Langdale Horseshoe
Test your mountain skills at the Langdale Horseshoe, a 21.1 km fell race through some of the Lake District's most challenging terrain. This classic event features over 1450 m of ascent across rocky ground and pathless fells.
The Langdale Horseshoe is a fell race that takes place in a mountainous environment, starting and finishing near the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel at the head of the Langdale valley. The course spans 21.1 km (12.5 miles) with a total ascent of 1450 m (4600 ft). It is a counter for the Lakeland Classics Trophy. The route consists of rough and rocky ground with many pathless sections. Participants navigate multiple checkpoints across the fells, including Thunacar Knott, Angle Tarn, Esk Hause Shelter, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags, and Pike O’Blisco. Cut-off times are enforced at several of these locations to ensure safety.
Participation Requirements
Due to the terrain and typical October weather conditions, such as low visibility, this event is categorized as an AL fell race. Entries are limited to 550 participants. Those wishing to enter must demonstrate previous experience, specifically having completed two medium or long category A mountain fell races within the previous three years.
Event Details
- Distance: 21.1 km (12.5 miles)
- In accordance with Fell Running Association (FRA) rules, the use of certain GPS functions for navigation is prohibited.
- Registration and parking are located at the head of the Langdale valley.
- The entry fee includes a warm pie for participants.
- Teams are also recognized, consisting of four runners for men and three for women.
- Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Race Checkpoints
- Race parking and registration near the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel at the head of Langdale valley
- Checkpoint 1: Stream/Path (Grid Ref: 289080)
- Checkpoint 2: Thunacar Knott (Grid Ref: 279080) - Cut-off: 12:05pm
- Checkpoint 3: Angle Tarn (Grid Ref: 246078) - Cut-off: 12:45pm
- Checkpoint 4: Esk Hause Shelter (Grid Ref: 235083)
- Checkpoint 5: Bowfell (Grid Ref: 245064) - Cut-off: 1:35pm
- Checkpoint 6: Crinkle Crags (Grid Ref: 249049) - Cut-off: 2:15pm
- Checkpoint 7: Pike O’Blisco (Grid Ref: 271042)
- Checkpoint 8: Cattle Grid (Grid Ref: 289051)