Windermere Marathon May 2011

Band:  Boom Dang

Performers: James de Wolf, Jake Newton, Joe Nicholson, Dan Nich, Genny Lewis, Kim Tweddell, Rachael Askew.

Early morning start, beautiful drive through the Lakes to Brathay, unloaded on arrival and rigged up drums with cymbals – all dry so far.  The minute we started the walk up the hill to Brathay Hall, however,  the heavens opened. It rained so hard, we were soaked in seconds.

We managed to cram ourselves into a small space in Brathay Hall to get out of the heavy shower and dry off slightly.

Luckily, we had ten minutes to spare before our performance began so the band went off to buy drinks and sausages.

Eventually it was time to lead the runners to the starting line. So we lined up as a band and the runners lined up behind us. Whilst playing our drums, we led the parade of runners down the grassy slope, on to the make-shift pathway over the grass, dodged a car that had clearly taken a wrong turn, driving towards us as we (a band and 1000 runners) headed towards him. There was no doubt who had the right of way, and the crowd jubilant  parted and walked around his car.

We safely led the runners to the start line and as instructed, kept walking, in order to be positioned further up the track to perform as the runners went past.

The starting pistol was fired and the runners and drummers were off – runners on their legs, drummers with their arms!

On events like this, it is clear to see, the positive impact that Boom Dang brings to lives. The runners’ beaming, smiling faces, and clapping as they run past, is evidence that Boom Dang’s drumming, brings joy and confidence to them as they begin the 26 miles of hard running.