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Home » Rab Helvellyn Sky Ultra

57km | 3700m ascent | 19 July 2025 | Patterdale | £110 (Early Bird)/£120/£130 | 07.00 Start | Max Allowed Time 13.5 hours

If you’re looking for a serious challenge, then this is it. Inspired by the great ultra distance Sky Races of Europe the Helvellyn Sky Ultra™ is one of the most technically demanding marked races in the Lake District with wonderful terrain demanding that the competitors have superb mountain skills.

2025 ENTRIES OPEN 18 OCTOBER 2024

THERE IS NO VETTING IS REQUIRED ON THE RAB HELVELLYN SKY ULTRA

Classified by Skyrunning UK as a "Sky Extra" race in 2018 and part of the continued Skyrunning UK series 2022, the Helvellyn Sky Ultra is officially the second most extreme ultra-distance sky and mountain running event in England.


“The Helvellyn Sky Ultra for me is one of the classic original Lake District Mountain Ultras. It’s tough, technical and a great day out. The highlight of the race is getting to run along the iconic edges of Helvellyn!" - Howard Dracup, 2018

With 57km of Lake District paths, trails and rock and 3700m of ascent, the route will test your endurance level to the limit. But stamina alone won’t get you to the finish line!

You’ll need a good head for heights and nerves of steel if you’re going to traverse five of the most amazing ridge lines in the Lake District! Lower Man to Helvellyn, the awesome Swirral and Striding Edges, Cofa Pike and ascent from Haweswater to High Street.


We have packed the very best of the central and eastern Lake District mountain running trails into this course. From grassy trods and well-worn mountain paths, to bare rock and scree, bog and open fell, it is an epic day out to say the least!

The course is now run in an ANTI CLOCKWISE direction to avoid how busy Striding and Swirral Edges have become.

Included in your entry fee:

  • Fully marked course
  • A Sky Race by design
  • One fully-supplied feed station and 2 valley support points, plus 11 manned checkpoints
  • Wild flower seed bomb medal - if you don't like it throw it away and grow wild flowers
  • Post-race salty soup (vegan, so good for all dietary requirements)
  • GPS tracking and timing from Open Tracking
  • ITRA/UTMB Ranking Points
  • A professional Safety Officer and supporting safety team [All 'mountain qualified']
  • A professionally planned event delivered by a highly experienced team
  • A 'tour de force' of the Central and Eastern Fells of the UNESCO status English Lake District
  • A great day out in the mountains with hard-to-earn adrenaline and endorphins ...


    Optional extras are available via SiEntries:

    • Helvellyn Sky Ultra quality cotton tee (available exclusively to race entrants, £30 each)
    • Goat-bells for your support team (£20 each) [These are real 'alpine' goat bells]
    • Post-race massage (£20)
    ©iancorless.com LSU2015-2-2
    Racing on the epic Striding Edge ©IanCorless

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