The Helvellyn Sky Ultra and Pinnacle Ridge Extreme are two of the most challenging and breathtaking events in the sky running and mountain racing calendar. These races, set against the dramatic landscapes of the English Lake District, test the mettle of seasoned athletes with their demanding courses and technical terrains.
Helvellyn Sky Ultra
Scheduled for July 20th, 2024, the Helvellyn Sky Ultra offers an exhilarating 57-kilometer course with over 3,700 meters of vertical gain. Participants will traverse some of the most iconic ridgelines and summits in the Lake District, including the famous Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. The race demands not only physical endurance but also technical proficiency, as runners navigate rocky outcrops, steep ascents, and sharp descents. The event is a part of the Skyrunning UK National Series, attracting elite runners from around the world who seek to test their limits in this high-altitude adventure.
Pinnacle Ridge Extreme
The Pinnacle Ridge Extreme, taking place on July 21st, 2024, is another highlight for extreme mountain running enthusiasts. This 28-kilometer race is renowned for its technical difficulty, featuring 2,700 meters of vertical gain and some of the most challenging terrains the Lake District has to offer. The course includes the daunting Pinnacle Ridge on St. Sunday Crag, where runners must possess exceptional climbing skills and confidence on exposed ridges. The combination of rock climbing, scrambling, and high-speed descents makes this race a true test of agility, strength, and mental toughness.
What to Expect
Both races are set in the picturesque Ullswater valley, providing stunning views that will momentarily distract runners from the grueling climbs and technical challenges. The unpredictable weather of the Lake District adds another layer of complexity, requiring participants to be prepared for all conditions, from bright sunshine to heavy rain and gusty winds.
How to Prepare for the Helvellyn Sky Ultra?
To prepare for the Helvellyn Sky Ultra, participants should focus on building their strength, endurance, and mountain skills. Training should include long runs in challenging terrain, hill repeats, and technical trail running to simulate the race conditions.
Overall, the Helvellyn Sky Ultra promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants who are up for the challenge of conquering the mountains and pushing themselves to new heights. Are you ready to take on the ultimate skyrunning challenge?
What kit should you take?
Footwear
We'd recommend Scarpa's Golden Gate Kima RT's as they are a technical fell running shoe designed to reduce fatigue. The carbon plate enclosed in new-generation foam heightens the elastic response of the arch of the foot, reducing the physical effort of running without compromising precision on uneven terrain.
Accurate and supportive, the Golden Gate Kima RT is designed and tested for maximum performance on the most technical trails, but also performs well on less demanding unpaved tracks.
Clothing
Rab and Lake District Sky Trails have teamed up for the third year running to bring you three iconic, seriously demanding sky races. Find Rab at the event village for the Helvellyn Sky Ultra, where Rab athlete Ben James will be competing, and the Pinnacle Ridge Extreme, where record-holding Sara Willhoit will look to repeat last year’s success.
Rab’s Skyline running collection has been distilled from their 40 years of experience creating rugged mountain gear. Crafted with ultralight materials and a run-specific fit, their mountain running kit is highly stashable, breathable, and offers uncompromising protection in wild weather. Dedicated to runners who are in their element on knife-edge ridgelines and flying descents.
Recommended kit.
Rab Phantom jacket and pants.
Armed with ultralight construction, protective features, and peerless packability, the Phantom jacket and pants are essential race gear. The fully waterproof 2.5-layer Pertex® Shield fabric feels virtually weightless, breathes on the climb, and packs down into a palm-size package you can stash in your running vest.
Rab Veil 12 running vest.
Built around a breathable, ultra-supportive Mono Mesh chassis, Rab’s new Veil 12 running vest reduces bounce and absorbs minimal moisture, to keep you comfortable and moving freely. It’s loaded with the storage features you need on mountain ultras, ensuring you’re fuelled, hydrated, and prepared for any challenge.
