Race news: Karrimor Great Trail Challenge - Keswick, Sunday June 1, 2014
The Karrimor Great Trail Challenge will be staged in Keswick for a third time on Sunday 1st June 2014. Showcasing breath-taking Lakeland views of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite, participants will take in the old Keswick railway line, River Greta and the challenging heights of Latrigg Fell over 11km and 22km distances.
From the organisers of the Bupa Great North Run, the event has grown into one of the biggest of its kind in the North of England since its inaugural staging in 2012, with running and walking events taking place on the same day.
For the runners there is more at stake than a personal best, with the introduction of the King of the Mountain and Demon Descent. Timing mats will be placed on the off-road course recording how long it takes for runners to ascend 1.5km up the northern shoulder of Latrigg Fell, and descend Cumbria Way for 3km to the finish line. The fastest male and female across both distances will be crowned the King of the Mountain and the Demon Descender.
As well as the mass participation event, spectators can watch an elite race, with senior and junior athletes from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland competing in the Home Countries International team competition.
Peter Riley, project manager at Nova International said: “The introduction of an 11km walk and local businesses providing event-day entertainment has seen the Karrimor Great Trail Challenge increase in popularity over the last three years. We expect even more runners and walkers to take on the trails in 2014 and will be working hard to make it another event to remember in Keswick.
“Hosting an event in this incredible location gives us the opportunity to take advantage of the varying terrains and elevation, thus introducing more exciting challenges such as the King of the Mountain and Demon Descent.”
The event is open for entries at www.greattrailchallenge.org and participants will receive a medal, Karrimor Great Trail Challenge t-shirt, finisher’s pack and chip timing.
