The Three Peaks Yacht Race sponsored by Libra Education

Sail up the wild West Coast and run to the summits of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, the highest peaks of Wales, England & Scotland.

A classic adventure race for teams of runners and sailors, since 1977.

The Barmouth to Fort William Three Peaks Yacht Race is a unique event combining sailing, running and a little cycling that has become one of the toughest long-distance events in the world. Seven teams took part in the first race in 1977, and it took those entrants just over 5 days to sail 389 miles, climb the 3 peaks and walk or run 73 miles. 

The runners, both gentlemen and ladies, include some of the finest fell runners and marathon runners in the country. Generally, marathon runners don’t much care for running up and down hills and fell runners are equally averse to running on roads. The mountains present problems of their own; there is always snow on Ben Nevis, even in June; wind, rain and mist can make conditions atrocious. Added to this many have to do their running in the dark and those who suffer from seasickness do not even start the runs feeling at their best. The faster the yacht sails the quicker the runs come around. For the leading boats, the runners usually have to do the first two stages during one 24-hour period.

One should not mention the history of the race without remarking on the many thousands of pounds raised for different charities over the years. The sums have never been totaled but they have been known to reach six figures in a single year. The race organisers in their Memorandum of Association are required to encourage teams to raise money for charity; and are themselves required to promote the teaching of sailing to the young people of Barmouth.

Libra Education is especially proud to be supporting one of the toughest sailings and running races in the world. We are always encouraging our students to stretch their limits in ways that push them outside of their comfort zones. In The Three Peaks Yacht Race, we have found the perfect embodiment of that sentiment.

Not only is Libra Education the lead sponsor of the race, CEO Oscar Hardy will be entering a team hoping to take a trophy or two!

Follow our social media channels for race updates and the training journey to come.