If you are participating in this years walk print this Poster and put up in your School, Office, Work Place etc..... to assist you in capturing Sponsorship.

Please Click Here to print the Sponsor Poster.

Due to the level of entries received this year, it is taking longer than normal to approve teams in order to ensure that any previous years defaulters (Rule infringements, Support car issues, Sponsor money defaulters) do not take precedence over others.  Some teams have already been excluded from this years event and there will be more as they are identified.

At 9 February, 70% of all entries have been evaluated with the remainder due to be considered by Sunday 14th February.  By this time ALL teams will have received an acceptance into this years event (along with team number) or a decline.  It should be noted that there will be a high level of declined teams due to the high level of entries this year.

If you are/ have been successful in having a team accepted please note the maximum number of entrants in your team is what you registered/ were approved with.  We leave you the ability to re-visit your team entries so that you can update Bus places, Sponsorship etc-and include replacement names within the accepted number of team members.

For example whilst each K2B team can have up to 12 team members if you had your team approved with 6 people then this is maximum limit for your team come what may - You DO NOT have 6 spare places which you can look to fill with other people.

Please ensure that you follow K2B guidelines to avoid disqualification in subsequent years.

Yet again the K2B is proving to be one of the Englands most popular Charity Events with the number of entries received during week one, surpassing the maximum safety limit imposed by the organisers. 

Entries continue to be received at a steady rate and the acceptance process to vet and confirm entries was due to start 25th January.  It should be noted that due to high demand that it may take several weeks to confirm which teams have been accepted (co-ordinators will be notified by e-mail confirming acceptance and Team No) and which teams unfortunately have been declined (there will be many disapointments !).  Accordingly teams SHOULD NOT forward Happy Bus monies or book accomodation / travel etc until they have received their confirmation.

All teams submitted to date will be considered for entry but any 'new' teams from outside Cumbria should note that they are unlikeley to be accepted as priority will be given to longstanding and local teams particularly schools,  BAE Systems and MoD teams competing for internal trophies. It should be noted that any teams with a record for flouting rules & regulations, Support Car guidance, sponsor money guidelines and 'No-Show's (and there were plenty last year) will NOT be reconsidered for participation. 

Any specific queries can be directed to the organising committee by e-mail.

Thank you for your patience.
K2B

Please note for 2010 we are looking for the following MINIMUM Sponsorship from each entrant

Adults     :- £40

Under 17 :- £20

All previous Team Co-ordinator registration details will have been removed when the 2010 registration window opens on January 18th.  Therefore All Team Co-ordinators will need to register from new.

Also for all those who have not returned their timing tags please note Team Co-ordinators ( and individual team entants) will be cross checked against our list of missing tags and be subject to an entry rejection process.

Timing Tags should be returned ASAP to

KBW Secretary
C/O BAE Systems Submarines Main Reception ,
Barrow in Furness,
Cumbria,
LA14 1AF.

For all you social networkers out there we have created a group on Facebook (Group is called Keswick to Barrow walk) where you can share your views on the walk. 

Alternatively you can still forward your thoughts direct to the committee using the normal e-mail facility on the website.

K2B43 - 2009 Walkday Summary

President's Special Achievement Award 

The K2B president and ex-Shipyard Production Director, Gordon Howell, has kindly donated a 'Presidents Achievement Award' for 2009 which will be presented to an individual or group who has made an outstanding effort in this years K2B.  The award, which will be presented annually, may be for a special performance or accomplishment in the event or may even be a support group who has provided a noteworthy input into organisation of the K2B.  If anyone feels that they would like to nominate a 'special achievement' by an individual or group, they should inform a committee member on the day with full details.  The committe will shortlist the candidates and the President will then decide the winner.

K2b

Beijing Gold Medalist set to take on K2B

The K2B has had a number of international athletes participating over the years and this year is no exception with Rachael Morris who took Gold in the Womens Individual Handcycle Time Trial, in last years Paralympics participating as part of the Whizz Kids Handcycle team.  Rachel will be accompanied in this years K2B by Kevin Papworth who has previously won the London Marathon in his racing chair and Andy Chamings who set last years new K2B record for the class at 3hrs 54 minutes.  

