Shelter Stone supports the 13 Valleys Ultra 2026
In September, Shelter Stone provided medical and emergency response cover for the 13 Valleys Ultra, supporting more than 2,000 trail runners across four race distances through the Lake District.
Some of The Great Run Company staff, contractors, and freelancers gather for a team photo at the end of the 13 Valleys Ultra this year… How many Shelter Stone staff can you spot?
The weekend comprises the 13 Valleys Ultra (185km), 7 Valleys Ultra (110km), 5 Valleys Ultra (58km) and 2 Valleys Trail (21km). Held from Friday to Sunday, the event has quickly become a popular fixture in the UK trail-running calendar, combining the Lake District landscape with delivery by Colin Murphy and the team at The Great Run Company. A new 6 Valleys Ultra will join the programme in 2027, offering an 81km route between the existing distances.
A team of 24 Shelter Stone personnel delivered clinical care from the event centre, start and finish locations, and 12 aid stations. Across the weekend, the team managed 235 incidents involving medical conditions, foot problems, musculoskeletal injuries and minor trauma.
Most presentations involved familiar problems that can end an ultrarunner’s race, including blisters, pain, sprains, nausea, chafing and fatigue. Although usually minor clinically, these conditions can jeopardise a goal built on months of preparation. Shelter Stone’s visible and approachable teams provided treatment, reassurance and practical support, helping runners make safe decisions and continue whenever appropriate.
Alongside this routine care, the team maintained the clinical and operational capability to manage rare but potentially serious incidents. This combination of compassionate participant support and high-acuity readiness is central to Shelter Stone’s service.
This was Shelter Stone’s third year supporting the event. Data gathered over successive editions are creating a growing evidence base that helps Shelter Stone and The Great Run Company plan future medical provision more effectively. The 2026 figures show approximately 105 recorded medical incidents per 1,000 starters, confirming the considerable demand for accessible medical support at this type of event.
We thank every member of the Shelter Stone team for their professionalism and hard work, The Great Run Company for the warm welcome, and everyone who took part in the 2026 event.