13 Valleys Ultra | Race 101
The 13 Valleys Ultra is an epic trail running event taking place in the stunning Lake District National Park (LDNP), from Friday 26 September to Sunday 28th September 2025.
This event, in partnership with the Lake District National Park, links all thirteen valleys of the LDNP, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This trail is accessible all year-round for walkers and runners alike, with the 13 Valleys Ultra event celebrating it once a year.
Following the inaugural running of the event in 2023, the 13 Valleys is back for yet another successful year in 2025!
Race details
How long is the 13 Valleys Ultra?
There are four distances to choose from: 22km (2 Valleys Trail), 55km (5 Valleys Ultra), 110km (7 Valleys Ultra) and the full 180km (13 Valleys Ultra), each promising spectacular trail running over the fells, round the magnificent lakes, and through the unique valleys of the Lake District.
The 13 Valleys distance is the pinnacle and will rank alongside some of the toughest tests of ultra running in the world. It represents an exceptional physical and mental challenge and is open to experienced ultra runners on a self-qualification basis only. This distance sold out in 2024, with registration now open for 2025.
The 5 Valleys (55km) and 7 Valleys (110km) offer an exciting ultra marathon challenge and a taste of the big one. The 5 Valleys also sold out in 2024, with entries now open for 2025.
The 2 Valleys Trail (22km) is the perfect introductory event to trail running and provides a taste of the longer distances with less mileage! This distance is open to walkers and runners alike, with a generous cut off time of 8 hours.
When is the 13 Valleys Ultra?
The 2025 edition of the race is on Friday 26 September to Sunday 28 September 2025, with the longest 13 Valleys distance starting on the Friday and the others getting underway on the Saturday.
Where is the 13 Valleys Ultra?
All distances finish in Keswick. The 2 Valleys Trail and 13 Valleys Ultra start in Keswick, with the 5 and 7 Valleys Ultra starting in Waterhead, Ambleside.
13 Valleys Ultra is proud to be partnered with the Lake District National Park on this event. 5% of each entry fee will go to the Lake District Foundation to support Fix the Fells, an organisation that protects the Lakeland fells from erosion by repairing and maintaining the upland paths.
If you want to learn more, visit the Fix the Fells website.
What time does the 13 Valleys Ultra start?
There is a staggered start timetable for the four distances, with the longer 13 Valleys event starting at 6pm on the Friday evening. The remaining three distances get underway on Saturday morning – view the full running order for the event.
Where does the 13 Valleys Ultra end?
All four distances finish in Keswick, with an event village for runners and supporters alike! Finishers can enjoy a well-deserved local slate medal that doubles as a coaster as well as an iron-on patch.
The 13 Valleys route encompasses some of the best views of the stunning Lake District National Park.
Getting involved
How hard is the 13 Valleys Ultra?
The difficulty of the event varies by distance.
The full 13 Valleys distance represents an exceptional physical and mental challenge. Over and above the distance, there is significant elevation and uneven terrain to be navigated, some of it at night and in what could be challenging and changeable weather.
By contrast the 2 Valleys Trail distance equates to a half marathon with little elevation.
All 4 courses stick to established footpaths, however the ultra distance may have at times challenging and technical terrain. The route has been chosen to limit exposure to ridges wherever possible. The 7 and 13 Valleys Ultra distances will require some running at night. The 2 and 5 Valleys will be waymarked, but it is still essential that you have some navigation skills.
This event will have strict cut-off times that will be enforced to ensure the safety of all participants. Cut-off times: 2 Valleys Trail – 8 hours, 5 Valleys Ultra – 15 hours, 7 Valleys Ultra – 25 hours, 13 Valleys Ultra – 45 hours.
Can anyone do the 13 Valleys Ultra?
To enter 13 Valleys, 7 Valleys or 5 Valleys Ultras you must be aged 20 or over. To enter 2 Valleys Trail you must be aged 17 or over.
There is no minimum qualification standard for the 2, 5 or 7 Valleys. All 13 Valleys (180km) participants must self-certify their preparedness by agreeing to a self-declaration statement (you will be asked to confirm this at the point of entry).
There is also a minimum kit list which is readily available. 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.
How do you prepare for the 13 Valleys Ultra?
There are a number of training plans available free of charge that you can use to guide your preparation - not all of them are worth paying attention to, though. When you sign up, a number of quality training plans will be made available to you, that have been put together by Paul Wilson, a UESCA ultrarunning coach and UKA Leader in running fitness.
A number of recce days are also available. The recce days will help you familiarise yourself with the terrain and gain hands-on experience in navigation skills with tutors from NAV4 Adventure. Each recce day will go from a point A to B, with each recce focusing on a different section of the route.
Can you walk the 13 Valleys Ultra?
Many people will walk sections of the course, either as part of a run-walk strategy or simply to rest their legs on some of the hillier parts! The required pace will differ depending on distance, but the 2 Valleys in particular is open to walkers and runners alike, with a generous cut off time of 8 hours.
I'm ready to enter the 13 Valleys Ultra
After running any of the 4 distances on offer, you'll be ready to celebrate with family and friends!
Extra information
How do I get to the 13 Valleys Ultra?
Whether you live in the UK or abroad you might be wondering how to get to the event in the most sustainable way. Here are some different travel options to help you get to the start line.
From the UK
- By bike: If you live close to Keswick or Waterhead, you are encourage you to cycle to the start, especially if you're spectating and can spare the energy! Bike parking is available on both sites. You can also hire an e-bike - find out more about hiring an e-bike here.
- By bus: Keswick and Ambleside are well served by local buses. All bus fares are capped to £2 per single journey. You can look at public transport by visiting stagecoachbus.com
- By train: For a scenic and relaxing route to the event you can pair mainline train services to Penrith (for Keswick) and Windermere (for Waterhead, Ambleside) with the local bus services. For more information visit avantiwestcoast.co.uk
From overseas
- By plane: the nearest airport to Keswick is Newcastle (NCL) airport. Other nearby airports are Liverpool (LPL), Manchester (MAN) and Edinburgh.
What is the environmental impact of the 13 Valleys Ultra?
The organisers of 13 Valleys Ultra understand that the event depends on people travelling to the events and participating in leisure activities in remote places. This type of event has undeniable physical and mental health benefits, as well as supporting local economic growth, however they also recognise these types of activities come at an environmental cost.
The 13 Valleys organisers will be delivering a full Environment and Sustainability Framework, whilst working alongside Lake District National Park to ensure a fantastic, responsible, and sustainable event that showcases the communities, businesses and landscape that makes the Lake District so special. 5% of each entry fee will be donated to the Lake District Foundation to support the National Park. Learn more about the event's sustainability framework here.
The 13 Valleys Ultra takes place in September each year. You can secure your place on the start line today.