Things are beginning to change; barriers are arriving, there are tents going up and it’s becoming a different place.”

For some this can be quite a challenge. Having survived to Day 8 the familiarity is a great comfort to them. The routine and the environment has helped them get this far and it’s easy to understand that some fear that change may, in some way, affect their performance.

Today was much the same as the previous seven days with Rik Vercoe, storming over the line to make it seven 1^st places out of eight. However, Tony Hooper delivered one of the performances of the event, so far, by securing 2^nd place. He’d been down the pecking order in sixth position on each of the previous two days.

His mum and dad were on hand to cheer him in, the latter claiming to have given him a “pep talk” last night.

On the whole it was a beautiful day with the sun doing its best to, if not exactly to crack the flags, remind the runners how difficult it can be to run under its glare.

John Grundy, from Harrogate, came across the line in 5^th position just in time to make it onto a live broadcast with Lakeland Radio 101.4 fm. He didn’t even have time to go to the rest room before being whisked away to chat on our regular afternoon slot.

He was more than happy to cooperate and was eager to describe the state of his disintegrating toes, in gory detail, to the horrified listeners of the Drivetime with Yakkers show.

John is yet another runner who’s been frighteningly consistent over the past eight days. Coming in at around the 03:50, each day, he’s currently lying in 6^th place. Not bad for someone who claims not to be a marathon runner!

As Day 8 draws to a close, it would appear that we are to bid farewell to the raw power of the sun on Day 9. If the weather forecasts are to be believed, and at this stage every source seems to agree, it’s going to be somewhat wet tomorrow.

Click here to sponsor John.

To watch daily video updates from the 10in10, finishing times, and to find out how you can sponsor the runners, click here

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As the runners made their way to the starting line their backs were warmed from the comforting glow of the overhead sun, an infrequent visitor to the South Lakes of late.

The encouraging chatter, ahead of the start, illustrated once again that whilst there has to be a winner, of the Brathay 10in10 on Sunday 19^th May, there certainly won’t be any losers. The runners deep support of one another was evident for all to see, this morning, as is their pride in seeing their fellow runners make it home each day. Individually, their measure of success is the success of the collective whole.

It’s easy to forget that each team member may have their own individual goals, and targets, when you see them willing each other on to do well.

No better example of this was when Dave ‘Foxy’ Bayley came over the line; hand in hand, with Kaz Hurrell!  With times of 4:49:10 and 4:49:34, respectively, this multiple 10in10 duo, proved beyond doubt the importance of teamwork in getting each other through the day.

As Foxy said: “It was great to have company and we were spurring each other on by the time we got to Waterhead.”

For the uninitiated the 26.2 mile course, around Windermere, can become a dark and lonely place. Sometimes companionship is crucial in surviving the rigours of the unforgiving course. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the camaraderie of each group of 10in10ers, can extend well beyond their 10 days spent at Brathay Hall.

We should also remember that it’s not necessarily the case that those at the front of the pack are working the hardest. No disrespect to the likes of Rik Vercoe, Phil Ecclestone et al. but their spending less time out on the course! Plus they get first choice of the food! Come to think of it they’re having a right cushy time!!!

So I’m sure that they would be the first to pay respect to the likes of Kaz, Janet Shepherd, Eleanor Tillotson, Rosemary Nixon, Naomi Newton-Fisher and Lucy Clough, who put their bodies through the mill, yet again today, to inspire others and raise much needed cash for vulnerable young people.

Hats off!

To watch daily video updates from the 10in10, finishing times, and to find out how you can sponsor the runners, click here

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As City enjoyed the double celebration of an FA Cup Final victory over Wigan and Runners Up spot in the Premier League, this week, Malcolm would have been forgiven for a commemorative libation in recognition of his footballing gods. However, dedicated runner that he is, and having completed the Brathay 10in10 in 2011, he decided to put the party on hold until after the conclusion of the Brathay 10in10 on Sunday 19 May.

Malcolm’s positive attitude has shone through during both the 10in10 events that he’s been involved in and, although he found Day 6 tough going, he was determined not  to let today’s exertions get him down. He said: “It was difficult today. The weather affects how I run and when I saw the rain this morning the last thing I wanted to do was run another marathon. However, I forced myself around and I know that if I let myself become miserable it would make running even more difficult.”

His happy disposition has certainly stood him in good stead as he yet again banged in a sub four hour run, coming in at 03:44:07. His metronome like performances sees the Astley & Tyldesley Road Runner currently sitting in fourth place, just ahead of Paul ‘Fozzy’ Foster, from Fife.

“You have to remain positive,” he continued, “and a little bit more sunshine would be ideal for me.”

The 43-year-old has smiled his way through over 90 marathons including London, New York, Chicago, Paris, Rotterdam and Madrid, to name but a few. His goal is to reach 100, which he hopes to do during the course of the 10in10.

