A new race is coming to the Lake District, and it’s an ultra with a difference.
The 13 Valleys Ultra came about as an idea to link all the valleys of the Lake District together and to design a year-round trail for walkers and runners. The event was created in partnership with the Lake District National Park.
The trail will take you to areas of the National Park that people wouldn’t normally see and celebrates the UNESCO Heritage Site status. This designation specifically covers the 13 valleys that make up the Lake District National Park. 5% of each entry fee will be donated to the Lake District Foundation. This will support the National Park through Fix the Fells. Fix the Fells repair and maintain many of the paths used on the event.
For those of you wanting to bring family and friends, there will be an event village on the 29th and 30th September providing food and shopping from our partners and supporters. One of our supporters is the Youth Hostel Association, who are offering an exclusive 10% discount for all entrants. They have hostels across England and Wales, with a huge cluster right in the Lake District and surrounding areas. The YHA are perfectly placed to host you, your family and your friends for the challenge!
The 13 Valleys Ultra will celebrate this beautiful trail, with distances for all, from the 2 Valleys (20km) to the full route (180km).
13 Valleys (180km)
180km of stunning trail and mountain running, over fells, around the magnificent lakes and waters, and through all 13 Valleys of the Lake District National Park. Starting and finishing in Keswick, participants will follow a route with regular check points and feed stations. The 13 Valleys is open to experienced ultra runners on a self-qualification basis.
The event represents an exceptional physical and mental challenge. There is significant elevation and uneven terrain to be navigated as well as distance. This may well be at night and in what could be challenging and changeable weather. The 13 Valleys Ultra will rank alongside some of the toughest tests of ultra running in the world.
7 Valleys (100km)
Approximately 100km challenge incorporating 7 of the 13 Valleys route. It starts at Waterhead, Ambleside and finishes in Keswick. Participants will get regular check points and feed stations to keep fuelled and motivated.
5 Valleys (55km)
Now Sold Out!
Approximately 60km challenge taking in 5 of the 13 Valleys route. It starts at Waterhead, Ambleside and finishes in Keswick. Participants will follow a fully way-marked route with regular check points and feed stations to keep fuelled and motivated.
2 Valleys (20km)
Not yet ready to run an Ultra? The 2 Valleys is the perfect introductory event and suitable for all abilities. Get to experience the most incredible trail event and get a taste of the magic of the 13 Valleys Ultra.
Sustainability
13 Valleys are trying their best to make this event as sustainable as possible. Here are a few things they are doing:
- Using local staff and suppliers where possible, to reduce travel and support local communities
- All signs used on the event are re-usable. A phone number will be printed so they won’t be lost.
- Our feed stations will provide veggie and vegan alternatives
- We will publish a post-event report with an open and honest account of the carbon footprint of the event
- Limit unwanted race souvenirs, with no race tees and local medals made from sustainable materials.
Find out more about this race. Sign up before they all sell out!
This article is sponsored by 13 Valleys