The K2B timing system uses a High Frequency (HF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging system to track and time your team members along the route. 

 The main components of this system are the reader (sits at the centre of the red target) and the tag which each walker wears on a lanyard.  The reader can read the tag up to 1 to 2 cm away.  

Each Tag has been mapped to a member of your team as defined on your Captains Sheet which you check as part of the registration process.  It is therefore very important that you get the correct tags in accordance with this sheet otherwise you will be walking under the wrong name and this will delay you at checkin.

How to log your attendance at a Checkpoint

At each checkpoint you will see at least 1 reader on a Red target. 

To log you through each of the checkpoints we need you to touch the reader with your tag.  The reader will record you as passing the checkpoint and flash amber and green to confirm a good read of your tag – this will take seconds to complete.  The Checkpoint Marshall should be able to confirm your name and team details.

Finding out where your team members are

At key points along the route we have provided search points.  At these search points you will be able to find out when other team members went through the last checkpoint and also obtain a prediction of when they are due to reach the next checkpoint.  Search points are provided at

·                  Monks Coniston Car Park                        ( Checkpoint 3)

·                 Lowick Cross Roads                                ( Near the Red Lion Pub)

·                  Marton Village                                         ( Checkpoint 7)

·                  Hawcoat Lane Sports Club                       ( Finish)

Another Successful Event - Highlights from K2B42 - 2008

The 42^nd Keswick to Barrow Walk (K2B) got underway from Rough How Bridge in perfect conditions with the 2029 starters being the second highest turnout in the history of the event (record 2049 last Year).  The slight reduction from the 2200 expected, was attributed to the success of Barrow AFC gaining promotion by winning the Blue Square North play off’s the night before with many supporters celebrating well into the morning.

Of the 245 starting teams, 89 were from outside Cumbria, 27 were Ministry of Defence Teams, there were 18 Ladies teams and 31 Junior Teams.  There were 60 official runners competing for individual trophies and twelve disabled Handcyclists.

The first walkers were through the start at 5.30 prompt, with many skipping or jogging along the A591 towards Barrow – some in fancy dress.  Runners were despatched at the official 6.00 start time with a team of twelve Handcyclists getting underway shortly afterwards.  The last team away at 6.50 was the Lancashire team, The Mulligans who had already walked the 2 miles from their hotel at Keswick due to failure of transport arrangements.

The surface of Thirlmere was like a mirror reflecting the Helvellyn range in the early morning light as the walkers started the passage along the west bank.  The sun came up as the majority of walkers were ascending Dunmail Raise which provides the first support point at 7 miles and the ideal location for a cooked breakfast for many walkers.  The route then leaves the A591 and winds its way through the beautiful Lakeland villages of Grasmere and Elterwater on route to the Halfway point at Brantwood on the banks of Coniston Water. 

The fringes of Grizedale Forest provided well needed shade along the length of Coniston Water as the sun rose high into the sky and the first of the casualties were treated by the well-equipped first aid and rescue teams on route.  A carnival atmosphere awaited those who managed to make the marathon distance to Lowick, with many well-wishers and supporters in festive spirits outside the Red Lion Inn.

The most arduous section of the route had only just begun as walkers embarked upon a four mile uphill struggle to the top of the Furness Fells and were rewarded by some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the country.  The final descent through the village of Marton and then Dalton – the ancient capital of Furness – gave some respite to the weary legs enabling the final trudge along Abbey Road into Barrow more possible.  All 1815 finishers were greeted with warm applause as they crossed the finish line at Hawcoat Park to receive their finishers medal.

First Man home in a time of 4 hr 33 minutes – and winner of the ‘Best Performance Cup’ was local draughtsman Gary Dixon from the Shipyard’s SEDDASA team in only his first K2B. Second placed was Darren Fell of the Waikiki Beach Club team in 4hr 52 min with 3^rd placed Christopher Howie of the Shipyard’s ALARP team making it a 1,2,3 for local runners.

