In association with Scafell Sky Race

Learn the skills to run fast & light over technical terrain; take scree & singletrack in your stride, climb strong & descend fast.

£195 | Book now via SIEntries

"What an amazing weekend I've just had! I am totally on a natural high and cannot stop smiling. As someone coming into this area of running I can't believe how much I have learnt! I have made so many friends too." Elizabeth M

What to expect

Ready to take the step up from trailrunning to skyrunning? The Scafell Sky Race training weekend will equip you with the skills and confidence you’ll need to take on non-graded scrambling and run on technical mountain terrain. This is an immersive weekend of skills training and mountain-craft: expect full days; extreme running; exposed single track; great company; and a smile from ear to ear. You will learn to:

• Run over rough and unstable ground.
• Run technical single tracks, and become familiar with exposed ground, gaining an understanding how one wrong foot placement, a trip or slip from such ground could cause you serious injury.
• Run down scree slopes and gullies that are severe in nature.
• Scramble over open rock.
• Climb/ascend steep ground.

The course will give you a stable grounding for the Scafell Sky Race or another equivalent race. But, remember, once the course is over your training has only just begun: we expect you to go back out and practice - then go out again and practice some more!

Who is it for?

The Scafell Sky Race training weekend is ideal for anyone who wants to build their running and scrambling skills or to prepare for serious mountain races such as Salomon KMF 50km Ultra, Salomon Ring of Steall, Mourne Skyline MTR or Tromso. There are limitations – we can’t cure your fear of heights or get rid of vertigo – but we can help you to build confidence and experience in a controlled environment and in the safety of a small group.

If you feel you need more of a 'hands on rock' expereince then why not join our Advanced Skyrunning Weekend, which may be more appropriate to your needs.

Need to know more? For more details please contact enquiries@mountainrun.co.uk

What's included

• Accommodation in the Great Langdale valley on Friday and Saturday night 
• Saturday evening meal at the Stickle Barn in Great Langdale
• Sunday morning breakfast at the Stickle Barn in Great Langdale
• Two full days of guided running and instruction on the SSR Course

Weekend programme

Arrival: Friday 13 April

18:00: Arrive in Great Langdale and meet at the Stickle Barn

18:30: [Optional] - A nice easy grade 10k around the valley to work up an appetite. 

(Friday evening meal is not included in the price of the course, but we suggest heading up to the Old Dungeon Ghyll)

Day 1: Saturday 14 April

07:30: Breakfast at the Stickle Barn

08:30: Yoga session with Inspired Life Yoga

10:00 – 16:00: Skills training on the fell. Please note that due to the nature of this session, warm clothing will be required – single-layer running clothes are not suitable. 

We will cover:

• Confidence on rough ground
• Safety on steep ground
• Navigation for runners (basic) geared around ability to self-rescue and navigate off the course by non-marked routes
• Uphill & Downhill running techniques
• Appropriate spare/emergency clothing
• Course markings
• Sound Mountain Judgement, what this means and how to apply it. 

16:00 – 18:00: Review of the Day, including:

• Mountain Running Kit selection
• Training
• Nutrition
• Q&A

19:30 'til late: Dinner at the Stickle Barn – followed by drinks, mountain chat and tall tales at the bar if the mood takes us there …

Day 2: Sunday 15 April

07:30: Breakfast at the Stickle Barn 

8:30 – 15:30 (approx.) Guided run and scramble, likely to include:

• Run to the summit of Bowfell (or further into the Scafell Massif, depending on group ability/dynamics)
• Descent off Bowfell and down the Great Slab Gully
• Race route along the 'Climbers Traverse' under Cambridge Crags
• Descent off the Band
• Ascent onto Harrison Stickle with some very easy grade scrambling on route
• Chance to ascend 'Jacks Rake' depending on group dynamics and time available (note: this is not part of the Scafell Sky Race race route)
• Return to Stickle Barn - Please note the precise route and distance of the guided run and scramble will be dictated by the fitness of the group and speed of travel.

16:00: Finish and depart

What to bring

• Your usual mountain running gear for two days on the hill, including aggressive soled footwear.
• Hill food for both days (lunches and snacks as required)
• Waterproof jacket & trousers
• Spare long sleeved baselayer,
• Primaloft layer or similar (NO COTTON).
• Hat, Buff or similar.
• Gloves.
• Head Torch.
• Survival Bag.
• Whistle.
• Map & Compass – Harvey’s Lake District 1:40000 recommended
• Race vest or small pack to carry yourkit.

Please be aware we might be moving at slow speeds at some points during the day: please account for this in your clothing selection. Check the weather forecast in advance of the training weekend and come prepared.