Race the Sun | Lake District Coniston Off-Road

Provisional timetable

Friday

• 18:00-20:00 | Team registration

  Teams will be allocated a time to attend the event HQ to sign in, pick up race numbers, drop off transition bags and have their bikes checked over to ensure that you’re all ship shape and race ready in the morning.

Saturday

• 07:00-08:00 | Event start

  Teams depart in waves. Teams will be allocated a start wave closer to the event.

• 16:00-19:00 | Party time

  Grab a bevvie as you cross the line, then chill out with your teammates and supporters over a bite to eat! Food and drink is available for registered participants only; there will not be an option for supporters to purchase anything on-site, but they are more than welcome to bring their own to join the fun.

• 19:00-20:00 | Event closes

  Teams say farewell and depart with a huge achievement - you've Raced the Sun!

Who is it for?

Race the Sun serves up enough adventure to challenge those looking to lay down a fast time, as well as those who just want a fun, exhilarating day with friends and family.

It's achievable by people with a reasonable fitness level who are prepared to train beforehand. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Some teams will complete the challenge in as little as five hours and others will take the whole day. Some teams want to compete for the fastest time and others want to simply complete the course – it’s really up to you!

It’s a great incentive to get fit and work different muscles, knowing you’re raising funds for an excellent cause at the same time.

Bike type

Gravel, mountain bike or e-bike. Not road or hybrid.

As large sections of the route are off-road, hybrid bikes are not recommended, however, if you have trained on it and are confident you can complete the course you are more than welcome to use it.  You can always walk your bike down some of the more technical sections if needed.

You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.

On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

E-bikes

In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Fancy dress award

There is a Best Dressed Team Award for those who want to go the extra mile! It's about having fun and raising money for charity.

Spectators

Why not make a weekend of it with friends and family?! Supporters will be able to join you at the event HQ, then track your progress live online.

Event HQ

Coniston Sports & Social Centre
Shepherds Bridge Lane
Coniston
Cumbria
LA21 8AL
UK

Factfile

• Coniston provided inspiration for Swallows and Amazons.
• It is home to the Lake District's fifth largest lake.
• The most notable feature of Coniston Village is The Old Man of Coniston.
• Coniston was the very first recipient of the national award for 'Village of the Year' in 1999.

Overview

• All activity phases will start and finish at the event's central hub in Coniston.
• The cycle phase will see you complete a circular route of Coniston with exciting ascent and descent across mixed terrains.
• From the event hub, you'll hike a short, but steep route to the summit of The Old Man of Coniston.
• You'll then hike back the same way before taking on the water stage at Coniston Water.

Stage 1 - Bike 23 miles

A perfectly designed gravel/mountain biking route through an interesting mix of terrain and environments.

You will wake early for a pre-challenge breakfast before teams begin this exciting adventure with the off-road riding section.

The fully sign posted and marshalled 23-mile loop out of Coniston is approx. 75% off-road and 25% on- road and heads into the stunning Tilberthwaite Valley to Stang End.

With single-track and double- track with some interesting technical sections just to increase the challenge further (all technical sections can be walked if needed).

After a feed station on the shores of Windemere, the route follows the flat cycle path along the west side of England’s largest lake before you take on Hawkshead Hill, a big climb but well worth the effort for the fantastic off-road descent through the woods back to Coniston.

Stage 2 - Hike 2.5 miles

Ascent of the Old Man of Coniston, one of the Lake District’s most iconic (and steepest!) peaks.

Next up is the steep, thigh-bursting trek to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston, a classic Lake District mountain looming over the surrounding countryside. 

At 803m it might not be the highest peak in the National Park, but you will ascend this height in under 2.5 miles of walking, so it’s a seriously steep test of your endurance!

From the summit you will have spectacular views over the lake to Grizedale Forest and beyond.

Stage 3 - Paddle

The final section puts your teamwork to the test as you take to the water on one of the Lake District’s beautiful lakes.

Using canoes or kayaks, you will navigate around a 2-mile course on the water. All safety and canoe or kayak equipment is provided for you and you will be fully supported throughout by trained instructors, so no experience is needed.

