We’re extremely excited to announce the first year of ‘The Jove Club Mountain Games’!
We talk a lot about how people need to be fit for the real world and to meet the demands of adventure - i.e. in the elements for long hours, generally not all that comfortable and importantly, carrying some kind of equipment.
This is an expedition-style challenge where you’ll endure a long day carrying weight comparable to what you’d carry on any adventure.
What are ‘The Jove Club Mountain Games’?
Set in the heart of the Lake District, it’s like a Jove Club adventure weekend, fitness race and festival all rolled into one epic event.
As fun as they are, HYROX competitions, road races and even trail races don’t quite cut it when it comes to proving your fitness for adventure.
Why you ask?
Because when does adventure happen in an arena, city park or without carrying equipment? The answer is it doesn’t.
You might be the best runner… You might amazing at burpees… But can you do what’s actually required to get out and explore the world carrying the kit you need when facing the elements?
Fit for adventure rarely means without kit…
Whether you’re out for a day hike, going climbing or planning a multi-day expedition - you’ll likely have to carry something on your back…
What is the challenge?
Choose your division and take on a long and scenic mountain route carrying an expedition-style pack.
Participants can select:
🥾 6kg ‘Challenge’ Division – Open adventure entry level
🎒 10kg ‘Performance’ Division – Serious challenge load
🪓 14kg ‘Championship’ Division – The expedition tier
Expect to be carrying this weight over a 30-50km course (depending on which division you choose) with serious elevation and multiple mountain ascents.
It is designed to be tough but achievable for relatively fit people who have done some preparation.
This is a mountain festival-style weekend built around challenge, social connection, and adventure fitness.
This is a race (and it isn’t…)
‘The Jove Club Mountain Games’ blends performance and teamwork.
Like a race, this event will be timed and there will be a prize for the winners.
However, there is a big but... Having experienced a number of races on road, trail and in stadiums - we don’t want to see people elbowing each other out of the way to get ahead.
We want people to push themselves and be competitive but not at the expense of others. We will also award a prize to anyone who demonstrates selflessness and teamwork.
The Lakes
We haven’t decided exactly where this event will take place yet… But expect epic, often remote feeling landscapes.
Who is this for?
This event is open to adventure-minded participants who are reasonably fit and ready to prepare for a serious mountain challenge. You don’t have to have been on a Jove Club trip or to a Jove Club event.
It doesn’t matter which category you choose - this will be a very tough event.
Awards & recognition
We don’t think a generic medal is fitting for this event - we definitely won’t handing out patches for people’s ruck sacks…
Each participant will be rewarded with a distinctive engraved carabiner.
14kg ‘Championship’ division winners (male and female) will receive an engraved ice axe.
Awards are presented for the winners of:
6kg ‘Challenge’ division
10kg ‘Performance’ division
Team category champions
At our discretion, we may also give an award to anyone who is an exceptional team player
Weekend festival atmosphere
We want this to be more than just a challenge - expect:
Opening welcome session & social
An inspirational talk from a guest speaker
The mountain challenge day
Post-event awards ceremony and social
The heart of the event is likely to be centred around local venues in the mountains of the Lake District.
Limited capacity
‘The Jove Club Mountain Games’ is planned as a carefully managed mountain experience. Places will be limited to maintain safety, route quality, and a festival atmosphere.
Join the waiting list early to secure priority access and pricing when entries open.
We expect many adventure-minded participants to register interest.
Final word from our founder
“I keep going on about the importance of being fit for adventure. What a lot of people don’t realise, by focussing on ‘adventure’ (which is very broad) the kind of fitness we build really prepares us to feel confident doing anything in life. When you know you can handle mountaineering in -25 degree conditions or long multi-day expeditions - there’s really nothing stopping you trying anything (whether you’re any good or not is another thing…)!
Most people really want to be fit enough to do whatever they want, whenever they want (within reason). We want this weekend to be a signature event for Jove Club which represents not only fitness and challenge, but also camaraderie and social connection in the same way our other trips do.
While we’ll rightly celebrate people’s achievements, it’s definitely not about ‘chest beating’ or showing off.
So, we’d love you to be part of the first of what will hopefully become an annual games weekend!”
Register your interest
Join ‘The Jove Club Mountain Games’ 2026 waiting list to be the first to hear when entries open.
Priority entry and pricing will be offered to waiting list members before public release.
Footer note
Mountain Games is delivered by Jove Club, a community focused on adventure fitness, mountain experience, and lifestyle challenge events.