Dalesrunner 40

DalesRunner 40km

The DalesRunner 40 is a roughly marathon-length trail race that visits Swaledale and a loop into Wensleydale around Semerwater. The advertised distance is about 42 km / 26.2 miles. The route starts and finishes at The Dales Bike Centre, Fremington, and passes through villages and landmarks including Grinton, Maiden Castle Iron Age Hill Fort, Whitaside Moor, Dent's Houses, Carperby, Castle Bolton, the Heights of Greets, Grinton Smelt Mill and Sharrow Hill.

Terrain is a mix of hard-packed footpaths and tracks, moorland trods, grassy pasture and some short road sections. There are a few boggy sections, so trail shoes are recommended. One section, the Wensleydale loop, is unmarked and requires self-navigation; runners will receive a GPX trace and a tracker. Course markings, arrow signs and marshals cover other parts of the route but competitors remain responsible for navigation.

There is a generous cut off at the first visit to Dent's Houses (around 7.5 miles); runners who do not meet this cut off will be diverted onto the Harkerside Hustle short course (half marathon distance). An early start option is available for those who expect to take longer than 6.5 hours.

Aid stations supply water, sweet and savoury food and some electrolyte tablets; Green Haw Hut will have sweets only. No cups are provided at aid stations so competitors must carry a cup or soft flask. Toilets are available at The Dales Bike Centre and Carperby Village Hall. Post-race hot soup and a roll are included in the entry. Age limit 18 plus; entrant limit 200. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.