Information
Courses
The Mountain Trial is a severe test of fellrunners’ mountaineering ability and stamina. Competitors are required to traverse difficult and often dangerous terrain, rapidly but safely. Navigational skills and route choice have a direct bearing on each competitor’s safety. Evolving from a race organised by the YHA in 1952, it is run on orienteering principles and is the longest established event of its kind in Great Britain.
Classic Trial: around 18 miles and 7500ft climb (29 km and 2300m). Estimated winning time = 4.5hrs. Minimum age for entry: 18yrs
Medium Trial: around 13 miles and 5000ft climb (21 km and 1500m). Estimated winning time = 3.5hrs. Minimum age for entry: 18yrs
Short Trial: around 9 miles and 3500ft climb (15 km and 1100m). Estimated winning time = 3hrs. Minimum age for entry for single runners: 18yrs. There is a Pairs category in the Short Trial. Over 14’s may compete as part of a pair on the Short course if the accompanying runner is at least 21.
The distances shown above are as the crow flies. Actual distances covered may be up to 50% further.
No dogs may be taken with competitors on the courses.
The venue for the 2024 Mountain Trial was Horsemoor Hills Farm Orthwaite Bassenthwaite Cumbria CA7 1HL.
OS Grid Ref: NY252333
what3words: successes.chiefs.sunbeam
On each course there will be several checkpoints where you may be advised to retire if you arrive later than the closing time indicated on the checkpoint list. Checkpoint marshals will remain in position for 30 mins after the declared checkpoint closure time, or until all competitors have passed through, whichever is the sooner.
Each competitor uses a SPORTident SI-card to record their times at the start, each checkpoint and the finish. If you own an SI-card, please record the card number when you enter online. Competitors failing to return a hired dibber will be required to pay for the cost of replacement (£30).
Controls will not be in beacon mode because some of the controls will be radio controls which require dibbing, and we want, if necessary, to be able to download the backup from the boxes. So you can use a SIAC but it will not work contactlessly.
- waterproof cagoule with a hood
- waterproof overtrousers
- hat and gloves
- compass and whistle
- adequate food
Starts will be at one minute intervals between 08.30 and 10.15. Your start time will be published in the final event information. Try to arrive at least 45 minutes before your intended start so as to give time to register and collect your electronic dibber. A short distance from the start line you will collect a map with your course on it. You will need to present your dibber at the start (for checking / clearing), at all checkpoints and at the finish. Refreshments will be available at the finish (included in the entry fee). Late arrivers will be allowed to start up to 30 minutes after their programmed start time but their race time will begin from the time given in the programme.
Prizes and Trophies (the exact number and value of prizes will depend on entries)
Each person can only win one prize plus a team prize
Classic trial
First 10 finishers, 3 x V50, 2 x V60, first 3 women and first 3 teams
First LDMTA member not having won another prize
Trophies:
1st overall – LDMTA Trophy
1st woman – Trophy
1st over 40 – Frank Travis Trophy
1st over 50 – Chris Brasher Pinnacle Trophy
1st Team – Frank Davies Team Trophy
Outward Bound school employee or completed a full OB course – The Mike Wilkinson Eskdale Outward Bound Trophy
Mountaineering Club member – Harry Griffin Mountaineers Trophy
Medium Trial
First 3 finishers, first 3 women, 2 x FV50, 2 x FV60, 1 x V50, 1x V60, 1 x V70 and first women’s team
First LDMTA member not having won another prize
Trophies:
1st Female – Ted Dance Trophy
Female Outward Bound school employee or completed a full OB course – Eskdale Trophy
Short Trial
1st individual Under 21 – The Harry Chapman Trophy
First 3 finishers, 2 x FV50, 1 x FV60, 3 x V60, 3 x V70
First LDMTA member not having won another prize
On request, the LDMTA will refund engraving costs.
The procedure to be followed in the case of a protest about the results is contained in the Lake District Mountain Trial Protest document. It describes how a jury should be assembled to consider the protest.
