Coniston 14 was first ran in 1982 and since then has become a popular spring event in the village calendar.

The Race is unusual. The hilly route follows the 13.875 miles of road that circles Coniston water and there are stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

• 1982 First Race set up as a community event by Fred Reeves and Harold Ogden, attracts 300 runners and is sponsored by Burlington Slate Company.
• 1984 Race exceeds 1,000 runners.
• 1985 Roger Brewster of Clayton-le-Moor wins his third successive race.
• 1989 R. Dooney sets the male record time at 69.25 mins and C. Newman sets the women’s record at 80.57. Both of these records still stand.
• 1996 Record times broken in Female 45+ and 50+ classes.
• 1998 Start of Race delayed for 30 minutes because of heavy rain.
• 1999 Local runner Anne Bland wins Womens’ 55+ category.
• 2000 Runners’ World magazine in a major article praises the “organisation, camaraderie and scenery” of the Coniston 14.
• 2001 The Race is postponed from March until October because of the Foot and Mouth outbreak but race still supported with 1300 runners.
• 2007 Website developed, followed by online booking.
• 2009 Electronic timing used for first time.
• 2010 Race becomes the Coniston 14+ an extra 3 miles is added due to damaged Bouthrey Bridge. This doesn’t deter runners, bookings still strong.
• 2012 After two years the Race returns to traditional 14 mile course. £20,000 raised for local clubs and charities, including St Mary’s Hospice, Mountain Rescue and Community Pool.

• 2013 Race postponed until October because of heavy snow in March.
• 2018 Road Closures at start and finish of race to improve safety for runners.

John Kirkbride

Since 2004, £200,000 has been distributed to many local charities and organisations . As a tribute to a founder member John Kirkbride ,who died of cancer, a significant donation is made annually to St Mary’s Hospice Ulverston.