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Great Lakes

A rough, tough Lakeland classic

Results 2023 here 

Information

Saturday June 29th 2024

AL 21 km 2130 m

What a monster! This one definitely takes you for a big day out into the wild western Lakes. 13 miles and a Tom Simpson course record almost identical to that of Borrowdale gives you some indication of what lies in store!

The route is packed with variety and includes much ground new to fell racing. After an eyeballs-out ascent of The Band to Bowfell, the route makes a high-level summit-hopping circuit of Upper Eskdale, including the two highest peaks in the Lakes: Scafell Pike and Scafell. There follows a crossing of what feels like Middle Earth, forging a path from Slight Side to Blisco fast running over the trackless reaches south of Great Moss. On a clear day it’s magic, but if the clags in then the map will definitely need to be out. The final descent from Blisco is notably steep if you choose to take it head-on.

This race is only suitable for experienced fell runners and is certainly not appropriate for novices. Experience of fell racing in the lakes and the ability to navigate with a map and compass are essential. Previous experience of similar events is required as part of the entry process.

Please note that the FRA do not allow the use of GPS for navigation in fell races.

Start time: 11:00am

Pre entry only on SI entries from 1st March

Cost: £10 FRA members, £12 non FRA members

Organiser

Ben Abdelnoor

Contact: ben_abdelnoor@yahoo.com

07896 151179

Requirements

Waterproof jacket (with hood) and trousers, hat, gloves, compass, whistle, map, food, emergency food and anything else you might need to survive on the high fells (more clothes, survival blanket etc.).

Map and compass navigation skills and previous experience of similar races in the Lake District are essential. This race is not suitable for novice fell runners.

Checkpoints

  • Start at Stool End Farm NY 276 057
  • Bow Fell summit NY 244 064
  • Esk Pike summit NY 236 075
  • Great End summit NY 225 084 (cut off 2 hrs after start of race)
  • Scafell Pike summit NY 215 072
  • bottom of Foxes Tarn Gully NY 212 066
  • Sca Fell summit NY 207 064
  • Slight Side summit NY 210 050
  • Pike of Blisco summit NY 271 042
  • Finish at Stool End Farm NY 276 057

Records

  • M : 2:34:18 Tom Simpson, 2023
  • L : 3.03:45 Kelli Roberts, 2019

Results

2023 99 runners

2022 76 runners

2021

2019 318 runners (report here)

2018 48 runners

2017 49 runners (report here)

2016 74 runners (report here)

2015 72 runners (report here)

2013 55 runners

2012 301 runners

2011 85 runners

2010 81 runners