The 56^thLake District Mountain Trial (inaugural race 1952) will be held on September 14^th 2008

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION / EVENT ENTRY 2008

• Classic mountain navigation race over challenging terrain in the Lake District.

• ONLINE ENTRY available here

• Entry fee is £15.00

• Easy to get to venue, with under cover registration.

• Venue disclosed approximately 14 days before event.

• Pre-marked and bagged maps included in entry fee  

• On-the spot results

• Electronic punching and scoring using the SportIdent system

• Post race food and informal get together to discuss the days proceedings are FREE!

Classes
The Mountain Trial is a severe test of fellrunners’ mountaineering ability and stamina in the safe and fast traverse of difficult and often dangerous terrain where 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.

• Men’s Trial: around 16 miles and 7000ft climb. Estimated winning time = 4.5hrs. Minimum age for entry: 18yrs

• Women’s Trial: around 12miles and 5000ft climb. Estimated winning time = 3.5hrs.  Minimum age for entry: 18yrs

• Short Trial: around 10 miles and 3500ft climb. Estimated winning time = 2.5hrs. Open to men and women.  Minimum age for entry: 18yrs

Venue
The competition area will not be disclosed until the 25^th August 2008 when the final details will go out to competitors. A map to the start venue will be available from this web site www.ldmta.org.uk after this date.
 

Maps
A specially prepared, bagged, full colour 1:25,000 pre-marked map (separate for each course) with all checkpoints will be provided for each competitor a short distance after the start line. Please respect private property and flagged areas. On each course there will be several checkpoints where you will be required to retire if you arrive later than the cut-off 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 their subsequent checkpoint, whichever is the sooner.
 

Entries
Entry online is preferable. Entries are generally restricted to men and women over 18. The maximum entry is 300. Experience in long mountain races and in mountain navigation is essential. Applicants will be vetted and places allocated in order of receipt of application. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date with a refunded entry fee. All entries must be on the official online or paper  form or a photocopy. Substitution is not permitted. Entries (online or postal) close on 11th August 2008. Awards for team prizes will be based only on club affiliation declared on the entry form.
 

Electronic Punching
You must use a SportIdent dibber, which is  provided as part of the entry fee, to take part in this event. You may use your own dibber if you have one (but there is no discount from the entry fee), please fill in its number on the entry form. Competitors failing to return a hired dibber will be required to pay for the cost of replacement (£18).
 

Equipment and food   
All three races are run under FRA Rules and FRA Safety Requirements. Minimum equipment to be shown at the start and carried throughout the event is:-  windproof cagoule with a hood, windproof overtrousers, compass and whistle, and adequate food. Note: waterproof cagoule and trousers may be required in event of bad weather. Full instructions for using electronic punching will be given on the day. The use of a GPS is not allowed and any competitor using one will be disqualified. Competitors accepting sustenance from supporters, or from checkpoint marshals, will be disqualified.
 

The Start/Finish
Starts will be at timed 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.
 

Entry & Results
The Programme / final details will be sent out on the 25^th August 2008 and posted on the website the same day. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date with a refunded entry fee. Results will be displayed on the day and posted on the website after the event. Copies of the final results will be sent to all competitors after the event.
 

Prizes
Men’s trial: Ten individuals, first three vets 40+, first three supervets 50+, first two supervet 60+, first supervet 70+, first two teams, first vet team (three runners over 40), Mountaineers Trophy, YHA prize, Outward Bound Trophy, and LDMTA prize. Women’s trial: Four individuals, first two vets 40+, first two supervets 50+, first supervet 60+, first team, YHA prize, Outward Bound Trophy and LDMTA prize. Short trial  Prizes to the first man and first woman and also the first man and first woman in each of the following categories: Novice under 21, vet 50+, vet 60+, vet 70+. On each course no one will be awarded more than one individual prize. Spot prize for all trial finishers: 2 nights B&B at the Wasdale Head Hotel