Peak District Birthday Bash, 2026 (Full): Race Report

2022 marked the 70th anniversary of the forming of the UK's first national park and in celebration, Peak Running marked the occasion with a 70 km event, taking in the very best of the central section of the Peak District, starting and finishing in the beautiful village of Castleton.  

With the option for walkers and non-competitive runners to start early, plus the option for a 35 km route, effectively covering the first half of the course, the event proved to be a big success and as such, has become an annual event with this, the fifth year or 75th Anniversary event, held again by Peak Running with the major support of CraggRunner.

I previously ran the event in 2024 and although I didn't keep very good notes at the time, I definitely remember enjoying the first half significantly more than the second half, with the final few fields feeling like a particular slog. I also remember being a little cautious about a dodgy foot that had been injuring me around that time and as such, I had opted back then for the early start, with the aim that I would walk the entire opening section up to the top of Mam Tor, and I would cut back at Edale, the location of the second checkpoint if things were hurting or otherwise were not going well.  This option had the benefit of following the shorter course approximately 5 km up an over Hollins Cross and back to Castleton, self extracting rather than being rescued.  I'd made it round in a shade under 13 hours, so plenty to shave off on a good day.

This year, I was niggle free and so after a straightforward kit-check (physical map, full set of waterproofs and headtorch) followed by tracker collection, it was time to strap in and get going, leaving just before 7am.  This was approximately an hour and a half ahead of the Mass-Start and also, if on a similar initial pace to last time, would get me to the first checkpoint just after the opening time of 9am.  In 2024, I, and several others arrived early and I had to wait 10 minutes before being allowed to continue. Not unwelcome, but not optimal.

Bit of a debate at the start whether to start with the coat on or not.  It had been spitting on the windscreen on the early morning drive over, but the forecast hadn't been for rain until early afternoon. And so, after being scanned at the start line, I started without the coat but once again made the decision not to run until I reached the top of Mam Tor.  I could see someone in the distance adopting a walk/run method and they didn't appear to pull any further ahead and so a power walk just to warm everything up seemed sensible.  Rather than the rain, it was the strong wind on the exposed ridge that made me put my jacket on. As a note, the route doesn't actually pass over the top of Mam Tor, given that there is plenty of footfall already and as such, the route takes the much quieter path around the right-hand side of the peak which is the perfect time to open the legs and get a bit of speed going.  Another hike up to Lord's Seat and a lovely run down the far side past a couple of old burnt out vehicles - I don't think they will be going anywhere anytime soon. 

The route north to Hayfield is quiet but scenic with great views of Kinder on the right hand side.  I remember almost missing the first checkpoint at The Sportsman Inn last time around so felt like a bit of a wally calling people back, only to find that there was no checkpoint, only a confused young lady selling coffee.  Someone else commented that they also thought that the checkpoint should have been here but the GPX seemed to indicate that we were close and shortly down the road, there it was in the Bowden Bridge Car Park.  Lots of space, ice-cream and toilets so all made sense.  I probably should have read the briefing notes more carefully...

It was around this time that someone asked if they knew me - turned out to be the lovely Demelza who was in my year at secondary school.  We had a quick catch up and decided that we hadn't changed a bit despite the three decades passing by in the meantime.

The second stage is a real favourite of mine and the climb up past Kinder Reservoir up to Kinder Scout once again did not disappoint.  Again, a good steady climb on this section before the flatter section across Kinder Plateau makes for good progress.  Skipping across the top always brings back fond memories of the first section of the Millstone 100 that I'd previously ran, moving into nightfall back in 2023.

Not unexpectedly, the section around Jacob's Ladder was very busy.  It is great that people are enjoying the outdoors and the National Parks are indeed for everyone.  However, the Peak District is very large and everyone seems to want to go to the same bits. It would probably be sensible to go steady on this long section of downhill, but with lots of onlookers, it was far too much fun to take at pace, particularly as the ground was dry and grippy.

