Having previously reported a sell-out of entries, the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra has established itself as a key UK trail running event after its 2025 edition saw participation figures double, reflecting the surging growth of ultra-running across the country.
The event, held in the Lake District National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – from September 26–28, 2025, hosted over 2,500 participants, a doubling of entries from the previous year. This high participation figure spanned all four distances: the 13 Valleys Ultra (180km), 7 Valleys Ultra (110km), 5 Valleys Ultra (55km), and the 2 Valleys (22km) trail run.
The organisers’ decision to include multiple distances, such as the shorter 22km and 55km options, was intended to allow runners to progress into the sport and is characteristic of the wider expansion of trail and ultra-running across the UK.
The challenging terrain led to five new course records being set, showcasing the high calibre of the international field and the growing competitiveness of the event.
- In the flagship 13 Valleys Ultra (180km), Barney Plummer set a new men’s standard, taking victory in 24:21:44.
- Leonie Ansems De Vries put in a commanding performance to retain her 7 Valleys Ultra (110km) women’s title, smashing her own course record by more than an hour with a finish time of 14:44:47.
- Tom Smith also set a men’s course record in the 110km race, finishing in 11:34:56.
The event was supported by the local community. Spectators and volunteers lined the routes and filled the event village in Keswick, creating an encouraging atmosphere throughout the weekend, despite wet overnight conditions.
