The Esk Valley Way Ultra, set against the backdrop of North York Moors' breathtaking landscapes, invites runners for an unforgettable journey from source to sea. This inaugural race offers participants a unique opportunity to trace the River Esk’s path through Yorkshire's most remote and scenic terrain. Registration opens at 06:30 on the morning of the event, with final check-in times ending at 07:45 AM sharp. The race officially kicks off at Castleton cricket pitch at precisely 8:00 AM, allowing runners ample time to complete their journey without any strict cut-off points. The route spans an impressive 36-mile distance and encompasses nearly 4,100 feet of elevation gain, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience. Runners will traverse the picturesque Danby Dale, cross Rosedale Head and Blakey Ridge, meander through Westerdale, Danby, Lealholm, Glaisdale, Egton Bridge, and Grosmont, before reaching their final destination at Whitby Harbour under the shadow of the iconic ruins of Whitby Abbey. This event is designed for runners aged 20 years or older. A limited number of entries are available for this first edition, ensuring an exclusive experience for participants eager to explore Yorkshire's wildest beauty. To enhance accessibility, a coach service will transport those who have pre-booked their spots from the finish line back to Castleton at 6:30 AM on race day. The cost is £20 and must be booked simultaneously with your race entry through SiEntries. For runners preferring public transportation, the Esk Valley railway offers an efficient way to return vehicles left at the starting point. Train schedules can be found online or via the MindOverMoors website for planning purposes. Participants will receive open tracking devices throughout their journey, ensuring safety and providing real-time updates on progress. The race is fully insured by ARC under policy number ARC/26/0101, offering peace of mind to all competitors. At the finish line in Whitby Harbour, runners can look forward to a range of facilities that cater to post-race recovery needs. Additionally, XCover insurance is available for purchase at registration, providing coverage should unforeseen circumstances prevent participation on race day. The Esk Valley Way Ultra promises an immersive and unforgettable adventure through Yorkshire’s most enchanting landscapes, perfect for seasoned trail runners seeking new challenges or those looking to experience the beauty of North York Moors in a unique setting.
Races Offered
Affiliated
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Affiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
19 days remaining
sell
£57.00
Unaffiliated
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Unaffiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
19 days remaining
sell
£59.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Castleton.
thermostatTemperature
11.2° / 17.9°
wb_sunnyFeels like
8.4° / 14.9°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 53m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.8 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
16.3 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.9)
humidity_mid
Humidity
80.7%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:48
nightlight
Sunset
20:31
About Castleton
Learn more about the host city, Castleton.
Castleton is a small town in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire. Its two main claims to fame are the 12th-century Peveril Castle and a series of four show caves, where minerals including Blue John, unique to this area, have been mined. To the north lies the gritstone of the Dark Peak; to the south the limestone landscapes of the White Peak. The surrounding countryside has much to offer the walker, rock-climber and potholer.