Dalesrunner 40

DalesRunner 40km : 4 October 2026

The DalesRunner 40 is an approximate 42 km / 26.2 mile trail race through Swaledale and Wensleydale, starting from the village of Grinton and finishing at The Dales Bike Centre in Fremington. The course crosses moorland tracks, hard packed footpaths, grassy pasture and some short road sections. There are a few boggy sections so trail shoes are recommended.

Key features on the route include Maiden Castle Iron Age hill fort, Whitaside Moor, the Bolton Estate and Pen Hill views, Green Haw Hut, Carperby Moor, Ponderledge Scar, Castle Bolton, the Heights of Greets and Grinton Smelt Mill. The Wensleydale loop of the course is unmarked and competitors must navigate that section themselves; other sections will be marked and critical junctions will be marshalled. Competitors receive a tracker and a GPX trace.

There is an early start option for runners who estimate taking longer than 6.5 hours. A course cut-off at the first visit to Dent's Houses (roughly 7.5 miles) may divert slower runners onto the short course option, Harkerside Hustle.

Mandatory kit includes taped seam waterproof jacket and trousers, hat or buff, gloves, emergency blanket or bivvy bag, a cup or soft flask, at least 500 ml water, emergency food and a fully charged mobile phone. Aid stations provide water, sweet and savoury food and some electrolyte tablets; Green Haw Hut carries only sweets. Toilets are available at the Dales Bike Centre and Carperby Village Hall. Entry is limited to 200 runners aged 18 and over. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.