The 53^rd Lake District Mountain Trial (inaugural race 1952) will be held on September 4^th 2005

(Note, this is one week earlier than usual)

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

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

• Venue disclosed approximately 10 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!

Principal Sponsor:
The Climber’s Shop, Ambleside

www.theclimbersshop.co.uk
 

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 = 3hrs. Open to men and women.  Minimum age for entry: 18yrs

Venue:
The competition area is the South Lakes (Ambleside for accommodation). The exact venue will not be disclosed until the 25^th August 2005 when the final details will go out to competitors. A map to the start venue will be available here after this date.

Maps:
A specially prepared, bagged, full colour 1:40,000 pre-marked map (separate for each course) with all controls 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.
 

Entries:
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 form or a photocopy. Substitution is not permitted. Entries (by post only) close on 15th August 2005. Awards for team prizes will be based only on club affiliation declared on entry form.
 

Electronic Punching:
You must use a SportIdent dibber to take part in this event - control cards will not be used. You may use your own dibber if you have one (please fill in its number on the entry form) – no discount from entry fee if you use it. Alternatively we will supply dibbers to those who do not have one – included in entry fee. 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, together with adequate food. Full instructions for using electronic punching will be given on the day. Competitors using GPS will be disqualified. Competitors accepting sustenance from supporters, or from checkpoint marshals, will be disqualified.

The Start/Finish:
Starts will be at intervals between 08.45 and 10.15. You start time will be allocated to you and advised to you with 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 get a map with your course on it. You will need to present your dibber at the start, at all checkpoints and at the finish. Refreshments will be available at the finish. Late arrivers will be allowed to start up to 30 minutes after their programmed start time which will be retained in calculating running time.

Entry & Results:
final details will be sent out on the 25^th August 2005 (you must enclose 3 stamped addressed envelopes with your entry) 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 here after the event. Copies of the final results will be sent to all competitors after the event.
 

Prizes:
On each course no one will be awarded more than one individual prize. Men’s: 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: Four individuals, first two vets 40+, first two supervets 50+, first supervet 60+, first team, YHA prize and LDMTA prize. Short:  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+. Special Prize donated by the Wasdale Head Inn of two nights dinner bed and breakfast for two people in one of the hotel suites (worth approx £200) - this prize to be awarded to a finishing competitor drawn at random. 

Download a copy of the entry form here and Declaration and disclaimer here