2025 SCARPA Great Lakeland 3Day® – Event Director Report
By Shane Ohly
After a run of challenging weather years, the 2025 edition of the Scarpa Great Lakeland 3Day (GL3D) gifted us with what can only be described as three incredible days in the Lake District. Sunshine, light breezes, and clear visibility set the tone for a truly joyful weekend (albeit it was pretty chilly overnight!), and the positive energy brought to the event by participants to marshals to mountain staff, was palpable from start to finish.
The most beautiful checkpoint location! ©Joel Jameson
One of the things that makes the GL3D so special is the sense of community that forms around it, and this year that spirit felt stronger than ever. Whether over morning coffee route planning, post-run cuppas, or gathered around the evening fire pits, there was a buzz of connection and shared purpose that underscored the whole experience. It’s rare to see so many smiling faces at both the start and finish lines, but the 2025 event made that a reality.
This year’s expanded programme of evening activities and entertainment added a whole new layer to the weekend’s atmosphere. With inspiring talks, captivating running films from Trails in Motion, and engaging hands-on workshops such as our ‘Running With Poles workshop’ from Mountain Run and ‘Running Photography Masterclass’ with Steve Ashworth. We can’t forget the dog show, which was a huge hit, it followed after the Canicross and ‘Caring for your dog in the mountains’ workshop. Our overnight camps became not just a place to rest and refuel but a space to share stories, learn from others, and deepen the GL3D experience. A huge thank you to all our contributors and speakers who made this possible. You can view the full programme of activities here.
Dog Show ©Joel Jameson
None of this would be possible without the meticulous behind-the-scenes work that goes into planning each day’s route. We owe immense gratitude to Littledave Cummins, who once again brought his unmatched blend of experience, creativity, and attention to detail to the course design. Dave spent countless days out in the fells - testing, tweaking, and exploring every imaginable permutation to ensure this year’s courses delivered the best of the Lakes. His passion for giving participants a challenging yet rewarding experience shone through in every checkpoint and every line on the map. He also created and hosted the nightly pub quiz! (see below)
Evening quiz at the Overnight Camp is always a hit! ©Steve Ashworth
To all the runners, walkers, and adventurers who joined us this year: thank you for making the 2025 GL3D such a memorable celebration of endurance, landscape, and camaraderie. We’re already looking forward to welcoming you back in 2026 (2nd – 4th May 2026! Entries opening in June 2025).
Thanks to Our Sponsors
We were delighted to welcome back our title sponsor, SCARPA, for another successful edition of the Great Lakeland 3Day. It’s a real privilege to work alongside a brand that shares our deep-rooted passion for trail running and the mountain environment. Their presence throughout the weekend added an extra layer of energy and enthusiasm to the event (especially Carmine and his accordion playing!).
The SCARPA demo tent was a huge hit once again, with many participants taking the opportunity to test out a wide range of shoes across the rugged Lakeland terrain. I even took the chance to try a pair of the new Spin Ultra 2s myself, and I have to say, I’m seriously impressed: I’m genuinely excited to be racing in them later this year.
A huge thank you to Glyn, Scott, Mark and Carmine, from SCARPA, for joining us on-site and supporting the event with such commitment and positivity. Your contribution helps make GL3D the unique and welcoming experience it is.
Debrief back at camp after a day in the hills ©Steve Ashworth
Thanks to the Event Team
The Great Lakeland 3Day couldn’t happen without our Event Team's incredible energy, dedication, hard work and professionalism. From the early planning stages through to packing down the final tent peg, this team has worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to create the smooth, supportive, and inspiring experience our participants know and love the GL3D for.
Every year, we hear the same thing from those participating: “The Event Team made the weekend amazing” Whether it’s a warm welcome at registration, a friendly face at the start, someone serving breakfast in the catering tent, or someone solving a problem at the Info Point, these moments help define the GL3D atmosphere and experience.
Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, skills, and spirit to the 2025 edition. This event is a success because of you.
