We're delighted that we now have the green light for our events to start taking place again and have started actioning the things we've been thinking about during lockdown so that everyone will be safe and we can maintain the amazing atmosphere you've come to expect from a Lakeland Trails event. We're going to do so much more than just wear PPE and regularly clean/ sanitize areas!

We expect guidance to change as restrictions continue to ease so we'll be monitoring that carefully and adapting as necessary. Before each event, we'll publish a version of Final Details which will inform you of everything we're doing differently to normal and how you can help.

A few of the changes which we'll be looking at are:

• Reducing capacity so we don't have too many people gathering together
• Posting out race numbers in advance
• Purchasing equipment to produce timing chips at the event in case you forget your number!
• Asking you to pre-pay for parking where possible
• Increasing the 'facilities' on site and spacing them out to reduce queues
• Increasing the number of stewards to ensure we maintain a cleaning regime and social distancing
• Purchasing an extra timing mat and control box so that we have a separate Start and Finish area
• Adding Live Results to our website
• Adding an extra live music performance from Kev Kendal earlier in the day (as well as Pete Lashley later on) and giving away Spot Prizes at the 10K Prize Giving
• Setting you off in waves to minimise close contact on the start line (and we're developing a system to allow you set off with your friends / family if you usually run with them)
• Purchasing terminals to allow you to pay by contactless card for any merchandise
• Increasing the space in the marquee we dedicate to collection of t-shirts and bag drops
• Purchasing a portable radio mast for our radio coverage as we usually rely on the help of Coniston Mountain Rescue Team to carry our equipment up the side of the fell in their Landrover (let's just say that the driver is one of the more experienced members of the team and it's a bit cosy inside the vehicle)
• Asking you to be self-sufficient on courses if you need water (inov-8 have a range of lightweight packs if you need one). We're looking at how we can safely provide water on the Marathon course

You'll be able to play your part by providing us with any extra information we may need to implement all of this and enjoying yourself on the day!

Most of these adaptions will have a significant cost implication, and some of our costs have already increased by over 50% since the Ultra and Hawkshead haven't taken place and we've lost volume discounts.

We'd rather see you at the events than not at all and we know that it's been a tough year for many people so we're not going to increase our entry fees but will give you the option to chip into a voluntary 'covid supplement' when you enter. A couple of pounds would make a huge difference if you're able to support us.

We're raring to go and look forward to seeing you in Keswick on 5th September!