The annual Yomp across the fells near Kirkby Stephen and the head of the Eden Valley will this year celebrate its 21st anniversary and it will be held on June 1.

Last year the event raised in excess of £10,000 for distribution to charitable causes including the Rainbow Trust, Age Concern (Eden), the Jubilee Sailing Trust, the Spinal Injuries Unit at Middlesborough General Hospital and £1,000 for Kirkby Stephen Primary School.

Despite atrocious weather conditions, a total of 552 people entered the 2002 Yomp, including 131 on the day - with 221 taking the Full Course, 239 the Half Course and 92 the Short Course. A total of 514 finished - only 38 either retired or decided not to start.

It is tackled with enthusiasm by hundreds of walkers and runners, some on their own and some in teams, some for the simple pleasure of a fine day on the hills and some with serious intent to win a trophy or beat a time. Individual start times and the length of the Yomp ensure that the route never appears crowded, and entrants can go solo or enjoy a friendly atmosphere associating with others as they wish.

The event is organised by members of the Rotary Club of Upper Eden with assistance from partners, local organisations and individuals and with access permission from landowners.

There are three courses, starting and finishing in Kirkby Stephen.

The Full Yomp is 23 miles and the Half Yomp, 11.5 miles. The walks diverge a couple of miles out of Kirkby and meet up again about two miles before the final ascent to the Nine Standards and the four mile hike off the fells to Kirkby Stephen.

The 6.5 mile Short Yomp starts at the Marshalls' tent at the top of Tailbridge Hill and follows the same course from there as the others. Full and Half Yomp registrations from 7am at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School. Short Yomp registration from 11.30am to12.30pm at the Tailbridge Checkpoint.

The Full Yomp starts from 8am to 9am for walkers and 8am to 10am for runners. The Half Yomp starts between 8am to 10am.

The route is over fell land, bog and scree and the full course rises to over 650m in three places.

For the Full Yomp, entry forms are usually sent out to all past Yompers and those that request them. These contain full instructions and advice on equipment to carry, as well as a sponsorship form.

There are ten checkpoints on the route, each staffed and equipped with water and first aid. The route is waymarked with flags at 100m intervals. The local mountain rescue team and the Red Cross are on duty on the route.

Safe alternative routes are prepared for use in the event of a sudden adverse change in weather conditions.

Refreshments, changing and shower facilities are available free of charge at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, which is the start and finish point for Full and Half Yomps. All entrants are timed to the nearest minute and receive a completion certificate. There are 17 cups and trophies awarded to winners of various categories Entrance fee is £6 per adult, £3 for under 16 or over 60 , £3 for the Short Yomp. There is no additional charge for teams. As all the money raised goes to charity, additional donations to the entrance fee are gratefully received.

May 28, 2003 09:30