Today sees the launch of a brand-new outdoor challenge event; HonisterFest on Saturday 20 July is a whole day of adrenaline fuelled activities including an unusual fell run, gravel bike time trial and a team contest followed by live music and Cumbrian food into the evening.
Honister is working in partnership with KONG running, Keswick Mountain Bikes, Cyclewise, Fluid Productions, Buttermere Paragliding Bash and Keswick Brewery to present this unique event. The first challenge of the day is the The Grueller Hill Climb a gravel track time trial cycle event, for Fell Runners the 8K Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Run is unlike any Fell run out there.
Take on three summits, Dalehead, Fleetwith Pike, Grey Knotts and go deep inside the bowels of the mountain through mine tunnels, up a stepped incline to reach daylight before ascending to the summit and then descending Moses Trodd to the finish. For those looking for a more light hearted but still fiercely competitive event there is the Honister Team Challenge comprising of the Defender Drag, Pond Plunge, Cast the Clog and a Surprise challenge. Teams will collect points and then be ranked to determine the winner. Prizes for the challenges have been donated by local businesses.
Wind down after your mountain challenges with the Slate Shindig ‘Après-Race’ and enjoy Cumbrian food and live music from two local bands, surrounded by some the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Lake District. Bringing their blues, funk and soul grooves to the fells Bowie, Beak and Powney start the evening followed by The Kasios with a mix of popular covers bound to get everyone up and dancing. Included in the Slate Shindig ticket is one beer/soft drink and a locally sourced Hog Roast with vegetarian options available.
Helping to keep the body and soul in tune there will be sports massage and holistic treatments such as Reiki and reflexology from expert practitioners available across the day. The event is not for profit with donations being made to local charities Keswick Lions and Amy’s Care.
Stagecoach plan to run an additional evening bus facility from Honister to the Keswick to encourage competitors to leave their car at home. The standard 77/77A bus route passes Honister frequently on Saturday as well as stopping at Seatoller.
Jan Wilkinson Co-Owner Honister Slate Mine says, ‘HonisterFest is something completely new for us and we are delighted to be working with such brilliant local companies to present this event. Our location at Honister offers the ideal environment for this event, challenging terrain surrounded breath-taking views. We are inviting gravel cyclists, fell runners and anyone up for a fun team challenge to come and experience the mountain environment whilst pushing themselves physically and there aren’t many places where you can run through the depths of a mountain and a heritage mine. We’re encouraging people to use public transport and car share where possible as parking on site will be limited. It’ll be a fun event to watch, so do come along and support the competitors!’
Paul Carnforth Kong Running says, ‘The Bowels of Fleetwith race is a truly unique experience, unlike any other fell race you will have ever done before! Combining three mountain summits all over 600 metres with a spectacular journey inside Fleetwith Pike. You will race along tunnels and inclines, covering over a kilometre underground through Honister mines. Entries are limited to 200, so if you want to be part of the inaugural event get moving and get your place!’
8km Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Run Map
Tickets are available in advance with prices varying for event for full details go to www.honister.com/honisterfest/
