Time will be no trial for Ulverston festival runners

This weekend the newly christened Hoad Hill Festival of Two Feet will get under way at Ulverston's Ford Park.

Formerly known as the Hoad Hill Marathon, over the past two years its popularity has grown, prompting organisers to expand it into a two-day-celebration.

This year, alongside the traditional marathon and half marathon there will be a range of short to middle distance events meant to attract more casual runners.

Gaynor Prior, event director at Pure Outdoor Events who is running the festival, said she was excited to get the festival up and running.

She said: "I'm looking forward to it, we were asked last year if we would do shorter distances, I've thought it would be nice to have shorter distances and longer time limits on some of our walks.

"It makes it a lot more accessible for people just wanting to have a walk with their family. Kids as young as 10 can take part in the events."

On the Saturday Ford Park will become a running hub as the first day's activities kick off.

Perhaps to ease runners into what will be a busy weekend, the opening event will be a gentle 5k around Ulverston.

A long time limit of two-and-a-half hours is something Mrs Prior thinks will attract people from all walks of life to the event.

She said: "That's why it's the Festival of Two Feet, not just the 'Festival of Running'."

Organising the event has been slightly more challenging this year for Mrs Prior and the team at Pure Outdoor. Due to the expanded itinerary the turnout is expected to increase compared to last year.

However, the various challenges have largely been overcome thanks to a strong support staff, and a helpful community in the town.

She said: "It's been relatively smooth running as everyone has been helpful in Ulverston, I've relished the challenge."

On top of the physical challenges, there will be a range of demonstrations and talks put on over the weekend.

Record-breaking long distance running Mimi Anderson will be joined by local long-distance athletes Trudi and Paul Dewar to speak about their experiences running.

Nordic walking sessions will also be held to shine a light on some of the different ways people can get out and about, exploring the Lake District on foot.

Asked why people who don't ordinarily run should come along to the festival, Mrs Prior said: "There will be lovely scenery, the roads and trails are lovely and especially with the views at the top of Hoad Hill."

Visit www.pureoutdoorevents.co.uk to find out more about this weekend's festival.

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Want to get involved? Here's the full schedule of what is on offer at the Festival of Two Feet

There is something for everyone at this year's celebration of all things bipedal.

Whether you want to jog a gentle 5k or slog through a full 26 miles there will be something for you.

The majority of events are still open for entry, click here to find out how you can register in advance.

Here is a full rundown of the weekend's events.

Saturday August 12

10.30am: Jogging Pals Hoad Hill 5k. A five kilometre circuit of the town can be completed by running, jogging, Nordic walking or simply by walking.

This event is open to competitors aged 10 years and above, with a cut off time of 2.5 hours.

Registration is £15 online and £20 on the day. Registration can be completed between 8am-10am.

11am: A free 45 minute Nordic walking taster session will be held by Nicola Sproson of Nic's Nordic Walks.

Up to 12 people can take part in the taster which is bookable in advance by visiting www.nicsnordicwalks.co.uk. Nordic walking poles will be provided.

12pm-6pm: Registration will be open for runners wanting to take part in Sunday's marathon or half marathon.

12.30pm-1.30pm: King and Queen of Hoad Hill. Up to 50 competitors can push themselves to the limit in a timed ascent and decent of Hoad. Runners have one hours to climb up and down the hill as many times as possible. The winning man and woman will be crowned King and Queen of Hoad Hill.

Click here to register for this event .

1pm: Hoad Hill 10k. Over 10 kilometres runners and walkers will be taken around the town, culminating with a climb up Hoad, before finishing back at Ford Park. Competitors will have three hours to complete the course. Over 18s only.

2pm-2.45pm: Free talk with barefoot running adventurer Aleks Kashefi. Mr Kashefi has taken part in several ultra-endurance challenges, including running the length of Europe for charity.

3pm: The second Nordic walking taster session of the day.

4.30pm-5.15pm: Free talk with Guinness World Record holder Mimi Anderson, supporter by Ulverston's own Paul and Trudi Dewar.

6pm: Last orders will be called at the festival's beer tent bringing day one to a close.

Sunday August 13

Day two of the festival brings on the long-distance events - the marathon and half marathons.

The runs will be a mixture of trails, roads and coastal paths as they wind their way through the Furness countryside.

Entries for both marathons are now closed.

9.30am: The Hoad Hill Marathon will get under way starting in Ford Park. The marathon has an eight hour cut off time.

10am: The Hoad Hill Half Marathon will then start from the same place in Ford Park. The half marathon has a four hour cut off time.

11am: The Hoad Hill Mile. This event is open to ages 0 to 16. Babies and toddlers can be accompanied by a guardian as they take a turn through Ford Park's grounds. Registration takes place between 9am-10.45 and costs £2 to enter. Proceeds will go to the event's chosen charity.

Other important information

Registration: Registration will be open from Saturday August 12 at the event marquee in Ford Park. All runners must provide a form of photo ID. Bag and key storage will be available at the marquee.

Adverse Weather Kit: The weather can change very quickly in the Lakes, with high winds and rain not uncommon. Bringing a waterproof jacket with taped seams is recommended in case of adverse weather.

Parking: There will be limited parking at Ford Park on Saturday between 8am-6pm and between 7am-6pm on Sunday. Parking will be on grass, costing £3 for the day. Please have correct change.

There are several pay and display car parks throughout Ulverston for competitors and spectators.

First Aid: First aiders will be at the start/finishing place, and mobile first aiders will be policing the event routes.

Dogs: Unfortunately runners cannot bring their dogs on the routes, but they are welcome among spectators.

Charity: Money raised through the marathon and half marathon will go towards Ford Park Community Group.

Results: Results will be posted on the event's website the day following the race (Monday August 14).

Related content:

Incredible athletes from South Cumbria finally finished a superhuman 10 days of marathon running

Read Gaynor Prior speaking on why she wants to make the Hoad Hill marathon more inclusive

Find out what happened at last year's Hoad Hill Marathon