Many of you who know Matt, our Operations Director and Financial Planner, will know that he is a bit of a runner! When he is not crunching the numbers at bdb, he is most often found hot stepping it across the Moors. Being an endurance runner the team are so used to his ridiculously challenging events, including the Dragons Back Race in Wales and UTMB in Chamonix, that we think nothing of it when he completes one of his regular half or marathon races. 

Apparently managing us is not challenging enough so last weekend he took part in one of his longer races, The Montane Lakeland 100. Describing itself as ‘The UK’s Premier Ultra Trail Race’ the circular route encompasses the whole of the Lakeland Fells. With approximately 6300m of ascent and 105 miles of trail, the route starts and finishes in Coniston having visited many of the Lakes beauty spots including Buttermere and Keswick. 

Avoiding the popular/touristy summits, the route takes runners to some often unseen parts of Cumbria, although I’m unsure if they have the energy to appreciate the views. Starting at 6:00pm on Friday evening, there isn’t much time to get the miles in before the first nightfall! 

Matt managed to finish by the very early hours of Sunday so thankfully he could then get some sleep, once the adrenaline subsided. He was joined by his ever supportive family and friends who helped keep him going through the toughest of times. Despite what we keep being told has been one of the driest Julys on record, Matt managed to find himself racing in the wettest part of the country and there wasn’t much let up on the Saturday.

Credit: No Limits Photography

I have had to write this piece as Matt is very modest and would very much shy away from the limelight. However, when asked he said, ‘it was one of my toughest runs, I didn’t feel great throughout, so had to dig deep in the rain to finish. Some people say hundred mile trail races are life in a day. Commitment, resilience and patience are required to deliver your goal, much like in a successful financial plan!’. 

For anyone interested in seeing more, there is a fantastic race day film on you tube which you can watch here. Look out for a familiar face collecting his medal. 

Earlier this year Matt celebrated his ten year anniversary at bdb and I’m sure this recent running achievement comes a close second in his highs of 2022! Matt, your team is very proud of you.

Posted by: Catherine Sherwood | Posted in: News Events