Adventure film festivals have become a bread and butter part of the outdoor community, from the likes of Kendal Mountain Festival, BANFF and ShAFF, right through the regional tours and pop up screenings such as Trails in Motion. However, in the past couple of the years, the rise of the Adventure festival and trail running festivals has taken off with real speed, now giving the runner seeking an escape, a shmorgishborg of options.
Útilív Adventure Festival is one such event weekend, but with a difference. The location.
Based on the Faroe Islands, a jigsaw of 18 volcanic islands adrift in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s not the standard Lake District, Chamonix or Boulder location. In fact, it’s truly remote, providing a pretty unique offering for those looking to get away from city life and fully immerse themselves in mountain culture. You might need & want to save that perfect Instagram post for when you get home.
For the trail and ultra runners, there are 4 race distances : 13km, 21km, the Faroe Islands first ever trail marathon and ultra marathon (65km). With knife edge ridges, waterfall back drops and secluded lagoons, the trails, which see much less use then tourist hot spots, provide stunning vistas and a true escape. All athletes receive exclusive entry to the post race party, in nothing less than a 400 year old wooden house, with local and international DJs provided energy and beats for those who haven’t trashed their legs, to party all night.
Beyond the races, there are opportunities to try your hand at sea kayaking, coasteering, hiking, surfing, pack rafting, all supported and provided by local partners, able to guide and access the wildest and least tame parts of the local landscape.
To kick the weekend of (7th to 9th September), a welcome evening at Tórshavn’s Nordic House, consisting of adventure film screenings and environmental talks, eases you into the wild surroundings, before the unfiltered adventure begins. Sustainability is a huge part of Útilív Adventure Festival and the Sunday will kick of with a mass participation beach clean, on one of the islands most remote beaches. Despite being far away from large landmasses, even the Faroe’s are seeing the effects of plastic and non biodegradables being washed inland by the ocean. Ringrás, a local conservation charity will be supporting the clean.
For those interested, booking is recommended, as all races are capped.
More information can be found at https://utilivfestival.com and follow on Facebook &/or Instagram for regular updates.
James Mackeddie 