SCARPA Great Lakeland 3Day

Expect mountain trails and footpaths, ridges and valleys, rather than contouring, bee-lining and bogs. Unlike a mountain marathon or orienteering event with complex navigation, the emphasis is on long mountain journeys, spectacular scenery and an amazing mountain experience!

Timetable

Saturday

• 06:00 | Car park opens
• 06:00 - 08:00 | Breakfast available (pre-booking only)
• 06:45 - 08:00 | Registration open
• 06:30 - 09:30 | Bag drop open
• 07:00 - 10:00 | Start opens (all courses)
• Saturday (on course) | Mountain Run will be offering grouped Guided Runs on the Wainwright Course. Be guided on Day 1 with some navigation tips thrown in along the way. This guiding service is to help you transition from marked trail courses to navigating on your own or in a group with a map and compass and the backup from technology you carry (pre-booking only). The time of departure will be confirmed once groups have been allocated.
• 10:00 | Finish opens
• Unwind, relax and soothe tired muscles after a day on the fells with a resident sports massage therapist, a group yoga session and some short, inspiring films in the GL3D Cinema. 
• Saturday afternoon | Sports Massage Therapy
• Saturday afternoon | Yoga
• Saturday afternoon | GL3D Cinema in the Hub Tent: Trails in Motion UK Film Tour shorts
• 16:30 | Guest speaker TBC in The Hub
• 17:00 | “How to Run with Poles” workshop with Running Poles UK. Charlie will be delivering these sessions designed for you to get the most out of your poles whilst enjoying the GL3D and beyond. Running Poles UK will be on hand all weekend, to help you discover which poles are best for what type of running and you will be able to purchase poles and accessories, with an events discount on-site.
• 17:15 | Guest speaker TBC in The Hub
• 18:00 | Y Ddraig film showing in the GL3D Cinema. Shane Ohly, Founder of Ourea Events, is a former professional climber and elite mountain runner who undertook the 380km Dragon’s Back Race route from Conwy to Cardiff as one continuous journey. This is a unique opportunity to see the film of this epic adventure. 
• 19:10 | Q&A opportunity with Shane Ohly and special guest!
• 20:00 | Course closure
• 20:00 | Pub Quiz #1 + daily announcements

Sunday

• 07:00 | Yoga
• 07:00 to 10:00 | Start opens (all courses)
• 07:30 | “How to run with Poles” workshop with Running Poles UK (see above)
• 10:00 | Finish opens
• Unwind, relax and soothe tired muscles after a day on the fells with a resident sports massage therapist, a group yoga session and some short, inspiring films in the GL3D Cinema. 
• Sunday afternoon | Sports Massage Therapy
• Sunday afternoon | Yoga
• Sunday afternoon | GL3D Cinema in The Hub: Trails in Motion UK film tour shorts
• 16:30 | Guest speaker TBC in The Hub Tent
• 17:15 | Guest speaker TBC in The Hub Tent
• 18:00 | “How to run with dogs” with Lakeland Paws CaniCross race organiser Debs White + guests! The session will be followed by GL3Ds first “Dog Show”.
• 18:45 | GL3D Cinema open: Trails in Motion UK film tour. Last chance to watch the series of adrenaline-fuelled films at the premiere of the Trails in Motion UK film tour! Hosted by Ginger Goat Events.
• 20:00 | Course closure
• 20:00 | Quiz #2 + daily announcements

Monday

• 07:00 - 10:00 | Start opens (all courses)
• 10:00 | Finish opens
• 12:00 - 15:00 | Finishers' meal (included in your entry), goodbyes, and see you next year!
• 15:00 | Course closure
• 16:00 | Car parking closes

Navigation

Part of the appeal of the Great Lakeland 3Day® is being self-sufficient in navigating your way around the Lake District for three days - so the route isn't marked.

The route you choose is up to you - no routes are marked on the map (or on the ground). You are provided with a choice of courses each made up of a series of checkpoints for you to join up as you see fit.

Navigational ability

Some basic map reading skills are recommended but the courses are fairly straightforward, sticking to well-defined mountain paths with checkpoints on obvious features like tarns or summits.

If you're not confident using a map and compass, a recommended route for both the Café Course and Herdwick Course is provided. It’s the perfect way to build your confidence finding your way on the trails and fells. 