Arriving at the Overnight Camp in Buttermere, The Lake District ©Steve Ashworth
CAMP TEAM
Ali Ratcliffe
Alison Chrystie
Bruno Spellanzon
Bryan Camfield
Chris Randall
Dan Casson
Emma Brock
Janet Hill
Jim Gray
Katie Scrivener
Laura Conroy
Leslie Cupis
Monty Payne
Petra Bijsterveld
Rachel Hewish
Sam Winton
Scott Mathers
Sue Mackie
Tara Gold
Tom Bickerton
CATERING TEAM
Cathy Lowe
Chris Taylor
Daljit Bhogal
Eleanor Smith
Fi Massey
Flora Ballester
Laura Smith
Nic McNally
Peter Huzan
Tim Glasby
COURSE OPERATIONS TEAM
Andrea Harwood
Colin Harding
Daniel Carrivick
Liz Barr
Gillian McColl
Littledave Cummins
Paul Beeson
Rich Lawrence
INFO POINT TEAM
Angela Emms
Colin Young
Helen Cromack
SITE CREW
Alastair Baillie
Jess Byrne
Kieran O’Sullivan
Morgan Stace
Tom Jobling
Vicky McConnell
Zak Benaton
MEDIA TEAM
Joel Jameson
Stephen Ashworth
MEDICAL TEAM
Lex Whitaker
Louisa Bostock
Morag Bowie
Neil Stephenson
Stuart Gold
OUREA MANAGEMENT
Alex Chesters
Charlie Williamson
Duncan Archer
Greg Mickelborough
Ian Stewart
Jen Edson
Jo Moore
Neil Davies
Olivia Jackson
Shane Ohly
Sue Dowker
EVENT CONTROL TEAM
Chris Plant
Martin Cavill
RESPONSE TEAM
Abbi Forsyth
Dave Howarth
David Lee
Jurgen Dissmann
Sarah Graham
Simon Verspeak
Tim Budd
TECHNICAL SERVICES TEAM
Danny Richardson
Danny Gomme
Ian Cowie
Phil Sturgeon
Steven Fairbairn
Tom Rouse
TIMING & TRACKING TEAM
Chris Mills
Adam Pimblett
Martin Stone
Camping in the foot of the fells ©Joel Jameson
Results
While the Scarpa Great Lakeland 3Day does publish daily and overall results, it’s worth emphasising that this event is not about racing, podiums, or finishing times. At its heart, GL3D celebrates participation, personal challenge, and the shared experience of moving through the fells in good company. Whether you’re out for a full day of technical navigation or taking time to soak in the scenery, every participant contributes to this event's unique atmosphere.
That said, we know many of you are curious to see how the weekend unfolded across the courses. You can view the full results from each day, as well as the overall standings, by clicking the link below:
One particularly impressive achievement deserves special recognition: Tom Hollins was the only participant on the Adventure course to visit every single checkpoint across all three days. A remarkable feat by any measure. Anyone who attended his talk in the Hub Tent about his self-supported Winter Wainwrights FKT likely wasn’t surprised. Tom’s commitment and adventurous spirit are truly in keeping with the ethos of GL3D.
Feedback and Survey
Your experience (really) matters to us. If you took part in the 2025 SCARPA Great Lakeland 3Day, we’d love to hear what you thought!
You can leave a public (5-star 😉) review via Racecheck, and after submitting it, you’ll also have the option to share any private feedback. Alternatively, if there’s something specific you’d prefer to share directly, please feel free to email us at: [email protected]
We read every single comment, seriously! Your feedback plays a big role in helping us improve the event year after year, so thank you in advance for taking the time.
What’s next?
Northern, Lakes, Dales and Moors Traverses!
Looking for your next adventure in 2026? Entries for the Traverses are OPEN! There are four events to choose from, ranging from 55km to 300km - choose your Traverse and enter for 2026!
Join the waiting list for The Northern Traverse and be notified when a place becomes available. Start planning for your journey across the North of England!
Enjoy the beautiful landscape ©No Limits Photography
Cape Wrath Ultra®
Looking to challenge yourself in 2026? Entries for Cape Wrath Ultra OPEN on Friday, 30th May 2025! Explore the Scottish Highlands during the 400km 8-day multi-stage race! Looking for something a bit shorter? The Cape Wrath Explorer is the perfect option for you! Choose between the first or second half of the course each day and enjoy the adventure!
Dragon’s Back Race®
Adventure through wild, trackless, and remote mountainous terrain in Wales! The Dragon’s Back Race is a 380km multi-stage race that will challenge and push you to your limits.
Ready, but not for the full course? The Hatchling is the perfect option for you! Adventure through Wales on the shorter version of the full course, choosing which section to complete each day. Enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful scenery, the camaraderie throughout the course and the grand finale at Cardiff Castle!
A moment to appreciate the stunning views ©No Limits Photography
salomon Buttermere Skyline®
Enjoyed the breathtakingly beautiful views from the Overnight Camp at this year’s SCARPA Great Lakeland 3Day?
Then you need to be on the start line of the Salomon Buttermere Skyline on August 16th 2025! Enjoy the stunning views of the Southern Lake District fells while running along the tops in Buttermere! Entries are OPEN - click the link below to enter.
salomon Skyline Scotland®
7 brand new routes to choose from, ranging from 10km to the Jacobite 100km race! All taking place on Saturday 20th September 2024! Most races over 50% sold out! Get your spot before they are gone.
Exploring and adventuring! ©No Limits Photography