More Open Adventure in 2007

Rob Howard / 02.08.2006

Following the successful second edition of the Open24 in the Yorkshire Dales last weekend race organiser James Thurlow announced that the 3rd race would be in the Lake District next year … and that he is planning a Coast to Coast adventure race in Northern England for 2007.

After rave reviews for the Open24 format, and it’s special ‘trouser filler’ challenges last year, which some said put the ‘adventure’ back into adventure racing, the 2006 race had a lot to live up to. And it did, despite course restrictions due to the moors being closed as a result of fire risk.

This year’s ‘trouser fillers’ had a high adrenalin rating, with a big free tandem abseil off the mighty overhanging Kilnsey Crag, a cave exploration with a narrow squeeze to finish, a gorge walk and some white water kayaking on the Washburn thanks to a dam release. Thurlow thinks he can still go one better next year however, and already has plans for his next course in the Lakes.

The Coast to Coast race announced at the prize giving is something he has wanted to organise for some time, and although in it’s early stages is a mouth-watering prospect as the route could cross the National Parks in Northern England. It’s provisionally planned for the August Bank Holiday weekend.

[Watch out for a full race report on the Open24 on SleepMonsters tomorrow, with lots of action pictures from above and below ground.]