[14/5] Oops someone has just reminded me about kit list - please refer to the Open5 kit list here. Please assume that you will need to carry a jacket on this event for both the run and MTB..

[14/5] OK last update before Saturday.

Helmets - we have got some more helmets for hire £7 each. Wing us an email and we will reserve you one, pay on the day.

OK as mentioned below the event is a MTB - RUN - MTB. Just to be clear once you have finished your RUN stage you can't go back on to it.

There are a few MTB controls that you may pass when on the RUN stage - PLEASE don't be tempted to punch them.. in fact I beg please check the number on the control! We will find you out as our software can check - but we have to manually remove them from your score and that is very time consuming - all it will do is delay the prize giving.

Bags - we are having a little blip in sourcing the drawstring transition bags from New Balance there is a good chance things will sort themselves out - Will update here if they do. On the off chance that these bags don't turn up please could you bring a small bag / rucksac (max 30ltr) each just in case.

Timeout - on the special stage we are timing competitors out. That is there will be a pause button your five hours whilst you complete this stage. However you should know that you won't be able to punch the timeout box until you are ready to do the stage (wearing the right kit) - and you will be expected to start the stage in the order you arrived.

Food - Maggies will be there doing Teas, coffees, etc from 8.00am and after the event for hungry racers.

Did I say you are going to get very wet.

See you Saturday..

[13/5] Just back from Keswick - this is going to be a great event... OK - I have changed the entry system so you can change team members up till tomorrow night (Thursday), after that please make any changes at registration (although time is tight so don't leave it till 10)

Still can't use climbing helmets for cycling.

In terms of the windproof / waterproof top / bottom - I've chatted to the guys who are running this part of the event and they are happy with competitors wearing full leg / arm covering like leggings and thermals (this does not include leg or arm warmers). However they recommend old waterproofs.

Clothing - I'm going to re-emphasise this. You need to be prepared that you will get VERY wet, I think it is likely that those not prepared will have to cut the event short and head back early. At registration you will get the event map and this will tell you the nature of the special stages / controls and what kit you require for each - so you will be able to pop back to the car to get that extra top. You won't know the values of the controls until after you have started.

Last update late tomorrow..

PS Open12 prices go up tomorrow night - yep its 45 days to go to the next one.

[11/5] Little update..

Maps - For those who have competed with us over the last 5 years you will know that we give out a laminated map per person. No intention to change that or charge you a mint for a second map. However for this event we intend to give you one laminated map and one on Xerox Nevertear Waterproof paper per pair. We want your opinions after the event and if successful we would like to use the Nevertear paper in future events. Its not a cost cutting exercise (its about 30% more expensive) but it will save us considerable time laminating maps before an event.

Bibs - you will be wearing event bibs for this event, please remember to hand them back after you download your timing chips (they have numbers on them so we will know who has them.) You will also have numbers to affix to your MTB with zip ties - these do not have to be handed back after the event.

Event Format - I'm keen not to give away too much here.. but suffice to say you will have to cycle to the start it will then be a MTB stage - then to the RUN - and then back on the MTB to the finish. You will need to either be wearing non cleated shoes on the MTB or carry a pair of trainers. The transition to the RUN is no where near where you will have parked your cars - however we will transport a NEW BALANCE drawstring carrier bag for each competitor to the transition. We will supply these at registration with your team number on them. We will provide water at this transition - you will also find it in ample supply at a few other controls :-)

Clothing - If you elect to do all the fun bits, you going to get wet maybe a couple of times. weather is nice at the mo but if its minging and wet I'd expect a few pairs to have to scuttle it back to the finish early from being too cold.

Climbing Helmet - Still getting emails about this.. nope you still can't cycle with a climbing helmet or for that matter do the fun bits wearing a cycle helmet... that is unless it is a multisport helmet. You will also need to carry the climbing helmet on the RUN and MTB stages.

[04/5] We are getting a flurry of emails about the climbing helmets. First nope you can't cycle in a climbing helmet unless it is certified for cycling - like a multisport helmet. We have increased the number of climbing helmets available for hire and yes you will have to carry this on both cycling and on foot.

OK had to add another item to the kit list a torch.. don't have to be anything fancy or have a battery life that lasts for eons - just work.

Lastly the Trailquest on Sunday (we are not linked to the Trailquest) - if you fancy doing this event here is a link to entry form here you need to enter before 14th.

[16/4] Little update - parking. We don't have any specific parking allocated to this event (we did!). Having chatted this over with Keswick Tourism and with nearly 2000 public parking spaces within 1000m of registration the suggestion is for competitors to make use of the local parking available. There is limited free street parking also available on Church Lane. Click here for a Map of Keswick with carparks.

Avoid Crow park as this is where the Keswick Tri is starting from, and some of you might come out in a rash when you see the lycra and men wearing crop tops. So in summary you need to sort parking out yourself - please be sensible and even if you are late please don't park in front of someone's access or double park on narrow roads.

Next - Climbing helmets, not going to say what they are for. Other than you need them for a special stage when you are on your bike and depending on route choice on foot. We do have a limited number for hire for £7. If you have already entered - go online (here) login - MY RACES - HIRE EQUIPMENT - select number of helmets - PROCEED.

[8/4] OK - first of all this event on the SATURDAY not Sunday.. next this event is nothing like a normal Open5 so cast all those tactics in to the wind as they won't work here. Registration will open at 8 and close at 10 - there will be a cycle to the start. I'd HIGHLY recommend that you don't leave registration to the wire as its a good chance you will miss the start.

For different reasons which I am not going to elude to here - you won't be able to start late. Miss the start and you miss the race - to prevent all this horribleness just arrive early.

Lastly entries at the mo are limited at time of writing we 60% full. Experience from normal open5's is that most of you enter at the very last minute, you might not want to on this one otherwise you could miss out on a great event. We are looking at raising the numbers and will advise if this happens or the event is full.

PS you need to bring some extra kit over and above the normal kit list - which is listed above.

There is a whole stack of things going on with the Keswick Mountain Festival. Click here to have a nosey around the website here.

We think you might be interested in.. James Cracknell at the Theatre by the Lake on Saturday night, learning to climb or scramble on the Sunday, 3 hour MTB trailquest on the Sunday or even a trail run round Cat Bells, you could also polish up those MTB skills with Cyclewise up in Whinlatter. And for those who like a more sedatry lifestyle you could also resort to some outdoor retail therapy in Keswick.