Newsdesk

Lowther Fell and Trail Run

Lowther Fell Run given the green light for August

Lowther Run will be the first English fell race to take place since lockdown.

Good news as the Fell Runners Association and UK Athletics have granted permission for the Lowther Run to go ahead on Sunday 9 August albeit with a few changes to the normal format. However, runners still get the opportunity to experience scenic countryside near Penrith and visit Lowther Castle and Gardens afterwards.

The easing of lockdown restrictions and gradual resumption of everyday activities offers a glimmer of hope for running events. Appropriate measures have to be put in place to safeguard runners and examples of this can be seen at the 34th Lowther Lakeland Fell & Trail Run, which is the first English fell race to be staged since March.

Social distancing is still in force, meaning there will be no mass start for this race. Groups of up to six runners will set off every 5 minutes at their preferred start time (chosen from a list at time of entry) to follow a fully marked, 13 mile route on grassy tracks that includes 1400ft of climbing. It goes through Askham Village, crosses Askham Fell and through the Lowther Valley before finishing back at the Castle. 

Other Covid-secure guidelines are turning up in race kit ready to start, carry fluids, i.e. water and no hanging around the end waiting for others to finish. Runners must wear a mask/face covering at registration, carry it during the race then put it on again after the finish and along the taped section to an area where they download their time using a contactless card. They remove their mask after they have done this.

Every finisher will receive a memento. They can purchase food and drink from the Lowther Castle cafe (takeaway service) and if they purchased tickets for the Castle beforehand, enjoy a ‘recovery walk’ around the gardens. 

For more information and to enter, visit the Lowther Run website.

Image courtesy: Elvet Striders

Previous & Next News

top