One of the UK’s fastest-growing ultra-running events returns to the Lake District on Sunday 27 September, with runners taking on distances from 21km to 184km

The countdown is on, with just six weeks to go until runners from across the UK will descend on the Lake District for the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra – an extraordinary weekend of trail running through some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes.

The event has seen significant growth in recent years, with entries up year-on-year and the longer distances already sold out for 2026. However, the good news is there are still places available for the 21km 2 Valleys Trail, giving anyone inspired the chance to still take on their own Lake District adventure at the end of this summer.

With four different distances ranging from 21km to 184km, the event offers a challenge for everyone – from runners looking to take on their first trail event to experienced ultra-athletes with the desire to tackle an epic endurance challenge.

New for this year is the Future Valleys events, taking place on the Saturday 26 September, giving children and young people the chance to experience the atmosphere of the weekend. There is a 3k distance for 3-10 year olds and 5k distance for 11-16 year olds.

Among those preparing to take on the challenge are three participants with very different reasons for lining up.

Luca Miceli, 40, from Cumbria, is taking on the 13 Valleys Ultra as part of an inspiring journey to rebuild his strength following a diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia.

A lifelong lover of fitness, running and endurance challenges, Luca pushed his physical limits during his time in the Army, including completing a 100-mile challenge in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Following his cancer diagnosis in August 2025 and the loss of significant muscle mass during treatment, the 13 Valleys Ultra has become a powerful goal in his recovery, giving him purpose and motivation as he rebuilds his fitness.

Luca says running provides clarity, connection and a reminder that resilience still belongs to him. He hopes his challenge will inspire others facing difficult circumstances to believe they are capable of more than they imagine.

He is running to reclaim his own strength while also supporting Cure Leukaemia and its work helping people affected by blood cancer.

George Thorpe, 33, from Manchester, discovered a passion for long-distance running that has become central to both his life and his relationship.

George first started running at 17, inspired by his dad, before joining running clubs in Bishop’s Stortford and later Manchester. After meeting his fiancée, the pair bonded over their shared love of running – even going on a 20-mile race for their fifth date – and have since completed marathons and ultras together.

Inspired by a recce of the 13 Valleys route with his fiancée, who has previously completed the event, George is taking on the challenge for the first time this September.

He says running has shown him he is stronger than he ever imagined, while providing an escape into nature, improving his mental wellbeing and introducing him to a supportive community that encourages people to achieve more than they think possible.

Jonny Hume, 50, from Keswick, is taking on the 13 Valleys Ultra as part of what he jokingly calls his mid-life crisis, having already completed some of the UK’s toughest mountain challenges.

Growing up in the same village as legendary fell runner Kenny Stuart, Jonny was inspired by world-class athletes from an early age. He initially began running to stay fit for rugby before developing a passion for the fells.

After completing the iconic Bob Graham Round last year and recently finishing the Spine Challenger North, Jonny is now turning his attention to the 13 Valleys. A volunteer with Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, he sees running and mountain rescue as closely connected, helping him maintain the fitness required for rescues while raising awareness of the vital work carried out by the team.

His advice to anyone considering a similar challenge is simple: “There is no such thing as a hard hill, just a hard speed.”

STILL TIME TO TAKE ON THE 2 VALLEYS

Inspired? Sign up now at www.13valleysultra.com/enter or register for the reminder service to be among the first to hear when 2027 entries open.