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Rab Pinnacle Ridge Extreme 2023: Route, live tracking & how to enter

The Pinnacle Ridge Extreme race, organised by Lake District Sky Trails, returns for a fourth installment in 2023. A 28km skyrace around the Lake District’s Hellvellyn Massif featuring 2700m of ascent, organisers say it is “what you’ve been looking for if you love climbing as much as you love running”. 

Here is our full guide to learning about the event, following it live or even taking part. 

Date, start time & live tracking

The Rab Pinnacle Ridge Extreme Race 2023 is a one-day event, starting at 1000BST on Sunday July 16 2023. Competitors must reach the midway cut-off point by 1500BST and finish by 1800BST. 

Each competitor carries a GPS tracking device and a ‘dibber’ – provided by SPORTident – which allows race organisers to monitor their progress and to ensure everyone stays safe. The GPS device also allows fans to follow the race online. Failure to ‘dib’ at any of the checkpoints or control boxes on the course will result in disqualification. 

We will include a link for dot watchers to follow when available.

Sections of the race Pinnacle Ridge Extreme Race are roped for safety – Picture @RouteNorthPhotography

Rab Pinnacle Ridge Extreme Route

The race starts and finishes at Patterdale Hall near Penrith and follows an anticlockwise route featuring eight checkpoints.  

The route is fully marked with competitors directed over a number of technical sections including Brown Cove (Grade 2 scramble), a descent of Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam, a traverse along Striding edge, descent of Eagle Crag (Grade 2 scramble) and finishing with an ascent of Pinnacle Ridge (Grade 3 scramble).

Technical scrambles are fully supported with safety staff and the course includes some roped sections for the particularly tricky parts. 

You can view a map of the course here

Facts, Tips & FAQ

A series of facts about the race including history, specific rules –  

Organisers insist that ‘only the most experienced, competent all-round mountain runners will toe the start line of Pinnacle Ridge Extreme’ and have created a vetting process to ensure entrants have the necessary experience. 

There are prizes for the first three men and women in the open race (under 45) as well as in the veterans category (over 45). 

Runners have to carry 200 calories of emergency food, which must be unused at the end – unless they have had an emergency! 

The race is one of four organised by Lake District Sky Trails, alongside the Scafell Sky Race, Lakes Sky Ultra and Stickle Grind Vertical 650

No dogs are allowed. 

How to qualify and enter the Rab Pinnacle Ridge Extreme

Runners must be aged 19 or over and have significant mountain running, race and scrambling experience. This is stipulated as completing of several named mountain races within the past five years, of 18 miles/30km or more, and of similar severity to Pinnacle Ridge Extreme.  

Significant climbing experience includes high grade solo scrambling (2/3), low grade to high grade rock climbing (leader experience necessary), bouldering or winter climbing. A note on the website reads “no climbing experience, no race”. 

Entries are via the SI Entries website

Rab Pinnacle Ridge Extreme records and past winners

Inaugural race winner and GB international Rob Sinclair holds the men’s course record with his 3:57:02 effort in 2019, which saw him triumph by more than 50 minutes. GB international Georgia Tindley set a new women’s record of 5:02:57 in 2022, beating UK-based New Zealander Kristina Aluzaite’s time of 05:30:02 from 2021.   

Past winners 

2022 – Men: Andrew Lamont 4:26:02. Women: Georgia Tindley 5:02:57.

2021 – Men: Harry Kingston 03:58:28. Women: Kristina Aluzaite 05:30:02. 

2019 – Men: Rob Sinclair 03:57:02. Women: Ursula Moore 05:45:13. 

Who is taking part at Rab Pinnacle Ridge Extreme 2023?

Entrants for the 2023 race can be viewed can be viewed here

Rab Pinnacle Ridge Extreme kit list

Runners are required to wear and carry certain kit, while other items are recommended. 

Mandatory kit 

Base layer – vest or short sleeve top (no cotton). Must also carry long-sleeved base layer 

Shorts or tights – ¾ tights are acceptable 

Shoes – mountain running or trail shoes with minimum 3mm tread 

Waterproof jacket – must have hood and taped seams 

Waterproof trousers – must have taped seams 

Hat – can be buff or similar 

Gloves 

Head torch 

Survival bag – space blankets are not acceptable 

Whistle 

Emergency food – 200 calories 

GPS device and/or map and compass 

First aid kit – minimum contents: bandage, plasters, pain killers, but no anti-inflammatories 

Race vest – with 4 safety pins or other device for attaching number 

Race pack or bum bag 

Mobile phone – must be fully charged 

Advisory kit 

Helmet – for climbing sections 

Via Ferrata-type gloves – for climbing sections 

Runners’ kit should be sufficient for them to make it back to race HQ safely should they become injured. The race director reserves the right to require additional warm clothing if weather conditions demand it, with a final decision made 30 minutes before the start. 

Ed Mezzetti
Written by
Ed Mezzetti

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