The Stoop

The Stoop

The Stoop is a fell race organised by Wharfedale Harriers and scheduled for Sunday 20 December 2026 at Penistone Hill. The senior course is listed as 4.9 miles with approximately 700 ft of ascent and is graded BM. The event is for over 16s only and the senior race forms part of the Woodentops Race Series alongside Withins Skyline and Stanbury Splash. Chip timing will be used for the series.

The route starts from the quarry bottom at Penistone and follows the track past Drop Farm. Runners follow a footpath onto the track to Harbour Lodge, cross the beck, and run around the edge of the lodge. The path then climbs through heather to the Standing Stone known as the Stoop. After rounding the Stoop the course returns through boggy ground to the original track at Drop Farm, crosses the road and finishes on the cricket pitch.

Participants are advised that full kit may be required, especially for seniors, for example a waterproof jacket with hood, leggings, hat and gloves. The organiser states that if kit is deemed required then no kit means no run. Teams of three are noted as free. All entrants receive a Santa hat and hot drinks and biscuits will be available. Prize giving takes place outside the cricket hut after the race. Prize categories include first ten men and ladies, age category vets, U21, spot prizes and first mens and ladies teams. One prize per person applies and the prize list may be scaled back if fewer than 200 senior runners attend. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.