The Grand Tour of Skiddaw

Exciting stuff - I've been working on this new event for a while now, wanting to organise an ultra race in the beautiful Northern Lakes. We've recently moved to this part of the Lakes and have been exploring the trails and fells, and pubs. Caldbeck Common feels really remote and has some stunning views, although you're only about 30 mins from Keswick.

So, The Grand Tour of Skiddaw (named by The Fairy) took shape last November. The race website is now live at www.pureoutdoorsevents.co.uk with the online entries open HERE.

The race starts and finishes at Lime House School near Dalston, which has loads of parking, and camping available on the school field. There's a huge school hall for Registration, Kit Check, Prize Presentation etc and catering/showers/loos on site. The race will take place on Saturday 24th/Sunday 25th August, with camping available all weekend, Friday - Sunday. As it's a Bank Holiday the runners can stay over till Monday for an extra £5, and bust some moves at the Post Race Party on Sunday night!

I realise that there's another small ultra going on that weekend somewhere in Europe, but well, not everyone will get in, and we had to fit around the Summer School at Lime House!

Wintery route, it'll be lovely and sunny in August, honest.

The route will be unmarked so will require a basic level of navigation although the runners will be given a written route description, marked map and the route will be available to download as a gpx file. There'll be 3 checkpoints with snacks/drinks on the route at Caldbeck, Latrigg car park and again at Caldbeck, and hot food at the Finish. The runners will be able to leave dropbags at the Start which will be taken to Latrigg for any 'special' emergency foods/plasters/favourite teddy...

Spotted this whilst out on the route writing the route notes the other day, ummm, 'continue straight on past the bear, quiet'

So, really looking forward to this event, it has the potential to be a great weekend in the Lakes; 44 miles of beautiful trails, working out the route (I love that bit), climb up the mighty Skiddaw at the approx halfway point (just for a laugh), party and beer - coming to join us?!