The Route
Whether you're taking on your first ultra or looking for a spectacular 58km point-to-point adventure, the 5 Valleys delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District.
Starting in the vibrant town of Ambleside on the shores of Windermere, the route winds through ancient woodlands before reaching the postcard-perfect village of Troutbeck.
The challenge soon ramps up with the climb over the broad summit of High Street, the highest point on the course. From there, faster miles lead through the beautiful Ullswater Valley to Glenridding before the ascent resumes at the historic Greenside Mines, climbing steadily to Sticks Pass.
The final section traverses the wild slopes of Blencathra and Skiddaw, following the spectacular and secluded trails of the Glenderaterra Valley. From there, it's a well-earned downhill run to the finish line in Keswick.
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
What is the minimum age for participants?
To enter 5 Valleys Ultra you must be aged 20 or over.
Will participants be completing part of the event in darkness?
Please note that depending on their pace, participants will be completing part of the event in darkness.
When will registration and kit check take place?
Registration and kit check will be done on Friday at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick till 9pm (see timetable). There will also be the option to register on the Saturday at the same location from 6am but we strongly advise to register on the Friday if possible.
What level of difficulty can participants expect?
There is no specific entry qualification required, however participants should recognise that these routes are over challenging terrain and not suitable for novice participants.
All participants must carry the mandatory equipment. This will be checked at the registration stand.
Is it compulsory to attend the event briefing?
All participants must attend the event briefing.
Will the route be waymarked?
Yes, the route will be fully waymarked, with pink waymarkers. Downloadable route files are also available to aid navigation using both phones and watches.
Will I need a map?
A map is recommended. We ask that you come prepared to the event with two ways to navigate which you can find here
Is there a minimum qualification standard?
No. The 5 Valleys Ultra is a great choice for a first ultramarathon. However, it is still a challenging mountain trail event, so we recommend that participants have experience of trail running, are comfortable spending several hours on their feet, and have trained appropriately for the distance and elevation.
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 5 Valleys Ultra is 19 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
- Food and drinks at each feedstations on the route
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?
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 / is there a drop bag?
If you don’t need your drop bag at the start line, please leave it with us in Keswick before you get on the shuttle bus. If you take your drop bag with you to your start line at Waterhead, you can deposit it in a baggage vehicle. We will bring it back to Keswick for you, where you will be able to collect it from the Theatre By The Lake. Please note that the storage area may be open to the elements, so please waterproof your bag just in case.
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.