Panopticons Ultra – a new point-to-point trail Ultra along the trails and varied ups and downs of East Lancashire, taking in the four art installations ‘The Panopticons’ by Mid Pennine Arts.

Following registration, we’ll transport you to the start line at Corporation Park in Blackburn, Lancashire to begin your journey at Colourfields on the former canon battery. You’ll pass through The Halo on the hills of Haslingden, onto The Singing Ringing Tree howling overlooking Burnley and the tranquil Atom at Wycoller before finishing in the village of Trawden.

A route of approximately 52km with 1430m of climb (32miles, 4700ft).

The route passes through the towns of East Lancashire’s industrial heritage and takes in parts of the Pennine Way, the Rossendale Way and the Pennine Bridleway through the gentle rolling hills of the local countryside for a manageable challenge on your day out.

The Route can be viewed here : OS Maps (also the digital mapping is highly recommended)

The GPX available here (right click ‘Save Link As’ to download): GPX
Garmin Connect Course here : Garmin
Please note the GPX track is available for guidance only and SHOULD NOT be used as a navigational aid.

The Written Instructions are here: Written Instructions

OS Map (1:40k) guide map here: Map

Registration & Start:
Registration will be from 6:15 in Trawden. Parking is available nearby and please park sensible if in the village. Transport will be provided from 7:00. Race start will follow a short briefing at 8:00.

Checkpoints:
Start: Colourfields, Blackburn
CP1: Halo – 18km (11mile)
CP2: Towneley Hall – 32km (20mile)
Finish: Trawden, 52km (32mile)

Overall cut off time at the finish is 18:00 giving a generous 10hr time limit to complete.

Each checkpoint will carry water, biscuits and first aid kit. Please ask a marshal if you require assistance. Please ensure you are self sufficient by carrying appropriate clothing and food/drink dependant on the weather.

Any entrant arriving at a checkpoint after the closing time will be asked to retire from the race. If you intend to retire from the event, this can be done at any checkpoint or the finish location; please tell the marshal you wish to do so and hand your tally. This ensures all runners are accounted for and avoids unnecessarily raising calls for emergency support from rescue services.

Kit and other info:

All entrants are advised to wear appropriate clothing for an off-road ultra and required to carry full body waterproof cover, map (see below), compass, whistle, mug and fully-charged mobile phone. Appropriate footwear (fell/trail) MUST be worn. A map of route OS 1:40k will be available but OS Landranger 103 or OS Explorer OL21 AND 287 is also recommended.

Some navigational ability required. Minimum entrant age 18 years old. No dogs allowed

Entries close two days before event date and a donation from the event will also be made to local charitable causes.

Route will be subject to some minor changes.

If you would like to make a weekend and book local accommodation, please get in touch for recommendations and advice.

The Panopticons is covered on OS Landranger 103 or OS Explorer OL21 AND 287.

Entry open NOW at SI Entries : https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=12198