The Cake Race

The Cake Race

The Cake Race is a fell running event held in the Saddleworth area, starting and finishing at the Diggle Hotel. The course covers approximately 10 miles with an ascent of 1700 feet. The route is designed for experienced trail and fell runners and traverses open moorland, Pennine farmland, and areas of industrial heritage.

The terrain consists primarily of flagged paths, tracks, and trails. The initial mile follows Boat Lane, a historic path built for canal barge horses, leading uphill onto the moors. From there, participants follow a flagged path toward Brun Clough Reservoir. The route includes a descent toward Marsden and a section involving long stone steps that descend the side of a dam at Butterley Reservoir before returning up the opposite side. The final stretch brings runners back to the top of Boat Lane for a long return run to the finish.

Specific safety measures and requirements are in place for all participants:

• 10 miles (BM fell race category)
• 1700 feet of total ascent

Participants are required to carry full safety kit, including a waterproof top with taped seams and a hood, waterproof bottoms with taped seams, hat, gloves, whistle, compass, and map. GPS devices are permitted. A cut-off point is enforced at Butterley Reservoir; runners who do not reach this point within 1.5 hours may be requested to retire.

The event includes a cake competition with various categories, and all finishers are provided with refreshments including tea and cake at the conclusion of the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.