Ennerdale Horseshoe

Ennerdale Horseshoe

The Ennerdale Horseshoe is an A class fell race in Cumbria, held in the Lake District. The course distance is 36.8 km (22.9 miles) with 2290 m (7513 ft) of ascent. Entry is restricted to runners aged 18 and over and the field is limited to 250 competitors. Pre-entry and entry on the day fees apply and the entry fee covers light refreshment and the use of the Sportident timing system; race Si cards are provided and personal Si cards are not permitted.

The route is a horseshoe shaped fell course with aspects of an out and back. The race is partially flagged at the start and from the final summit to the finish, but navigational skills are required for much of the route. Organiser guidance states that no GPS or electronic navigation aids may be used for race navigation. Competitors may, for safety only, carry a waterproofed GPS capable mobile device with emergency numbers saved; use of such a device for navigation will be treated as retirement and recorded as DNR.

Water is only guaranteed at Black Beck Tarn and other supplies are intermittent. Checkpoints have published closure times and these are reviewed annually, so competitors should expect published closures to apply. The route includes a difficult and potentially dangerous descent from Kirk Fell to Black Sail Pass and common route deviations include descents into Buttermere or Wasdale; local map knowledge and compass use are advised. Recommended maps include Ordnance Survey 1:25 000 Outdoor Leisure map 4 and 1:50 000 Landranger sheet 89.

Race headquarters operate specified parking with a modest charge, limited changing facilities and a monitored covered area for kit. The race site is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest and specific parking and river access restrictions apply. Camping on the scout camp is not permitted and local accommodation must be arranged separately. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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