Kit requirements

A mandatory and recommended kit list is readily available. A lightweight 1-2 person tent is required.

Dogs

Dogs must be attached to the participant on a lead or harness at all times, both on the courses and at the Event Centre and overnight camps. Rules apply.

Event HQ

Threlkeld
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12
UK

The Event Centre

Start, finish and registration venue

The adventure starts here - the excitement and anticipation builds as participants arrive to meet their fellow GL3D-ers.

Camping

Camping (tent or camper van) is available at the event centre Friday night and is included.

Family and friends are welcome to camp Friday evening only. Family, friends or other visitors are not allowed on to the overnight campsite(s) during the event.

Overnight Camps

Upon arrival at an overnight camp, you’ll be welcomed in with a choice of complimentary cake and a hot drink.

Then, once you’re reunited with your dry bag (or simply find your tent if we’re at the same overnight camp for a second day), you can chill out.

All participants share the same overnight camp(s) to maximise camaraderie; queue plenty of discussions on the day’s courses and route choices, and of course ‘what course to start tomorrow’.

A typical GL3D overnight camp is usually rural rather than remote (think a farmer's field in a rural location) and portable toilets are provided. Please do not expect showers. Some overnight camps allow for participants to make use of the nearest river or lake for taking a dip in, which can be, er, very refreshing!

Participants' Marquee

Available at each overnight camp, the communal marquee can be used by participants to hang-out in, eat and cook meals in and generally put the world to rights in. Info Point will also be located here.

The Hub Tent

There are some exciting talks planned:

• Sarah Perry

  Ultra-runner and adventure lover. Happiest when in the hills with my dog or exploring new trails.

• Renee McGregor

  Leading sports dietician specialising in REDs, female health and eating disorders. 

• Megan Lowery

  Dr. Megan Lowery, BSc, PhD, is a senior sports scientist and passionate advocate for female athlete health. With over 9 years of dedicated experience in elite sports, Megan dedicates her expertise to optimizing the performance and well-being of athletes. As the female athlete health lead, she focuses on debunking myths and providing evidence-based strategies for harnessing the power of hormones, training, and nutrition across the menstrual cycle.

• Medical Team

   "When feet fall apart…"

• Andrew Wang ESEA Outdoors UK

  Connecting East & Southeast Asian outdoor enthusiasts across the UK and celebrating representation.

6 route choices

One of the most treasured components of the SCARPA GL3D® is that participants simply enter the event, and then choose whichever course they prefer on the day. This could be the Wainwright course for all three days, or for instance Wainwright on day 1, Herdwick on day 2, and so on with any ‘mix-and-match’ combination possible:

• The Café course

  Daily average ~17km / ~650m
  3-day total ~50km / max. ~2000m

  Enjoy exploring the stunning Lake District at your own pace, and visit some top cafés and pubs along the way.

  For those less confident with navigation, a recommended route for the Café Course will be provided. This will be available as a GPX file that you can download to your device, and will be on display.

• The Herdwick course (22km)

  Daily average ~22km / ~1100m
  3-day total ~65km / [~3000-3500m]

  Named after the iconic sheep that roam the Lake District Fells, this brand new course is longer than the Café course, but not as challenging physically or navigationally as the Wainwright. It’s perfect if you’re looking to step up to a longer running challenge through some beautiful landscapes.

  For those less confident with navigation, a recommended route for the Herdwick Course will be provided. This will be available as a GPX file that you can download to your device, and will be on display.

• The Wainwright course (27km)

  Daily average ~27km / ~1800m
  3-day total: ~80km / [~5000-5500m]

  This course covers a similar distance to the former ‘Wainwright Short’ course, but it’s been renamed because it’s certainly not short. Designed to take you to the best Wainwright summits in the area, it’s a fantastic weekend out for anyone looking for an adventure.

• The Fellrunner course (33km)

  Daily average ~33km / ~2400m
  3-day total ~100km / [~7000-7500m]

  Approximately equivalent to the former ‘Wainwright Long’ course, the ‘Fellrunner’ course is a great challenge for those looking to explore some  remote parts of the Lake District. The distance and height gain make this a tough course, but the views will be ample reward.

• The Extreme course (40km)

  Daily average ~40km / ~2900m
     3-day total ~120km / [~8000-9000m]

  Similar in distance and height gain to the former ‘Expert’ course, the ‘Extreme’ course is for those looking for a real challenge. Not for novices, the ‘Extreme’ course is perfect for those wanting to push themselves to their limits, while taking them to the most beautiful parts of the Lake District. 