He’s pushing himself to beat his aggregate time for the 2011 10in10. But even if he fails in his quest for improvement we know that he will, once again, prove to be a pivotal part of the team.

Whilst departing Manchester City Manager, Roberto Mancini, has moved on amidst acrimonious comments, from those he worked with, Malcolm remains the polar opposite. Reliable, dependent, happy go lucky, with the occasional penchant for singing ‘Blue Moon’, his Brathay 10in10 running pals find him the perfect antidote for depression and despondency!

Click her to visit Malcolm’s Just Giving page.   

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The 35-year-old has been suffering since day one of the Brathay 10in10, with a reoccurring calf muscle problem that has resulted in shooting pains through his leg. But the former RAF man, who’s fast approaching completing 200 marathons, ran through the discomfort to post his best time to date with a stunning 03:11:19 finish.

Phil, a Burnden Road Runners club member, displayed a bravery honed through his early years running over the West Pennine Moors. His promise to run with emotion, passion, commitment, and with a big smile on his face, was certainly fulfilled today.

When asked how he’d managed to take almost an hour off his previous days’ time he replied: “I didn’t feel any of the pain that I’ve previously felt. I got the occasional stabbing pain but on the whole it was great.”

And what of the tape that appeared to be holding his leg together: “It really works. It pulls the skin and takes all the pressure of the muscle, but now that I’ve taken it off it’s beginning to stiffen up.”

Second over the line, displaying remarkable consistency, was 41-year-old Rik Vercoe in a time of 03:18:31. He was followed by 37-year-old Tony Hooper, from Grimsby, who came in at a creditable 03:32:46.

Tony, who ran his first marathon in 1999, overcame a potential burst blood vessel, in his leg, to finish Day 5: “I just wiped away the blood and got on with it.” he said, oblivious to the fact that he could have easily been involved in an incident resembling a scene from a Quentin Tarantino film!

Day 6 beckons for the 15 heroes who are putting their bodies on the line for the Brathay cause. The group are beginning to operate like a well-oiled machine, encouraging and supporting each other through days and nights of extreme routine in order to join the elite Brathay 10in10 Club.

Click here to watch the most recent 10in10 video and check the results.

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The pair battled it out in the early stages of today’s marathon before Rik opened up an unassailable lead over the likable Scotsman. Both were in good spirits as they crossed the line in what has proved to be an incredible event so far.

All 15 competitors have finished the first three days within, or around, the five hour mark. A staggering feat, given the punishing nature of the course.  The physical and mental pressure is unrelenting as the runners push their bodies through the pain barrier in their quest to make it to Day 10.

Rik, having completed the Marathon Des Sables only four weeks ago, has overcome the threat of his Day 1 blisters and appears to be enjoying the challenge. He said: “The weather was good today, though I have to say with the sun coming out it was almost too hot. But I feel great, the blisters have calmed down and I’m pleased that they haven’t got any worse.”

However, he’s aware how quickly things could change, as he explained: “We’re all going to get an injury at some stage and we’ve got to be able to deal with it. If I pick up anything I’ll just concentrate on getting around and not pushing myself too much.”

Paul, who completed the 10in10 last year, was similarly happy. He said: “I’m extremely tired but compared to last year I feel great and I’m looking forward to seeing my wife and children on Friday, Day 8, as they’re coming down to cheer me on.”

There are sure to be more twists and turns in the remaining 6 days and, as Rik alluded to, it’s almost irrelevant who comes out on top.  However it ends it’s impossible not to be impressed by each and every competitor. They’re all striving to beat their own personal goals and overcome incredible physical and mental challenges, just to be able to proudly announce “I’m a member of 10in10 Club”.

Whatever happens the camaraderie amongst this year’s 10in10 team will ensure that the alliance between the Scottish and the English remains strong in 2013!

To find out more about the 10in10, click here to visit our Video page, with daily updates, and links to finishing times, plus links to the runners’ Justgiving pages

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With certificates and prizes on offer, the entries will be on display in Brathay Hall between 12 and 3.30pm, creating a dazzling showcase of talent, skill and creativity. Our expert judges will be on hand to decide on the winning entries.

For the younger competitors, we have classes for: black and white drawings, a decorated old shoe, trainer or boot, a monster made from vegetables or fruit, decorated cupcakes, or a collage made using waste material.

Meanwhile, the older youngsters can enter classes to create: A phone case in any medium, a black and white or pencil drawing, a winner’s certificate for the Brathay Windermere Marathon, decorated cupcakes, or a wristband made from waste material.

The creations can be delivered to Brathay Hall ahead of the event (accompanied by an entry form) or brought along on the day.

You can download the Talent Competition entry form here, along with the Talent Competition flyer, plus a full list of all the Talent Competition classes.

If you have any questions, or want to know more, ring us on 015394 39722, or email us by clicking here

Get creating! And good luck!

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