 First Handcyclist home and winner of the Malcolm Savage Memorial Plate was 2005 winner Andy Chamings from York setting a new course record of 3hr 54 minutes for the class.  Last years winner Geoff Marshall from Farnborough was second in 4 hr 2 minutes.

First lady home and winner of the JM Redshaw Cup for the second year running was Fiona Taylor from Aberdeen in a time of 6 hr 5 minutes.  Third lady home and winner of the Sandy Woods Girls trophy was 15 year old Jemma Bell from Ulverston Victoria High School who completed the course in 6hr 53 minutes.  Winner of the Sandy Woods Boys Trophy was 16 year old Aron Fell from Park View School in a time of 6 hr 33 minutes.

Winners of the L Redshaw Cup for the best overall team performance was the Shipyard Team SEDDASA with all ten men back in 7 hrs 15 minutes. SEDDASA also took the Resolution Cup – for the best team in an in-house competition with the Royal Navy – and the Charity Challenge Trophy for the best BAE Systems team, both of which were new records for the class.

The K2B Challenge Cup for the best non-Cumbrian team and the W Richardson Trophy for the best MoD team were both won by HMS Sultan Delayed Neutons from Portsmouth with all ten home in 7 hours 49 minutes.

The Ladies Team Trophy was won for the sixth time by the 2008 Badminton Babes with all ten ladies home (complete with immaculate lipstick and smiles) in 10 hrs 56 minutes.  Chetwynde School retained the Vanguard Cup for the fastest junior team in 13 hrs 10 minutes with Walney School B second and St Bernards 4 Third.

The youngest participant was Sharanya Guleri from Merseyside who completed his third K2B this year.  The oldest competitor was 85 year old Barrovian Ken Honeyman who arrived back at the finish at 8.15 pm.  Last arriving was a group of four Walney Schoolchildren after 16 and a half hours on the road.

The total amount to be raised from this years event is expected to exceed £200k and possibly exceed the £220k record set last year.  The K2B committee would like to thank all Walkers, sponsors and Marshals for making such an excellent day. 

A full list of results is available on the website.

Please note that the 'three strikes rule' will mean that any any team accruing 3 strikes is unlikely to be considered for participation in future years.  K2B 'offences' which would incur a 'strike' include:

Driving Along Route - support vehicles travelling along unauthorised stretches of the route (putting participants at risk) .  In severe or repeated cases, the team (and all its entrants) will recieve a straight ban.  Please ensure that all your support vehicle drivers are fully briefed (details in rules & regulations section)

Not following Marshal's instructions - Please follow any Marshal's requests, they are there to keep you safe.

Unreasonable Behaviour - Any action which may be considered a threat to the safety of other participants or which may be thought to be unappropriate (eg, aggressive or abusive behaviour, drunken-ness)

No-Show - Team not turning out on the day without prior notice or good reason.  If withdrawals are advised in sufficient time their team place can be reallocated to the next team on the reserve list.

Cheating - any action which may constitute cheating in trophy competitions

Sponsor Money Defualters - Persons not returning sponsor monies to the K2B treasurer after the event. Note - sponsor monies are due by 31 July.

Incorrect or incomplete Teamsheet details, Please follow simple guidelines and provide ALL details requested 

Pease note that your participation on this increasingly popular 'free to enter' event is entirely at the discretion of the K2B committee. Please lets play fair and enjoy the day ensuring the safety of all others.

2007 - Simply the Most Successful K2B Year Yet !

Following the establishment of new participation records on the 12th May, several fundraising records were set at the annual K2B Awards evening on 8th November.  

A total of £180,259  - some £54k better than the record set last year - was distributed to 187 charities, with the 128 Local Charities benefiting to the tune of £113,842.  Some 59 Non-Cumbrian charities benefitted by a total of £66,417 thanks to the efforts of some 90 travelling teams.  A total of 81 Gift Aid Packages totalling some £25,187 were also presented bringing the overall 2007 K2B charity payout to £205,466. The total raised by the K2B since 1967 now stands at £1,257,472.

