THE Keswick/Buttermere Round 34km road race is regarded as one of the toughest running events in the country.

Only open to senior runners over 21 years of age, the race route starts from Keswick's Woolworth's store and returns to the town's cricket pavilion in Fitz Park, taking in the B5289 past Derwentwater and Borrowdale, through Seatoller, before the lung-gasping climb over the Honister Pass and fast downhill section on to Buttermere.

Here the route turns north-east and heads over the scenic, but challenging climb of the Newlands Pass, before descending to, and through Stair hamlet, then passes the Swinside Inn, to eventually arrive at Portinscale (the 20-mile point).

The last couple of kilometres or so sees the now tired runners heading into Keswick, to the welcoming site of the finish at Fitz Park.

First back in this year's renenwal was Adam Breaks of Halifax Harriers in 2:08.50 - outside the 1982 course record of 2:05.30, held by Kenny Stuart and Jonathon Broxap - pushing four-times previous winner Steve Littler from Wesham Road Runners into second place.

First female in 2:39.47, well outside the 2:34.40 course record, set by Ann Bland in 1988, but with a good run nonetheless was Eden Runners' Karen Heaviside.

This year's race, celebrating its 30th anniversary, attracted 74 hardy runners, many using it as a long training run for the London Marathon.

Among them was James Goffe, of Black Combe Runners, who is upping his mileage in preparation for his big day in the Capital.

James, who won the club's open road and fell championships last season, did well to finish in 54th place overall, in a similar time to last year (3:16.07).