It will be the beginning of August probably. As for fell races before, I'd recommend the 3 Shires (September?), the Langdale Horseshoe (October?), the Full Tour Of Pendle (November) and Edale (next March). Oh and the 3 Peaks next April if you can get in. Almost certainly you will need to have run a couple of races like that to be accepted for the race.

I'd also recommend going up Great Gable and running like a lunatic down to Honiston a few times.