North Yorks Ultra Challenge

Scarborough, United Kingdom • 20-21 Jun 2026

North Yorks Ultra Challenge : event overview

The North Yorks Ultra Challenge takes place on 20-21 June 2026 with basecamp in Scarborough. It is a multi-distance trail event offering continuous and staged formats that use coastal and moorland routes in North Yorkshire. The event includes options for competitive runners, targeted fast-walking (Ultra March), and a solo challengers start. Shuttle buses, parking and transfer services are provided for participants and supporters.

Course, distances and support

The main route is a coast and moors loop from Scarborough. The course runs around Scarborough town and beaches, past the castle, then north along the Cleveland Way via Robin Hood Bay to Whitby, which serves as a 50 km halfway point. Full 100 km challengers continue inland along the Esk Valley, cross moorland and Moors Park Forest, then join the Tabular Hills Walk back to Scarborough.

Distances available:

  • 100 km - full continuous option, ~2,270 m climb
  • 100 km - 2-day daylight option, two ~50 km stages (~1,260 m and ~1,010 m climbs)
  • 50 km - Scarborough to Whitby, ~1,260 m climb
  • 50 km - Whitby to Scarborough, ~1,010 m climb
  • 25 km - Scarborough loop, ~450 m climb
  • 10 miles - Whitby town and coast loop, ~330 m climb

Support infrastructure includes covered rest stops roughly every 12.5 km with major stops at ~25/50/75/100 km, regular food and drink (snacks and meals), medical and massage teams, GPS tracking via an event app, and camping packages at basecamp and Whitby. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

100 km
2270 m+
Full Challenge ~100km
75 km
Three Quarter Challenge ~75km
50 km
1260 m+
Half Challenge ~50km
25 km
450 m+
Quarter Challenge ~25km
10 mi
10 Mile Challenge
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Take on the rugged North York Moors at Hardmoors 26.2 Goathland, a scenic but demanding 27.5 mile trail marathon. Expect big climbs, unmarked routes requiring map reading, and coastal views in a friendly series atmosphere.

Take on winter trails through Dalby Forest with 10km, half marathon and marathon options that wind through towering trees and moorland. Canicross friendly, with a bespoke medal, post race snacks and a welcoming atmosphere.

Explore Coatham Woods near Eaglescliffe in CLOK's regional orienteering event at Birk Brow and Skelton Warren on Sunday 14 Dec. Routes from beginner white to challenging brown suit all abilities, dogs welcome and limited entries on the day.

Test your winter trail legs on the Hardmoors 30, a scenic 30 mile coastal route from Robin Hood's Bay with about 3,400 ft of ascent and an 11 hour limit. Limited to 200 runners, it mixes rugged coastal paths and staffed aid stations.

Join the Hardmoors 15 on 3 January 2026 for a scenic 17.5 mile circular trail from Robin Hood's Bay along the Cinder Track and Cleveland Way. Limited to 150 runners, this winter coastal challenge rewards finishers with a medal and tech tee.

Scarborough Rock offers scenic 26 and 16 mile coastal and moorland routes from Scalby Parish Hall, passing Oliver's Mount. Popular LDWA event with checkpoints, food and a finishers meal; currently full with a waiting list.