- Incident
- 135 in 2024
- Type
- Full Callout — Overdue
- Location
- Wasdale
- Weather
- Cloudy Summits, Dry
- Other Agencies
- Cumbria Police, Duddon & Furness MRT, Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs
- Tagged
- Fell Runner, Overdue
A call was received from Cumbria Police about a fell runner who was overdue. A family member was reporting their concerns, expecting him back home by early evening.
It was established that the runner was last heard from at 08:30am at the summit of Scafell Pike. He had planned to run for 26 miles, however, no details of routes were available. This gave a huge search area. As such, it became very important to locate the runner’s car to give further clues. Several local team members were tasked to search campsites and car parks in Wasdale and Eskdale to locate the car, with a ‘find’ being made at Wasdale Head.
With confirmation that the runner had not left the valley, the team was called out alongside Duddon and Furness MRT. Search dogs were also mobilised.
As planning and initial search routes were being mapped, it was with some relief that Cumbria Police located the runner at a camp site at Wasdale Head.
It transpired that a simple miscommunication between family members had resulted in misplaced concern; the runner had intended to also camp in the valley for a second night, returning home the following day.
All teams were stood down and were happy to get a relatively swift positive outcome to what could have been a very challenging search over vast areas, with very little information to plan from.
A good reminder to tell someone of your route and intended return times in writing, especially if walking or running alone.
Thanks to all MR teams and Cumbria Police for their support and teamwork.
Incident started at 21:20 and ended at 00:30 making 3.2 hrs in total. There were 15 Wasdale team members involved and the incident occured at NY 18506 08520. Total rescuer hours: 48
