The Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) returns to Cumbria next May and organisers have already clocked some impressive times ahead of the event.
First out of the blocks on the activity calendar are two hotly anticipated triathlons sponsored by A1 Multisport. The KMF Long Triathlon, which had already been increased to maximum capacity last year, sold out of its 350 places only 17 hours after it was launched on November 1.
Meanwhile the KMF Short Triathlon, which has had its field increased by 25% to 250 participants for 2012, started taking registrations at the same time and was fully subscribed in under a week.
Such is the popularity of these events, which make up one element of the huge variety of activities, entertainments and races that will be on offer at KMF 2012, which runs from 16 – 20 May, that many would be participants stayed up to register when bookings opened online at one minute past midnight, fearful that if they went to sleep and overslept they’d miss their chance.
Entrant Ian Blakemore, from County Durham, said: “I had wanted to take part in the Long Triathlon last year but before I had a chance to sign up all the places had been taken. The race has a reputation as having one of the most beautiful courses in the UK and there was no way I was going to miss out this time around. I waited up until after midnight to grab my place. Even though I completed my entry almost immediately, I noticed that 20 places had already been filled, so the bags under my eyes the following morning were well worth it.”
Last year, KMF offered an array of activities and attractions which thousands of people flocked to enjoy, including celebrity guest speakers and much more at the Festival Village, ranging from bushcraft activities, rock climbing taster sessions, have a go kayaking, bike demos and an extensive programme of guided walks.
Set in and around the Lake District town of Keswick, which nestles in between a series of spectacular mountains and stands on the north shore of Derwentwater, many of the KMF races and sessions available will take in the very best of the beautiful surroundings. Both senior A1 Multisport sponsored triathlons feature a swim in Derwentwater itself and there is also a dedicated Derwent Island Swim event.
The Famous Latrigg Fell Race, which is also part of the KMF line-up, offers another take on the local scenery with a view from the highest point looking south that takes in Keswick, the length of Derwent Water and the peaks beyond and to the north offers views of the famous mountains of Blencathra and Skiddaw.
Lucy Bennett of the Keswick Mountain Festival, said: “The response that we have received to our triathlons has been astounding and it goes to show how popular these races are, with people coming to Keswick from all over the UK to compete over courses as beautiful as any in the UK.
“Places for a variety of other events including kids triathlons, fell runs, swims and a sportive will go on sale via the Keswick Mountain Festival website at a later date and we will also be announcing our roster of inspirational key speakers in the New Year.
“I am sure that interest in the festival will continue to grow in the months ahead and the team is working hard to put on an event which will offer more than ever before to our visitors.”
Over the coming months the Keswick Mountain Festival team will reveal the line up and itinerary for the 2012 event, which will run from 16 – 20 May. More information and updates can be found on www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk.
