The
race transition area is on the field adjacent to the steamer pier at Glenridding.
The swim start will be in the water. Wetsuits will be compulsory.
The course is triangular around two buoys and an island. Exit the water beyond
the pier into the transition area.
The
bike section is 38 miles all on road. From the transition turn right
from the Pier Road and follow the A592 along the lakeside to the junction
with the A5091. Turn left and and climb through Matterdale to the A66. Turn
left along the A66 to the B5322 . Follow the B5322 and enjoy the ride through
St John’s in the Vale. At the A591 turn left along the edge of Thirlmere before
climbing to Dunmail Raise. Enjoy the long wide decent to Grassmere, continue
passed Rydal Water before reaching the outskirts of Ambleside. Turn left at
the mini-roundabout as you enter Ambleside and start the climb of Kirkstone
Road. This is a long steep climb with lots of arrows marked on the map. The
last 500m is "The Struggle" 1in4. You will need to consider your
gearing prior to the race. It’s then downhill all the way back to Glenridding.profile
(not for the nervous)
The
run takes you on to the high fells. It is the most direct route up
Helvellyn. From transition cross the road and follow the path up the left
side of the beck through the village. Stay on the beck side path keeping the
campsite on your left. Follow the path up Mires Beck onto Birkhouse Moore.
Follow the ridge towards the Hole-in-the-wall. Take the main path to the right
passing in front of Red Tarn (do not go up Striding Edge).
Take the much safer path up Swirral Edge turning left at the top to Helvellyn
summit.
From the check point
at the summit retrace to the top of Swirral Edge but stay on the high ground
to Whiteside Bank. As you come off Whiteside Bank take the right fork which
leads down onto Glenridding Common (above). Follow the path down into Glenrigging,
you should pass The Travelers Rest. Inviting, but keep going. Work your
way through the village and return to the finish on the transition field.
In all it’s about 8 miles. map
The
weather on the fells even in mid summer can be poor and the tops could well
be in cloud. You will not be allowed out of the bike/run transition without
weather proof clothing, map of the route, compass, whistle and suitable foot
ware for a fell run.
Cut-off times It will be a long day for the marshals, so there has to be cut-off times. That's
not to say that you have to pull out after the cut-off time. But the marshals may not be there then.
Even if you are outside the cut-off time the route is quite simple to follow so you should be able to find your way
around. As I plan on staying at the transition field or adjacent bar well into the evening you
should get a time.
Race start time is 0900hrs. Swim cut-off will be 1000hrs. Cycle cut-off will be 1330hrs.