Coming down Mary's Lane into Edale, I meet a runner coming the other way, a little confused by the directions on his watch.  On this section you have to run past the train-station to the village hall next to the main car park for the checkpoint before returning approximately 400 metres back up the hill to resume the next section of the course.  We ran together into checkpoint 2 and he told me how he had to double back earlier to find some expensive gloves that he had inadvertently dropped.  You can sometimes do reasonably well in these longer distance events, simply by not going too far wrong too often.  Certainly no need to do extra miles just because.  

This is the point where there is the option to carry on back to Castleton if things aren't going to plan.  Fortunately, things did seem to be going to plan so on we go.  I'd not been keeping much of an eye on timings thus far but it was at this point two years ago when I got overtaken by the racing snakes who had started in the Mass-Start but as yet, they were nowhere to be seen.  I took this to be a good sign.

The third stage starts out generally flat before starting the gradual include all the way up to Win Hill.  Very fun to run in the opposite direction but a good enough path that a reasonable pace can be maintained going in the opposite direction.  Despite my 'reasonable pace', I am passed by Greg Hopkinson of Matlock Athletics who set off in the Mass-Start an hour an a half later than me. Although he appears to be only slightly quicker, it is only a couple of minutes before he has disappeared into the distance.  Greg went on to win the race in the end some 3 and a quarter hours ahead of me and 45 minutes ahead of second place - absolutely incredible performance and a fantastic opportunity to see how the front runners are able to perform at that higher level.

The descent down from Win Hill is a mix of rocks, roots and narrow paths, winding down into Thornhill and across the narrow planks across the river Derwent into Bamford and The Anglers Rest car park for Checkpoint 3.  'You're doing really well', the checkpoint volunteers told me.  I explained the early start but they were insistent that all is good.  I remember this part of the course well from last time for two reasons - 1) the horrible climb up The Clough that immediately follows, and 2) *almost* forgetting my poles and having to double back.  I ask the volunteers to remind me about my poles before I leave.

Bounding into the aid station comes first lady, Nicola Donaghey, looking incredibly fresh and with a real spring in her step.  At this point, my legs aren't feeling too bad but I certainly wished that I too had a spring in my step.  She stopped for the briefest of moments before heading back out again, eventually finishing in third place overall - absolutely fantastic performance.  I thank the volunteers and head out with slightly less enthusiasm, knowing what's to come, quickly to be reminded that I'd again forgotten my poles..

The climb up the The Clough is an incredibly steep tarmacked path which leads to a short section of road before the climb up to Stanage Edge.  Last time around, one of the front runners passed me and then vomited, complaining about the effects of the 100 miler he'd done the week before. I'm not normally a fan of road sections in longer events but on the day, once on the flat, it seemed a good time to get in some steady running and take an evaluation on how things were going.  Generally, things were good - feet were in reasonable condition and legs weren't yet trashed.  Was in a good space in my head and I was still moving well so was happy with progress so far.  I'd taken off my jacket at the first checkpoint and had been wearing long-sleeve base layer with club t-shirt over the top.  This had resulted in me being a little bit cold in the windy sections and a little bit too warm in the sunnier sections, but as the weather had seemed to flip every 5-minutes or so, changing clothes didn't seem to be worthwhile.  Whilst it had tried to rain a couple of times, it wasn't significant and at this point, as I crested on to the top of Stanage, the concern was more about possible sunburn.  However, quite quickly it was time to descent again, dropping down into the popular Burbage Bridge with a short section up towards Higger Tor, but turning away south west down into Hathersage for Checkpoint 4.

The Memorial Hall was the second to last stop which was again fully stocked with a wide selection of snacks and goodies.  Belly was feeling good so stuck to my guns which had worked so far - four scoops of Tailwind per stage, with a gel (High 5) approximately half way through each stage, with bananas and peanuts at each of the checkpoints. 500ml of water at each checkpoint and a litre to take away with the powder mixed in.  Everyone seemed to like the collapsible funnels that I bought on Amazon a few years ago - really helps to avoid too much spillage and tucks away nicely in the pack.

From here to the final stage in Bradwell was really, as far as I can remember, a steady climb up and a steady climb down over Shatton Moor, with a slight diversion brought in since last year due to a broken bridge.  Pleasant enough generally, but the main takeaway was how good I was generally feeling this late into the race. Yes, my feet hurt a bit when a rock hit them the wrong way, and thighs were starting to feel it a bit but other than a bit of fatigue, nothing was broken.  I'm sure it was Damien Hall who said that you eventually reach the point where your legs going downhill will hurt regardless of whether you are running or walking - you may as well run and get it over with quicker.

