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DalesRunner 30

20th July 2024
Muker

Ascending almost 3,000ft from Swaledale up to the Tan Hill Inn (Great Britain’s highest pub), it’s never going to be an easy race. This route takes you on the Coast to Coast path to the tiny hamlet of Ravenseat before heading up and across some of the country’s remotest expanses of moorland to reach the Tan Hill Inn. A section of the Pennine Way takes you back down to Swaledale, with a stiff ascent of the spectacular Swinner Gill to follow. From there, the fast, flying descent on moorland tracks and the final dash to the finish line through Muker’s iconic Swaledale flower meadows make this a race not to be missed.

Quick Links: Registration | Course Info | Race Day

Race Details

Location

Race HQ will be hosted by Usha Gap Campsite which will be a short walk from the start.
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Course Summary

Distance: 31.7km / 19.7m (roughly)

Starting from the meadows north of the village of Muker, the course follows the valley known as Hartlakes north to Kisdon Force near the village of Keld. Here you cross the river by foot bridge before following the Coast to Coast route to Ravenseat where there is a water station. The route then crosses the moor, passing Robert’s Seat and Thomas Gill Hill to arrive at The Tan Hill Inn. At Tan Hill there will be an aid station.

From Tan Hill, the route follows the Pennine Way back to the water falls at Kisdon. Transferring back to the Coast to Coast route, the course passes by Crackpot Hall before climbing Swinner Gill to the final water station. A track takes you gently down Gunnerside Gill all the way to the village of Ivelet. Here the course rejoins the Pennine Way, along the banks of the River Swale and through the meadows before finishing near the Rampsholme footbridge.

Shoe Recommendation: Trail shoe, whilst predominantly on grass, there are a few sections of shooting track and even a stretch of tarmac.

Course Records

Class Name Club Time
Male Keith Wigley Swaledale Runners 2:26:12
Female Heather Tuffs Nidderdale 3.09.57
Vet Male Trevor Bosomworth Ripon Runners 3:09:53
Vet Female Helen Burrel Swaledale Runners 3.25.47
Non Binary - - -

Weather

We hope that July will bring us fabulous weather for running. Runners should make themselves aware of the position of the aid stations on the route when planning how much water to carry. Our kit list requires each runner to start with a minimum of 500ml of water in their kit, but if the weather is particularly warm you may decide to carry more. Likewise, runners should be prepared for quickly changing conditions that are typical of upland locations. At its highest points, the route is very exposed and usually breezy even on the best of days! Our kit list is there for a reason and we will be performing spot checks.

The Mountain Weather Information Service has a three day forecast available for the general area.
Weather Online has a long range forecast available for Richmondshire.

Course Details

Map

Route map for DalesRunner 30 by DalesRunner Races on plotaroute.com

Elevation

Downloads

Download the full route GPX file
Download GPX (Zipped)
Download PDF map

Race Day Information

Parking

We will be parking in a field adjacent to the campsite unless you fancy making a weekend of it in which case you can just step out of your tent and be there!
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View Larger Map

Registration

You will register in the parking field next to Usha Gap campsite. We may be performing kit spot checks at registration or somewhere on the course, anyone failing to have the mandatory kit will be disqualified.

Kit List

We now have mandatory kit, we may be performing kit spot checks at registration or somewhere on the course, anyone failing to have the mandatory kit will be disqualified.

Mandatory Kit

  • Taped seam waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
  • Hat or buff
  • Gloves
  • Emergency blanket / bivvy bag
  • Cup or soft flask *We do not keep plastic cups at our aid stations*
  • 500ml water (minimum)
  • Fully charged mobile phone

Suggested Kit

  • Map
  • Compass
  • Whistle
  • Emergency food

Start

The start area is 1.5 miles from the car park and race HQ, a perfect warm up distance! Runners will be advised to move towards the start line from 9.15 am along the marked route to the start.

Timeline

Time Detail
8.00am Carpark Opens
8.30am Registration opens
9.30am Registration closes
9.50am Race briefing
10.00am Race starts
1.00pm Tan Hill cut off and first runner expected back
4.00pm Final cut off

Course Markings

The race course will be well marked with orange barrier tape as well as orange pin flags, trail junctions and turns will be well marked with coloured arrow signs to show you the way. All critical turns and road crossings will be manned by our marshals so you are going to have to try pretty hard to go wrong but be aware that course markings can be moved or stolen and for this reason we strongly advise carrying a copy of the route map.

Aid Stations

The aid stations will stock water, Active Root, sweet and savoury food and have a small stash of electrolyte drinks available. Please note we will not be providing cups at aid stations. Marshals will be happy to support you in refilling bottles and we advise you to consider carrying a collapsible/soft cup. Water will also be available at the finish.

NB: We don't use plastic cups at our aid stations, make sure you have either a soft flask, bladder or collapsable cup with you.

# Name Segment Distance Total Distance
1 Start 0 0
2 Ravenseat 4.8m 4.8m
3 Tan Hill 3.3m 8.1m
4 Swinner Gill 5.3m 13.4m
5 Finish 6.3m 19.7m

Toilets

Portable toilets will be available at the carpark. Please be aware there will be no toilet facilities at the start and finish areas of the race.

Refreshments

Post-race refreshments will be available at Usha Gap. Each runner will be provided with a hot drink, vegetable soup and a roll.

Runners & Rubbish

Please respect the trails and the beauty of the dales by disposing of any rubbish at one of our aid stations or take it home with you.

Code of conduct

Be polite to our marshals, first aiders and members of staff, these people are volunteering their free time to assist you in reaching the finish line and are doing everything they can to get you there.

Do not rely on marshals, photographers or other staff persons to direct you on your course. It is YOUR responsibility to know your course and follow the course signs.

Remember to always remain on the designated marked trails, no short cutting.

Poles are allowed (but probably not necessary), please be conscious of where you’re pointing them.

This course includes single track. If you are attempting to pass, please alert the runner in front of you before flying past them. Likewise, if you hear a runner approaching you from behind, attempt to find a spot to allow the runner to pass.

As a general rule, when passing a runner, announce, 'on your left'.

Uphill runners/hikers have the right of way to downhill runners. Remain in control as you descend and respect the other runners.

Everyone is after the same goal here so let’s be respectful of each other’s races and have fun.

Registration

Age Restrictions

Due to the nature of the course and the distance involved this race has an age limit of 18+ to enter.

Prices

All prices include a £1 donation to the National Park to help towards the upkeep of the footpaths we use.

Offer Affiliated Unaffiliated
Early Bird (ends 31/12/2023) £28 £30
Standard (ends 22/6/2024) £30 £32
Late (ends 13/7/2024) £34 £36

Entrant Limit

200 runners
Entry List (SiEntries)