Awards ranged up to a the fantastic £10,000 presented to the North West Air Ambulance which becomes the highest charity award ever presented by the K2B.  The Air Ambulance was nominated by several local teams in the wake of a tragic car accident involving local businessman Ray Armstong and his family earlier this year.

The Glaxo Charity Shield for the most money raised by a team went to Tonka Fingers Charity Convoy 5 who set a new fundraising record of £6395.  The MSF Trophy for the Junior Team raising most money was presented to Chetwynde School 1 with an excellent £1088.

Other highlights from 2007 include:

• Most Ever Participants at 2049, some 29% higher than previous best of 1591 participants last year. (First year we have had to close entries before the date in order to guarantee safety limits)

• Of these, some 1788 hardy souls managed to complete the event and producing – our best completion rate yet of 87% (fantastic !)

• A Record 34 MoD/Armed Forces Teams (16 LY), mostly from outside Cumbria.

• A Record 45 Junior Teams mostly representing local secondary Schools, including five from Thorncliffe School and eight from Dowdales School.

• Altogether, a record 297 participating teams (230 LY), 103 of which from outside Cumbria (52 LY) with individual representation from the Czech Republic, Alaska, New Zealand and China.

• The Youngest Participant (again) was nine year old Sharanya Guleri  from Merseyside and the oldest was Gordon Rodgers from Carlisle at 77 (and gaining his white ‘Doctors Certificate’ for 3 completions)

• We had Joint Winners in the mens trophy with Rolls Royce contractors Neil Halliday and John Robertson finishing hand in hand after 5 hours 13 minutes pacing each other along the route

• There was a new all-time Girls record of 7 hr 40 minutes by Jemma Bell from Barrow.

• Another Junior Record was set by Chetwynde 1 who took the Vanguard Team trophy in 10 hrs 18 minutes taking a massive 80 minutes off the previous best

A total of some 78,000 miles have been covered this year and most importantly the 2000 plus walkers have generated the best ever K2B fundraising total with an average £88 raised per entrant. ‘Well Done’ to each and every one of you for contributing to this fantastic success.

New Charity Nominations Procedure

A new nominations procedure has been introduced for 2007 allowing teams  - who wish to nominate a charity to benefit from their efforts  - to make their nomination via the website.  The new webpage  - which is available from the K2B Home Page -  will be the only method of charity nomination by participants and will require full charity and team details and a declaration of how much has been raised and returned to the K2b Committee.

The tab on the home page (bottom right) will take you to the Co-ordinator Log in where you need to input your details as used for the K2B team entry this year.  Successful input of password will take you to the page where you can nominate your charity (s).

Details of the nominations process including Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the website under charities.

Address for Sponsor Monies

Having now completed the event (or part of it) you must now make sure that you collect as much of your sponsor money as possible and submit it (via your team co-ordinator) to the K2B Treasurer at the Following Address:

Mr Bill Bright, K2B Treasurer, Old Hall Farm, Stainton with Adgarley, Nr Barrow in Furness, Cumbria LA13 ONH.

Cheques should be made payable to the Keswick to Barrow Walk Committee and ALL cheques must have your team number written on the reverse.  No other address should be used for returning monies.

Please note that ALL Monies must be returned to the K2B and under no circumstances should any monies be forwarded direct to charities.  You can of course nominate a charity under the charity nominations process.

Deadline for reciept of 2009 sponsor monies is 31 July.  Please note that defaulters may not be eligible to participate in future events.

Despite the early morning drizzle, 2044 entrants made the journey to Keswick to take part this year’s K2B with a common aim of raising monies for their favourite charities. Many teams had travelled from as far afeild as Portsmouth, Thurso and Hastings with Alaskan Art Peterson again making his annual 4000 mile trip to participate. Other participants included a team of Chinese students studying at York University and 28yr old David Sykora from the Czech Republic currently on work placement at Lakeside YMCA.

