Although there is no formal qualifying criteria for taking part in the Dipper, we recommend that you do have some prior experience of long distance hiking or running over strenuous terrain. Also, that you have at least a basic level of map reading and navigation skills. See the 'Navigation' section below for more information on this.

We have assessed the health and safety risks associated with the event and have put in place measures to manage these so far as reasonably practicable. However, the nature of long distance running or hiking on trails, means that participants have a higher level of responsibility for their own personal safety and that of others, than they would in a more controlled environment.

In the most part this simply means applying common sense and good judgement. However, when fatigued, extra care must be taken to ensure you do not inadvertently put yourself in danger.

Details of specific requirements relating to your safety and hazards to be mindful of will be provided in the Event Guide, which will issued to participants prior to the event.

The courses have been designed to make them relatively straight forward to follow, using well-trodden paths so far as possible. However, other than signs provided by the authorities to highlight rights of way, there will be no way-marking on the course. You are therefore responsible for your own route finding around the course.

Clear step by step route instructions will be made available to participants in each distance, together with gpx files that can be loaded into GPS enabled watches, smartphone apps or other devices. These are available in the 'Route' section below.

You will, however, be expected bring and carry a printed map of the route. This should ideally be an Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale map, or equivalent. 1:50,000 scale is the minimum standard.

Permission for the event from the National Park Authority and landowners is based on participants using the designated route, which minimises the impact on the delicate landscapes in the area.

You must follow the designated route for your event throughout the event. Deliberate deviations from the route will result in disqualification and will also put the future editions of the Dipper in jeopardy.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the Peak District at any time of year, and poor conditions will affect you more when you are tired. The mandatory kit requirements should therefore be considered to be the minimum that you should carry, not the maximum. Also, we reserve the right to increase the mandatory kit requirements to include certain 'recommended' items in the event of extreme weather conditions.

Mandatory requirements are:

• Whistle

• Emergency bivi bag or space blanket

• Magnetic compass

• Map(s) covering the whole area of the route (Ordnance Survey or Harvey 1:25k scale preferred, 1:50k is the minimum requirement)

• Appropriate clothing for the challenge and weather conditions

• Appropriate footwear (trail shoes recommended, or walking boots for hikers)

• Waterproof jacket, with hood and taped seams

• Emergency food (at least 400 calories)

• Drinks bottles and/or hydration pack to carry a minimum of 0.5 litre of fluid

• Fully charged mobile phone

Highly Recommended:

• Basic first aid kit, including foot care items

• Hat and gloves - will be mandatory in the event of a forecast of temperatures below 14C.

• Waterproof trousers - will be mandatory in the event of a forecast of prolonged rain and/or temperatures below 14C.

• GPS device for backup navigation

• Route description

• Mug or cup for drinks at checkpoints

• Spare socks

• Mobile charger/power-pack

• Buff

The deadline to finish for all participants is 20:00.

In addition, strict interim cut-off times will be applied at each checkpoint. If you do not DEPART a checkpoint by its cut-off time, you will not be allowed to continue.

An overview of the route with cut-off times at each checkpoint is shown below.

There are checkpoints/aid stations on each route as below.

Please note checkpoint cut-off times are currently being finalised but will be based on participants being on schedule to complete the event by 20:00.

As well as being points where your progress will be recorded, some of these locations (CP1, 3, 4 & 6) will also act as aid stations and will have drinks and snacks. Please note that this is a ‘cup free’ events. We will not provide any drinking vessels. You must therefore bring your own, i.e. bottles or a hydration pack to top up at checkpoints .

Medical support will be available throughout the event. Their role will be to provide advice and deal with the more significant issues. Minor issues, such as general footcare, dealing with blisters etc., will be your own responsibility, utilising your own first aid kit.

You are allowed to have friends and family supporting you around the course, except at certain locations where there is restricted access. Full details of any restrictions will be provided in the Event Handbook.

Participants are not permitted to have anyone who is not a fellow participant run/walk with them to act as a support runner.

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd fastest male and female participants on each course, plus the winner of each veteran category subject to their being at least 3 participants in the category. To be eligible for prizes participants must start with the runners' mass start.

All other finishers will receive a finisher's certificate.

The event will operate in accordance with UK Athletics Rules under a permit issued by the Trail Running Association.

Our general terms and conditions for our events, can be found here.

These are supplemented by the following event specific terms for the Dovedale Dipper:

- 70% refund available until 01/06/2026 when cancelling (minus the SiEntries fee)

- The deadline for transferring your place to another participant is 28/07/2026. This must be done by the original entrant, by editing their details and changing them to those of the person taking their entry.

- You may transfer between the long and short courses, which can be done by editing your entry.