Today marks one year to go to the inaugural 13 Valleys Ultra, an epic off road event in the stunning Lake District National Park, taking place from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October 2023.
The flagship event, in partnership with the Lake District National Park, will create the foundations of a year round trail that links all 13 valleys of the Lake District National Park together for the first time. To support these efforts 5% of each entry fee will be donated to the Lake District Foundation.
There are four distances to choose from – 20km, 60km, 100km and 180km – each promising spectacular trail running over the fells, round the magnificent lakes, and through the unique valleys of the Lake District.
The 13 Valleys distance (180km) is the pinnacle and will rank alongside some of the toughest tests of ultra running in the world. It represents an exceptional physical and mental challenge and as such is open to experienced ultra runners on a qualification basis only. Starting and finishing in Keswick, the 180km loop includes 17 checkpoints, more than 7,000m elevation, and passes through all 13 valleys.
The 5 Valleys (60km) and 7 Valleys (100km) offer an exciting ultra marathon challenge and a taste of the big one, whilst the 2 Valleys Trail (20km) provides a stepping stone to the longer challenges. All of the event distances finish in Keswick and follow a fully way marked route with regular check points and feed stations.
The event aims to deliver a world class but sustainable ultra marathon event that showcases the communities and landscape that makes the Lake District so special.
The journey to the start line begins at the point you sign up, with participants supported with training plans, equipment guides, partner offers and the opportunity to take part in skills sessions and training weekends. The one year to go milestone has been reached and the countdown has officially started. Take your place on the 13 Valleys Ultra start line for the start of more than just an event, but a little piece of history – it’s a chance to look back years from now and say, ‘I was there at the beginning’! Find out more and enter here.
