This weekend ultra runners will descend on the Lake District for the Grand Tour Of Skiddaw - a 44 mile trail of epic proportions! Taking place on Saturday, the route traverses the beautiful northern Lake District with a climb up the mighty Skiddaw giving a total of 7136 feet of ascent.

Runners will have an early start at 8am, but bleary eyes will be rewarded with beautiful and changing vistas over every mile. The route follows the River Caldew, winding through fields and woods before changing to the stunning and remote Caldbeck Fells. The  climb up Skiddaw follows, and after visiting the summit runners will descend via Longside Edge giving them fantastic views over Bassenthwaite.

The views should probably be the runners' reward in their own right, but organisers have promised a finish firepit, woodfired pizza, beers and  s'mores! Not only that runners can enjoy a post race party at 'The Stagger Inn'. Sounds like lots of fun, where do I sign up for 2023?

Speaking of 2023, it has been announced that this year is the final year that Pure Outdoors Events will organise the event with the baton being handed over to Nici Griffin for the 2023 staging.

Speaking about her new role as evet director, Nicci said: "Having been around the event in one form or another since 2015 it is with much pride that I gently take over the ownership of this iconic and quite frankly, amazing event.

"Gaynor has built something truly quite brilliant and I am proud to be entrusted to take it forward while maintaining its inclusive and welcoming approach.  Please join me in thanking Gaynor for providing us the foundations and I look forward to seeing you all in 2023 for another skip up the beauty that is Skiddaw."

For all 2023 event enquiries you can contact Nici through the event Facebook page.

Image: Grand Tour Of Skiddaw/Pure Outdoor Events