Around 30 volunteers had been on site at Rough How Bridge since 3am establishing the start and connecting up the satellite-based 'Entrant Tracking System' which captures walkers progress thus enabling marshals to locate individuals along the 40 mile course. Recognising the threat of heavy showers and an increasing congregation of eager participants, the organisers let the first walkers through the electronic 'gates' at around 5.20 am to begin their trek. Around 60 runners competing for fastest-individual trophies were released at 6.00 and nine paraplegic handcyclists started half an hour later.

The cloud cover continued throughout the morning making good cool conditions for the competitors as they made their way along the winding Lakeland lanes. Sunshine and clear skies arrived in the early afternoon when most walkers were negotiating the Furness Fells. The spectacular views of the Furness Peninsula on the descent however helped take walkers minds off the final ten miles to the Finish.

Back at the BAE Sstems Sports Club well-wishers and supporters lined the route to cheer the relieved finishers as they dug deep to sport a smile or a jog over the last few hundred metres. There were also stalls and childrens activities provided for the young whilst parents relaxed in the carnival atmospere which developed throughout the afternoon.

Joint winners of the Best Performance Cup for the first man home were Neil Halliday and John Robertson of Derbyshire-based team 'Plan, Design & Run away' in a time of 5hr 13 min. This was only the second time the trophy has been 'shared' with the first occasion being during the inaugural K2B in 1967 when three runners crossed the line together. Merseyside runner Dave Griffin actually posted the fastest time of this year’s K2B with 5hr 12min but was not awarded the trophy having left Keswick ahead of the 06:00 official start.

The first Lady home and winner of the JM Redshaw Trophy was Fiona Taylor from the Newcastle-based Trojan Squadron Team in 6 hr 24 minutes. First local lady was retired Shipyard manager and previous winner Gillian Thompson.

A New Girls Record of 7hr 40 min was established by Barrow Schoolgirl Jemma Bell who received the Sandy Woods Girls Trophy. Winner of the Sandy Woods Boys Trophy was Dowdales Schoolboy Cameron Fawcett in 7hr 18min.

Winner of the Malcolm Savage Memorial Plate for the second year running was hand cyclist Geoff Marshal from York in a time of 4 hrs 45 minutes.

Winners of the L Redshaw Cup for the best overall team performance was Derby RRaiders with all ten home (200 points) in 8hr 7 min. This win which extends Rolls Royce’s list of overall K2B triumphs to sixteen, also secured the Keswick to Barrow Challenge Trophy for non-Cumbrian teams.

Winners of the Resolution Cup in a closed completion between Barrow Shipyard and RN crew teams was shipyard team SEDDASA with all 10 home in 8hr 33min. SEDDASA also won the Charity Challenge Trophy for BAE Systems teams narrowly beating Brough Logistics who achieved 200 points in 9hr 53minutes.

Almost 90 minutes was slashed off the Junior Team Record by Chetwynde School One who took the Vanguard Trophy with all 12 children home in 10hr 18 minutes. The Ladies Team Trophy was won this year by Lowick Trotters 1with all 10 home in 14hr 10 minutes.

Last to arrive at the BAE Systems Sports Club Finishing at 10.30pm was Caroline Murphy from Barrow after almost 16 an a half hours on the road. The youngest participant was thought to be nine year old Sharanya Guleri from Merseyside who completed the course ( for the second time) with his parents. The oldest participant was Gordon Rodgers from Carlisle who is 77 this month.

A full list of finishers and trophy results will be posted on the website shortly.

Sponsorship pledges from the 1800 finishers total around £130k although predictions are that the event could raise in excess of £150k when final sponsor monies are received.

The Keswick to Barrow Walk Committee would like to thank all walkers, sponsors and supporters for contributing to this year’s extremely successful event. The event is made possible by kind contributions from Furness Building Society, Poole - Townsend, NeXT Solutions, John Caunt Scientific, Hewden Hire, HSP Milners, Barclays Bank , Computer Sciences, Barrow Borough Council, MoneX, Nuclear Decommissioning Agency, Wilkinsons, Netto, Asda, R F I D, and Major Sponsors BAE Systems and Rolls Royce.