The Northern Traverse is an esteemed coast-to-coast ultra marathon spanning 186 miles (300 km) across some of the United Kingdom’s most breathtaking landscapes. Established following the path originally laid out by renowned author Alfred Wainwright in his iconic 1973 book ‘A Coast To Coast Walk’, this race provides an unparalleled experience through three stunning National Parks: The Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorkshire Moors.
Date, Start Time & Live Tracking
The upcoming Northern Traverse race is set to commence at 08:30 on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Competitors face the challenging task of completing the course by 23:59 on Wednesday, April 9. Each participant will carry a tracking device, allowing friends, family, and supporters to follow their progress in real-time via the official tracking website here.
Northern Traverse Route Overview
The race begins at St Bees on the west coast of England and requires competitors to cover a staggering 6,500 meters (21,325 feet) of ascent as they traverse to the finish line at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast. As a ‘non-stop’ ultra marathon, participants have the flexibility to push through without stopping for the night, although there are tents available at support points for those who wish to catch some rest. Competitors must navigate various checkpoints, each with specific cut-off times, as they make their way across this challenging terrain.
- St Bees to Rosthwaite – 47 km (Cut-off: Saturday 23:00)
- Rosthwaite to Patterdale – 24 km (Cut-off: Sunday 10:00)
- Patterdale to Shap – 25 km (Cut-off: Sunday 17:30)
- Shap to Kirkby Stephen – 32 km (Cut-off: Monday 06:00)
- Kirkby Stephen to Richmond – 55 km (Cut-off: Tuesday 04:30)
- Richmond to Lord Stones – 49 km (Cut-off: Wednesday 03:00)
- Lord Stones to Finish (Robin Hood’s Bay) – 67 km (Cut-off: Wednesday 23:59)
Race Regulations and Guidelines
The Northern Traverse imposes strict regulations regarding support and resting at checkpoints. Notably, competitors are prohibited from employing support crews or fellow runners during the race. They can only purchase commercially available items at shops, cafes, and hotels along the route, and are not allowed to use showers or laundry facilities. Public support is also not permitted at any point during the competition. Runners may choose to sleep at checkpoints in the provided tents, but they are not allowed to stay in the facilities’ buildings. For those choosing to rest on the trail, communication with race control is mandatory.
How to Enter the Northern Traverse
For those interested in participating, entries for the 2026 Northern Traverse will open on April 9 at 10 am. Prospective participants can find entry details on the official page here. Additionally, there are alternative options for those looking for varied distances and challenges, including the Lakes Traverse, Dales Traverse, and Moors Traverse.
Records and Notable Past Winners
The Northern Traverse has a rich history, with last year’s champions being Dave Phillips and Hannah Rickman. Notably, Rickman set a new fastest women’s time in 2024, although it does not count as a formal course record due to a diversion caused by adverse weather conditions. The current men’s record, established in 2022, is held by Kim Collison. With favorable weather anticipated for future races, both records could be vulnerable this year.
Mandatory Kit List
Participants of the Northern Traverse are required to adhere to a strict kit list, which serves as the minimum standard, with potential additions based on weather conditions. All participants must carry the following items at all times:
- Waterproof jacket or smock with taped seams
- Waterproof trousers with taped seams
- Spare synthetically insulated layer
- Hat and gloves
- Long sleeve top (merino wool blended recommended)
- Trail or mountain running shoes (no road shoes allowed)
- Running rucksack/vest
- Survival bag
- Compass
- Headlamp
- Whistle
- Water storage
- Mug
- Mobile phone
- GPS tracker (provided at registration)
- Race map
- Enough food for travel between support points
- Money for purchases along the route
In conclusion, the Northern Traverse offers a unique blend of challenge and natural beauty, drawing ultra runners from around the world to test their mettle against the iconic British landscape. As the race approaches, anticipation builds for both participants and spectators, eager to witness this remarkable display of endurance and determination.