  This course is ideal for those training for events such as the Dragon’s Back Race® or Cape Wrath Ultra®, or who simply fancy a good leg-(and brain)-stretcher of a weekend!

• The Adventure Course (your choice)

  Daily average: Whatever you choose!
     3-day total: Whatever you choose!

  A popular and exciting addition last year, on this course, you really can choose your own adventure. 

  Visit whichever checkpoints you want each day, and see how many different ones you can visit in total over the weekend. Walk/run for as long as you want and make up your own route! Results ranked by number of unique controls visited over the weekend (and then by time if a tie). Remember you must still return by the course close time each day!

Included

Support

• From the Ourea Events Office Team
• A well planned and professionally organised event by Ourea Events. Regular schedule of e-mail communication and guidance articles to support you in event preparation.
• Excellent customer service support from our office team - they know the event well, so speak to them any time via email, live chat or on the phone!
• Café and Herdwick courses only: A GPX file of the route and checkpoint locations - available in advance.

Your experience

• Participantion in the UK's most chilled-out three-day mountain challenge.
• A brilliant Event Team to help and support you during the weekend.
• Transportation of participants' dry bags (overnight kit) to the overnight camp.
• Vegetarian finisher's meal + pudding + unlimited tea/coffee at the end.
• Free to access WiFi at the Event Centre and Overnight Camp.
• An Info Point team ready to help in anyway they can!

While on the course

• A choice of six courses (Café, Herdwick, Wainwright, Fellrunner, Extreme or Adventure) catering walkers and runners.
• Flexibility to switch between courses each day (you enter the event not as a race).
• SPORTident race timing for course split times and official results (including loan of timing chip to each participant).
• Live GPS tracking
• Transportation of participants' dry bags (overnight kit) to the overnight camp.
• Bespoke, pre-marked waterproof event map from Harvey Maps.

While in camp

• Three nights of tented accomodation in the Lake District National Park.
• Three nights of talks, presentations and films in the HUB and cinema marquee.
• A choice to purchase your meals from our catering concessions, or self-cater.
• The infamous 8pm Quiz and daily round-up at the Overnight Camp.
• Choice of complimentary hot drinks at the Event Centre overnight Camp.
• A choice of complimentary cake at the Overnight camp.
• A spacious participant marquee and dedicated bar where you can relax and socialise with your fellow participants.
• Fire pits to share tales of your days adventure.
• Free hot water (for drinks and rehydrating meals - not for washing!) at the Overnight Camp(s).
• Free and unlimited potable drinking water.

Your safety

• Professionally erected marquees and a meticulously well organised Event Centre and Overnight Camp.
• Professional Response of qualified Mountain Rescue Team members stationed along the course to assist in case of emergency or injury.
• Emergency medical care available throughout the weekend.
• GPS tracking of participants (not public, for event safety monitoring only).

Optional extras

• Sports massage therapists - £13
• Additional food and drinks
• Event hoody

Age

For paired Mountain Marathon style orienteering events, over one or two days, where one of the two runners is under 18, the other runner must be over 20 and must also be the parent or guardian of the junior runner. The minimum age for the junior runner is 14, and the following straight line distance limits must apply for each day of the event:

• Under 16 = 20 km (12.4 miles)
• Under 18 = 25km (15.5 miles)
   

As the Great Lakeland 3Day® is a 3-day event and the minimum optimum distance (i.e. the planner’s route) on the Café course will exceed 20km, we do NOT allow those aged 16 and under to participate. Participants aged 17 may participate in the Café, Herdwick, or Adventure courses so long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian aged 21 years or more and that the parent/guardian signs a parental consent form.

Entry fees

I can’t even begin to count the highlights. My 5th GL3D in a row. The people were lovely and chatty en route.The volunteers were amazing and I can’t begin to say how much I appreciate them. Needless to say I had a fantastic weekend and will be back. Sharon, 2023 participant

A truly beautiful weekend with the most inspirational humans, runners and marshals. This shall always be a weekend I treasure. Jeni, 2023 participant

I had some great adventures and learned loads from others and by myself. It truly is an open and friendly event, thanks to all who help make it so. Already booked next year. Gordon, 2023 participant