Entries open for GL3D™ 2014
In recent years there has been a quiet revolution building in the Lake District. Each May, the Great Lakeland 3Day™ – or GL3D™ to its friends – has been attracting more and more participants to its unique three-day format..
New for 2013 was the introduction of two new, shorter courses. This proved a popular move with double the competitors from 2012. However, the GL3D™ still retains that small and friendly atmosphere that has made it so popular over the years.
A unique aspect of the race is that competitors simply enter the event, rather than having to select a course in advance. This flexibility has proved popular, as competitors are able to change their course each morning depending on how the previous day has gone. Another key element of the GL3D™ is that competitors camping equipment is transported to each of the overnight campsites so they can enjoy a day in the hills with light bags.
The 2014 event will be on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of May and Race Director Shane Ohly says:
“We have something very special brewing up for 2014 and it’ll be along the lines of the old Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon ‘stings’, which would surprise competitors with an unexpected but exciting twist to the event.
“Rather than complex navigation, the GL3D™ emphasis is on long mountain journeys, spectacular scenery and enjoying an amazing mountain experience. Competitors should expect mountain trails and footpaths, along ridges and through valleys, rather than contouring and bogs”.
The GL3D™ has always attracted a few walkers but other than the most able, they have generally struggled with the long distances and significant height gain each year.
Because of this, for the 2014 event Ohly has announced the introduction of a new C course (already coined the Café Class by the planning team), which will be specifically aimed at walkers or slower runners and will only have one checkpoint per day to allow competitors maximum route choice between the overnight camps… and time to visit the very best Lake District cafés!
Even though the 2013 GL3D sold out, the organisers are offering a great early bird incentive (save £50!) for entries received before the beginning of October.
Watch the 2013 race movie here.
