The Route
Lots of miles, loads of elevation, all the valleys of the National Park, and an insane number of stunning views. Starting in Keswick, the 13 Valleys Ultra route completes a full circumnavigation of the Lake District, giving you the opportunity to experience the differing nature and personality of each valley.
From dropping into wild Ennerdale, hopping from Duddon into Coniston, running through the rugged central fells, to tackling the mighty climbs up High Street and Sticks pass.
This route lays down the gauntlet of being one of the toughest 100 milers the area has to offer.
Timetable
All times provisional
| Fri 25th Sept | |
|---|---|
| 12:00 Registration, Event Village and Kit Check Open | Theatre by the Lake |
| 18:00 13 Valleys Ultra Starts | Lakeside Car Park |
| 21:00 Event Village Closes | Theatre by the Lake |
| 21:00 Registration and Kit Check Closes | Theatre by the Lake |
| Sat 26th Sept | |
|---|---|
| 05:00 Shuttle Buses depart (7 Valleys Ultra) | Lakeside Car Park |
| 05:30 Event Site Open | Waterhead |
| 06:00 7 Valleys Ultra Starts | Waterhead |
| 07:00 Shuttle Buses depart (5 Valleys Ultra) | Lakeside Car Park |
| 08:00 5 Valleys Ultra Starts | Waterhead |
| 09:00 Event Village and Catering Opens | Lakeside Car Park |
| 13:00 *First Finisher 5 Valleys Ultra | Lakeside Car Park |
| 17:30 *First Finisher 7 Valleys Ultra | Lakeside Car Park |
| 18:00 Event Village Closes | Lakeside Car Park |
| 19:00 *First Finisher 13 Valleys Ultra | Lakeside Car Park |
| Sun 27th Sept | |
|---|---|
| 03:15 *Final Finisher 5 Valleys Ultra | Lakeside Car Park |
| 07:00 Registration Opens | Theatre by the Lake |
| 10:00 2 Valleys Trail Starts | Keswick |
| 10:00 *Final Finisher 7 Valleys Ultra | Lakeside Car Park |
| 10:30 Registration Closes | Theatre by the Lake |
| 11:30 *First Finisher 2 Valleys Trail | Lakeside Car Park |
| 16:30 *Final Finisher 13 Valleys Ultra | Lakeside Car Park |
| 18:00 *Final Finisher 2 Valleys Trail | Lakeside Car Park |
| 18:00 Event Village Closes | Lakeside Car Park |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the route be waymarked?
No, you need to know how to navigate yourself for this distance. Downloadable route files are available to aid navigation using both phones and watches.
Will I need a map?
A map and/or course notes are recommended. Course notes will be made available on the website before the event. Please be aware that due to the nature of the route, certain parts are somewhat complex to navigate, and runners are advised to moderate their speed at these points to ensure the correct path is taken. A sports GPS navigation device is recommended if you have one - GPX files are available to download from the website. We ask that you come prepared to the event with two ways to navigate which you can find here
What is the minimum age for participants?
To enter 13 Valleys Ultra you must be aged 20 or over.
Is there a minimum qualification standard?
Yes, all 13 Valleys (180km) participants must self-certify their preparedness by agreeing to a self-declaration statement (you will be asked to confirm this at the point of entry).
Does the event have cut off times?
Yes the event has generous but strict cut off times that will be enforced to ensure the safety of all participants. The cut off time for 13 Valleys Ultra is 46.5 hours
What is included in the entry fee?
Exclusive finisher medal (a slate coaster + a patch medal)
GPS tracking (Open Tracking)
GPX files
Medical cover
Drop bag service
Food and drinks at each feedstations on the route
Road book containing key navigation notes
Will there be a minimum kit list?
Yes. The minimum kit list can be found on the event information page here. You will need to have this kit with you at registration. The kit list will vary depending on the distance you have entered, and includes both minimum and recommended kit. There will be variations on this list depending on the weather forecast.
Will there be a kit check?
Yes, in advance of taking part in the event there will be a mandatory kit check, where participants will be required to demonstrate they have all of the items specified. GPS trackers will be given out at the kit check. Kit check will be done at the same time as registration on the Friday.
Can I store my bag at the start/finish?
There will be a baggage storage at the start area and a baggage vehicle in the Event Village on Friday evening where you can drop your bag. This will then go to Grasmere for you to access. Your bag will then be given to you when you cross the line in Keswick.
Are support crews allowed?
We want to do all we can to help you to get around the event and provide 12 well stocked feed stations and a Drop Bag for 13V and 7V participants to give you every chance for your race. If you have any specific requirements outside of these, we ask you to carry them with you. We do not allow support crews to actively move around the route, giving additional nutrition or kit, or taking it off you. We also do not allow support runners to come and run part of the route with you. This is to try and ensure the playing field is as level as possible, and the event is sustainable both from an environmental and social standpoint. It is important we respect the environment and communities we run in.
However we do encourage everyone to support at the relevant feedstations, or where public transport allows. Please remember to respect locals and other users of the trails, especially with regard to noise at night
Will I get penalised for going off course?
We understand that the combination of night-time navigation and sleep depravation can lead to navigational errors on the course. As long as you get back on the route as soon as you realise you're off course you won't be penalised. However if we judge that you've gained a significant competitive advantage by cutting the route short, we do reserve the right to issue a time penalty.