It is shaping up to be an exciting few days of racing, as ultra runners prepare to race across England in the 2023 SILVA Northern Traverse and Lakes Traverse.

Strong fields will compete in both races, which will start at St Bees on the west coast of Cumbria, on the morning of Saturday 1 April.

Organised by Ourea Events, the SILVA Northern Traverse is a continuous 300km footrace from St Bees on the west coast of England to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast. The race, which must be completed within five days, follows the well-established coast to coast route created by Alfred Wainwright, through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors.

Participants in the SILVA Lakes Traverse have 30 hours to finish the 100km footrace. The event will use the same race infrastructure, logistics and staffing as the Northern Traverse. After crossing the Lake District National Park fells, the route finishes in Shap.

Runners in the SILVA Lakes Traverse will set off at 7:30am from the start in St Bees, and the longer race will begin at 8:30am. 

Around 270 competitors have signed up to take part in the 2023 SILVA Northern Traverse and Lakes Traverse, and among them are some of the most successful ultra runners on the circuit.

the field is stacked for the SILVA Northern Traverse

In the men’s SILVA Northern Traverse, 2022 Montane Dragon’s Back Race winner James Nobles will take on former Lakeland 100 winner and three time Tor des Géants finisher Paul Tierney, 2021 Cape Wrath Ultra winner Ian Stewart, 2018 Cape Wrath Ultra winner Robert Barnes, and, fresh from his experience at the Barkley Marathons, three time Spine Race winner Eoin Keith.

In the women’s race, two-time Silk Road Mountain Race winner and adventurer Jenny Tough is hoping to repeat her bikepacking success on foot. Among those who she will face competition from is Emily Mills, who won the 2022 Chester Ultra 100, and Malaysian runner, Alison Walker, winner of the 2022 Race Across Scotland. 

The SILVA Lakes Traverse is looking no less competitive

In the women’s race in the SILVA Lakes Traverse, 2022 winner and Team GB trail runner Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn will defend her title, in a race that will also feature Victoria Morris, who was third woman in the 2022 Montane Dragon’s Back Race, and SILVA athlete Keri Wallace, who recently set a fastest known time for a winter Tranter’s Round.

In the men’s field, Gavin Dale looks to be a strong contender, fresh off the back of his success at the Arc of Attrition.

Northern and Lakes Traverse headline sponsor SILVA has encouraged its ambassadors to get involved in the two races, and several others will also be on the start line, including ultra runner Flora Beverley.

Follow the event!

With such a stacked field, it is looking to be an exciting and competitive few days of racing!

For the latest news on the race, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or find the event on Facebook. There will also be regular blog posts on the website. All participants will carry a GPS tracker so you can follow their journey live - the links are available now:

Feeling inspired for your own adventure?

If all this excitement has left you yearning for your own ultra challenge, entries are open for the 2024 SILVA Northern Traverse and SILVA Lakes Traverse NOW – don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to cross the Lakes, Dales and Moors on foot.