By Helen Webster

Published: Friday, 15 October 2021 at 12:00 am

The Kendal Mountain Festival is back this year – running as both an event you can visit in person, as well as online in real-time and watch again options. Dates for your diary are 18-21st November 2021 and you can find out more about the festival and book here.

Below we’ve rounded up some of the best Kendal Mountain Festival highlights for triathletes. Plus, read to the end for an exclusive discount code!

Zone3 outdoor swimming session

Find plenty to inspire your off-season swimming in the Zone3 outdoor swimming session. Among the speakers is Guinness World Record holder Cath Pendleton, who in 2020 became the first female to swim a mile inside the Antarctic Polar Circle, and the Adaptive Athlete, Sophie Etheridge, who has just completed a Windermere Two Way Swim.

Speakers also include former Olympic swimmer Neil Agius, who holds the world record for the longest, continuous, unassisted, swim (a 125.6km, 52-hour swim between Linosa and Gozo) and local swimmer Winnie Poaty, who learnt to swim as an adult and is now campaigning to get everyone swimming no matter their skin colour or background.

Merrell running session

Visit this area of the festival to find fell running royalty, fast and furious FKTs, weird and wonderful stories from the world of Parkrun and running inspiration from some of the youngest club runners. On stage will be the incredible: Mhairi Helme, Joss Naylor, Mirna Valerio, Charlie Ramsay, Sabrina Pace-Humphies and Eileen Jones.

Rapha and Ribble cycling session

From ultra distance challenges to running errands around town, from cargo bikes to e-bikes to gravel bikes and tricycles… there’s something for everyone no matter how fast, far or often you ride. 

Hosted by Lady Velo (aka Jools Walker) and Ben Dowman, on stage will be Marlon Lee Moncrieffe, Christina Mackenzie, Jack Lenox and Christine Fisher.

Other key speakers

Elise Downing will be sharing her epic journey running 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain, carrying her kit on her back, while endurance sport legends Anna McNuff and Mark Beaumont will also be speaking.

In addition, author and Chumbawamba guitarist Boff Whalley will be telling the true story of how a teenage punk from Yorkshire, seemingly existing on a diet of cider, parties and loud music, rose to the top in the toughest of sports to become British Champion Fell Runner.

Exclusive 220 discount code!

For anyone who can’t make it to Kendal, the festival have set-up a discount code for 220 Triathlon readers to receive 20% off an annual subscription to the Kendal Mountain Player. The Player is the event’s online platform and features all festival events. Quote code TRIATHLON20 to receive your discount.

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