I did get passed around this point by a fella who was moving reasonably well but was complaining of discomfort and was glad that the end was not too far away.   A couple of minutes later, I was then passed by another fella who asked if I'd seen anyone ahead of me. 'Yes', I said - 'he's only a couple of minutes ahead and he seems to be in pain'.  'Well, I'd best hunt him down' was the response and off he went.  Great battles even in the closing stages.

Bradwell is beautiful and the run through the back streets was an absolute delight.  I was feeling good and running steady with the only downside being a small girl who shouted at me to 'run faster'.  Not what I wanted to hear.

Final checkpoint was the Ye Olde Bowling Green Inn with the incredibly talented runner Sam Harrison in attendance.  Only 6 km to go but a big old climb so I was estimating an hour left to go.  The climb up out of Bradwell isn't too bad - just relentless, with field after field beyond.  Last time this section had really dragged but this year, feeling in much better spirits, I felt okay to push on, with a sub 12-hour finish in my sights.  It was at this point I was passed by the lovely Dani from Team Derby Runner who was moving really well and was comfortably going to finish as second lady.  We briefly chatted before she powered on into the distance which was quite nice - less navigating for me in the closing stages.

A nice easy run down back into Castleton would be nice.  What we get however is a stumble through the loose rocky section down Cave Dale which, with well over 70 km in the wobbly legs, is tough going, to say the least.  I later find out that one of the lads that passed me earlier had taken a bad tumble going through this section so it's painfully slow going with the end in sight. I was doing this in good daylight in good conditions. It wouldn't have be any easier for the folks later on in the dark.  

From there to the finish, it was a short dash and it's suddenly all over - 11 hours 30 minutes - almost an hour and a half quicker than last time.  Straight inside for Bean Chilli and Naan and full fat coke which is the first proper food I've had in ages.  Plenty of people hobbling around so great to catch up with other runners who I'd seen out on course and my Dad, who had had his own adventures hiking around the local villages.  I was feeling pretty good but I couldn't work out how to use the basic tea machine so probably a good job Dad was on hand to get me back to Cromford for the night.

All in all, a great day out with fantastic people on a beautiful day in the Peak District.  Only the small child in Bradwell and a couple of hikers with bluetooth speakers that can get in the bin, otherwise, nothing but positivity all around.

For anyone looking to do this event, I would fully recommend giving it a go, noting that the route has a little bit of everything and is flexible enough to accommodate runners and walkers of all speeds. I have run the first half several times now and it is always atmospheric, whatever the weather.  Now that I can remember the second half, I'm very tempted to run this section again, later in the year.

It should be noted that this event is particularly hilly.  The climb up from Castleton to Mam Tor is around 280 metres and the overall race elevation is in the order of 2600 metres.  That is a lot of going up, but also an awful lot of coming down again, with sections that are quite steep and rocky.  The flat sections are also rocky but that is part of the fun. 

To end this all off, a big thank-you must go out to Peak Running and CraggRunner for putting on this event.  I can only imagine the level of admin that goes into organising and putting on an event of this size and complexity and to have everything appear, to us runners at least, that everything is going smoothly.  We are very lucky to have the opportunity to attend events such as this.

Next up to the volunteers who ensure that right from the arrival on site, through each of the checkpoints and to the finish at the end of the day, we are all well catered for and attended to.  Never the easiest to refill bottles with wobbly hands so thank you all for helping me out and for all of the encouragement along the way.  It all massively helps so thank you all.

To everyone else that took part in this weekend's event - you are all awesome.  Fantastic efforts all round and it was a pleasure to meet you all throughout the day.  

As always, big thanks to my Dad who very kindly got me safely to the start line and took me home at the end, making sure I was well fed and watered.  It's easy to make plans for the race and then forget about the logistics for afterwards so many thanks for looking after me when I am tired and not quite right in the head.

Results: Open Tracking - Peak District Birthday Full Bash 2026 Results