Stanza Stones Summer Edition
Ilkley, United Kingdom • 6 Jun 2026
Stanza Stones Summer Edition
The Stanza Stones Summer Edition is a linear long-distance event covering a 50 mile route through West Yorkshire. The course begins at Marsden Cricket Club and concludes in Ilkley at Ben Rhydding Junior School. Participants have a 24-hour time limit to complete the journey, which includes over 6,600 feet of total ascent.
The route is defined by its passage past six specific Stanza Stones. Each of these stones features a poem by Simon Armitage inscribed into the rock, with themes centered on water: Snow, Rain, Mist, Dew, Puddle, and Beck. As the path winds through the South Pennines, it crosses moorland terrain and passes through the historical village of Haworth. The final section of the course takes participants over Ilkley Moor.
The event provides several amenities for participants:
- 50 miles
- Live tracking provided by Open Tracking
- Three indoor checkpoints supplied with food and drink
- Finishers meal
- Changing rooms at the finish location
Registration is available on Friday evening in Ilkley or on Saturday morning at the start line in Marsden. Participants must be at least 20 years old to enter. Optional services such as a coach transfer from the finish in Ilkley to the start in Marsden on Saturday morning and event t-shirts are available for an additional fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.