DalesRunner 40km: 4 October 2026
The DalesRunner 40 is an approximate 42 km / 26.2 mile trail race through Swaledale and Wensleydale, starting from the village of Grinton and finishing at The Dales Bike Centre in Fremington. The course crosses moorland tracks, hard packed footpaths, grassy pasture and some short road sections. There are a few boggy sections so trail shoes are recommended.
Key features on the route include Maiden Castle Iron Age hill fort, Whitaside Moor, the Bolton Estate and Pen Hill views, Green Haw Hut, Carperby Moor, Ponderledge Scar, Castle Bolton, the Heights of Greets and Grinton Smelt Mill. The Wensleydale loop of the course is unmarked and competitors must navigate that section themselves; other sections will be marked and critical junctions will be marshalled. Competitors receive a tracker and a GPX trace.
There is an early start option for runners who estimate taking longer than 6.5 hours. A course cut-off at the first visit to Dent's Houses (roughly 7.5 miles) may divert slower runners onto the short course option, Harkerside Hustle.
Mandatory Kit
- Taped seam waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
- Hat or buff
- Gloves
- Emergency blanket / bivvy bag
- Cup or soft flask
- 500ml water (minimum)
- Emergency food
- Fully charged mobile phone
Timeline
| Time | Detail |
| 8.00am | Carpark Opens |
| 9.00am | Registration opens |
| 9.45am | Registration closes |
| 9.50am | Race briefing |
| 10.00am | Race starts |
| 12.30pm | Dent's Houses aid station cut off |
| 2.00pm | First runner expected back |
| 6.00pm | Final cut off |