It's a shame but I think it's understandable for such a complicated event. I've had very mixed fortunes with the Trial. I haven't done it often but out of six entries two have been cancelled altogether (Eskdale and Borrowdale) and two have had the shortened courses (Thirlspot and Mungrisedale). Never the organisers fault, just the weather. I haven't entered for a year or two now as I'm usually away but I am tempted for next year.