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Don't forget to enjoy the stunning views on the Hawkshead trails!
There’s a definite feel of Spring in the air here in the Lake District with snowdrops and daffodils popping up along the verges and birdsong increasing on a daily basis.  It won’t be long until everything is turning green and it’s certainly putting a spring in our step!
 
There are just 8 weeks before we head back to Hawkshead’s gorgeous rolling countryside.  You can see how Beatrix Potter was so inspired by it – lambs in the fields, daffodils along the verges, stunning far-reaching views of the Langdale Fells (but don't forget the brutal mile-long ‘Coffin Trail’ climb). 
 
We're really excited to welcome you back onto the Trails and still have some great Series' Entry offers available with places available in most events.
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Not many people will be running up the Coffin Trail!
Spring Series Dates
Hawkshead (10k & 16k) - Saturday 15th April
Staveley (5k, 10k & 18k) - Saturday 13th May
Coniston (10k & 15k) - Saturday 10th June
Coniston Marathon (and ½ and mini-10k) - Sunday 11th June
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We’ve just finished reading Spine Race and Lakeland Trails Ultra winner Damian Hall’s excellent and informative book ‘We Can’t Run Away From This’ because we're looking at how we can continue making the events more sustainable.  We're going to be sharing tips on how you can reduce your impact too.  There are always things we can be doing better but we're not going to be perfect.
 
If all 25,000 people reading this newsletter made one small change, just think of the impact we could have.  What can you do to make a big difference?
 
Perhaps you could choose our ‘BiodiversiTee’ option rather than pick up yet another race t-shirt?  Even if you've already entered an event, you can still quickly make the swap now via our website.
 
It’s great to see that our friends at inov-8 are also pushing to be more sustainable, designing their footwear to be much more durable (it’s a myth that you need to change your shoes every 200-300 miles) and did you know, simple things like washing the mud off in cool water will help them last longer?  Kudos if you do that after every run.
New for '23
We’ve got two exciting new caterers joining us this year – Fiery Mama’s wood-fired pizzas (which our crew, volunteers and Series’ Champions will get to sample at next weekend’s Trails and Ales party); and Bandito Burrito bringing a Mexican feel to the event field.  Both are Cumbrian-based, local businesses and we can’t wait for you to check them out!
 
inov-8 will be bringing their fleet of demo shoes to selected events for the first time since the pandemic too.
 
We'll also be taking more steps to improve our sustainability - more to follow on that next month!
 
See you in a few weeks!
 
Best wishes,
Phil and the LT Team
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News from inov-8
Happy February all,
 
We trust you are well and enjoying your preparations ahead of the 2023 series. Hawkshead will soon be upon us and we can’t wait… especially for that Coffin Trail climb!
 
It’s been all systems go here at inov-8 HQ, with our latest new shoe launched today.  The TRAILFLY G 270 V2 is the update to our hugely popular TRAILFLY G 270, which won four ‘Trail Running Shoe of the Year’ awards in 2020. Our team has worked hard on improving the upper of the shoe to give it a better fit, greater comfort and longer-lasting durability.
 
The early reviews have been very strong, with Runner’s World UK saying: “Hits a sweet spot between cushioning and speed, making it a shoe you can use for all your trail-running purposes.”
 
Meanwhile, did you follow the drama at the Spine Race? How exciting! Our ambassadors Damian Hall and Jack Scott battled it out up the 268-mile Pennine Way in a winter race that eventually saw them reach the finish side-by-side. Damian was the winner in a new men’s course record and Jack – who had a time penalty added due to an accidental shortcut taken – was the runner-up. But that only tells a small slice of an amazing story. Read the FULL REPORT and check out their KIT LISTS.
 
And so the countdown is on to Hawkshead is officially on. Good luck in all your training, and remember to include a few climbs!
 
The team at inov-8
 
Discover more about inov-8 at www.inov-8.com and follow us on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | #GetAGrip
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