Harkerside Hustle

Harkerside Hustle

The Harkerside Hustle is a half marathon run in Swaledale and Wensleydale based at The Dales Bike Centre, Fremington, North Yorkshire. The advertised distance is roughly 21.7 km (13.4 miles). The course uses moorland trods, hard packed tracks, grassy paths and a short road section and is recommended for trail shoes.

The route passes an iron age farmstead, climbs Whitaside Moor, descends through Apedale, returns via the Height of Greets and Grinton Smelt Mill, and includes a view point at Sharrow Hill before finishing back at The Dales Bike Centre. Course junctions and turns are marked with orange tape, pin flags and coloured arrow signs; critical crossings are manned by marshals but markings can be disturbed, so competitors are advised to carry a copy of the route map. Competitors receive a tracker and a GPX trace.

Weather can be unpredictable in autumn. The event has a mandatory kit list that may be checked; required items include taped seam waterproofs (jacket and trousers), a hat or buff, gloves, an emergency blanket or bivvy bag, a cup or soft flask, at least 500 ml of water, emergency food and a fully charged mobile phone. Suggested items include a map, compass and whistle.

Aid stations provide water, sweet and savoury food and some electrolyte tablets but no cups. Toilets are at race HQ. The event is limited to 200 entrants and has an age minimum of 16. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.