Celebration

After completing all three challenges, it's time to kick back and chill out with teammates, friends, and family. Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink on us as you celebrate your achievement and relive the highlights of the day!

Challenge yourself, respect the planet

The organisers are committed to ensuring that Race the Sun is rewarding for participants, and the local community, by promoting sustainable practices such as car sharing, reducing travel mileage by sourcing items locally, supporting local communities by using local suppliers, and encouraging all teams to hang on to all rubbish until it can be disposed of or recycled accordingly.

Included

• Safety briefing
• Training plan
• Breakfast, packed lunch, drinks and snacks
• Team awards and finishers medal
• Canoe or kayak equipment
• Bike mechanics and first aiders
• Marshals and signage
• Timing tracker and GPX route files
• Instant live results
• Food and drink at the finish line

Not Included

• Bikes and helmets
• Accommodation if required
• Travel to and from the event
• Personal clothing
• Personal spending money
• Insurance

Bikes and helmets

Gravel, hard-tail mountain bike or e-bike. Not road or hybrid.

You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.

On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

E-bikes

In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Action Medical Research

Race the Sun is organised by children’s charity, Action Medical Research.

Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs for 70 years.

They have helped to beat polio, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, helping to save thousands of children’s lives and change many more. Today they continue to tackle the challenges disease and disability present by funding high-quality research to save and change children’s lives and are driving forward research to help protect children.

By taking part, not only will you have a great time with first-class support throughout the day, but you’ll also be helping to raise vital funds to help sick and disabled babies and children.

Fundraising

• 2-person team

  £120 registration fee + £1,000 fundraising 

• 4-person team

  £240 registration fee + £2,000 fundraising 

• Self-funded

  No fundraising target, but you're still encouraged to raise as much as you can to help and save little lives.  

Jack was born extremely prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing just 1lb 15oz.

He needed oxygen, help with his breathing and feeding tubes to survive. He suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleeds and contracted the potentially deadly bowel infection necrotising enterocolitis. Jack went on to endure many more serious health problems and spent four and a half months in hospital fighting to survive before he was finally allowed home. Jack's mum is so grateful for the work that Action does:

It is so important that studies like those funded by Action Medical Research are done. Without research, we wouldn’t have medical advances, and Jack probably wouldn’t be here.

16-17 year olds must be accompanied by their parent or guardian throughout the challenge.

Entry fees

Absolutely fantastic event with seamless organisation! Adam R

The course was perfectly marked, and the entire event was flawlessly managed. Highly recommended! Harriet T

We took part in the Race The Sun Coniston as a team of 4 and it was absolutely amazing. The course was challenging but the scenery was breathtaking. All the marshalls were fantastic and really kept you going. Food, atmosphere were all en point. Would highly recommend. Kirstie T

The course has outstanding views, stunning vistas and perfectly marked, and the entire event was flawlessly managed. Highly recommended! Darren C

Great event and beautiful course. A must-do for any serious athlete! Tony R

Enjoyable race with a great atmosphere and decent organisation. Olivia J

The staff made the event a success, they were so positive and motivating as you completed the courses. They are what made the day. But also the whole thing was extremely well run, really impressed. The challenge was super tough but also good. Megan M

First time doing an event like this. All the staff and support team were amazing. The route was very well marked out with signage and Marshalls along the way. Smooth transition areas with plenty of snacks. Would highly recommend. I’ll be doing another one next year! Amy P

I can highly recommend getting involved with an Action event, not only for participation in a personally challenging event, but also to support a very deserved charity. I will definitely participate again in the future!

We had a fantastic weekend, and loved the novelty of doing 3 different disciplines. What took the event from being really good to being really special was the atmosphere created by the Action staff and the other participants who were all incredible!

Brilliant atmosphere, great organisation, fantastic race around old Mount Coniston. Rickie W

From the quality of the course to the incredible volunteers and ambassadors for this great cause. The help, support and on the day encouragement was superb.

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck