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After the success of 2022's Peak District Birthday Bash and due to popular demand, we're delighted to have this event as a regular fixture on the Peak Running calendar!

Working in partnership again with the 
Peak District National Park Foundation charity, we're bringing you the second edition of the Peak District 70th Birthday Bash! This epic journey through the Peak District National Park is for runners and hikers alike. The route showcases the very best of the varied Peak District landscapes and is a celebration of the Park’s anniversary. 

Based in Castleton, the full route is appropriately 70 kilometres (43.5 miles) in length and will take you on a spectacular journey around the central Peak District. This is accompanied by a shorter option over half the distance (35km / 22.75-miles).

The event 
promises to be a challenging, fun adventure for all that take part. By entering this event you are also supporting the conservation and engagement projects of the Peak District National Park Foundation. 

FULL BASH
70kM

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Start Times (provisional)

Walkers from 05:30

Runners from 06:30

Competitive Runners Mass Start 08:30

Time Limits

All participants to finish by midnight

Interim cut-off times at check-points apply. 

Entry Fee

£50 UKA / TRA 

£52 Unaffiliated

Event memento for all finishers

 T-Shirt available as optional extra

Minimum age on the day is 20

No dogs permitted under UK Athletics Rules

HALF BASH
35kM

Start Times (provisional)

Walkers from 08:00

Runners from 09:00

Competitive Runners Mass Start 10:00

Time Limits

All participants to finish by 19:00

Interim cut-off times at check-points apply. 

Entry Fee

£35 UKA / TRA 

£37 Unaffiliated

Event memento for all finishers

T-Shirt available as optional extra

Minimum age on the day is 18

No dogs permitted under UK Athletics Rules

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Event Information

 

Background

The Peak District 70th Birthday Bash was an event for runners and hikers held in April 2022 in celebration of the UK's original national park's 70th anniversary, while at the same time promoting and supporting the work of the Peak District National Park Foundation charity. 

Due to its huge success and excellent feedback from participants, it's on again in 2023 and will be held on Saturday15th April. 

 

Once again, the event is open to runners and long-distance walkers who have the fitness to complete their chosen distance within the time allowed.  

 

Entries

Entries will open in December and will close on 12th April 2023, earlier if capacity is reached. (Entries after 15th March 2023 are not guaranteed a finishers memento.)

 

The prices for entries are:

Full Distance 70k : £50

Half Distance 35k : £35

 

The above prices are subject to a £2 supplement for participants who are not affiliated to UK Athletics or members of the Trail Runnings Association.

 

By purchasing an entry you agree to the terms and conditions specified at the bottom of this page.

 

What's Included

  • Participation in an event on a spectacular route in the Peak District National Park

  • The 70km route is a UTMB Index Event and worth 3 iTRA points

  • Detailed results, including intermediate check-point splits

  • A unique memento for finishers

  • Comprehensive event handbook

  • Access to a detailed route description

  • GPX file of the route

  • Well stocked aid stations, manned by the fabulous Blinding Peakers!

  • Hot food at the finish

  • Support from a highly experienced and enthusiastic event team

  • Professional first aid support

  • Option to purchase a high quality event t-shirt (order when entering)

Location

The event in based in the heart of the beautiful and vibrant village of Castleton in the Hope Valley. The village is situated at the foot of the historic Peveril Castle and surrounded by spectacular hills.

 

The base for the race and event HQ is The Peveril Centre on Buxton Road which is on the western side of the village.  The Post Code is S33 8WP.

Schedule

The detailed event schedule will be provided in the Event Handbook, a link to which will be sent to all participants approximately 3 weeks prior to the event.

 

Event Team

Our event team, The Blinding Peakers, are renowned for their enthusiasm and ability to bring a sense of fun to an event, while maintaining the professional standards needed to ensure a smooth and safe event for all involved.

 

They’re nearly all runners and hikers themselves, and many are ultramarathon veterans. So they know what it’s all about and know what you need, maybe even before you do.

 

If you are interested in joining the team please contact us.

Car Parking

A dedicated event car and campervan park, with temporary toilets, will be provided close to race HQ in Castleton. This is available to both participants and supporters throughout the weekend for a small charge. Permits for use can be purchased when registering for the event on the Fabian4 entry system. 
 

Full details of the arrangements will be provided in the Event Handbook prior the event.

Local Accommodation

There are various accommodation options in the area. Locally there are two Youth Hostels (Losehill Hall and Edale Activity Centre) and a number of camp sites which take tents. There are also various pubs with accommodation, B&Bs and holiday cottages. The Let's Go Peak District website is a great resource for local accommodation.

 

The nearest large towns/cities with greater accommodation options are Buxton (10 miles), Chesterfield (15 miles), Sheffield (15 miles), Stockport (15 miles) and Manchester (20 miles).

T-shirt (optional extra)

As with all Peak Running events, the Birthday Bash t-shirts are an additional extra that you can purchase whilst entering. A mock-up of this years' t-shirt is given below. The colour will be Magenta Magic and the tops are sweat wicking, vegan, PETA approved and are printed locally in the Peak District. Please note that the t-shirt in the image is an example of the female fit and the final product may differ slightly to the mock-up shown. 

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Taking Part

 

Experience Required

Although there aren't formal qualifying criteria for the event, before attempting it we advise that you should have previous experience of completing long distances events/challenges, in hilly off-road terrain and be capable of self-navigation.

 

Much of the route is through remote and sometimes quite challenging terrain, both in terms of the hills and underfoot conditions. Also, given the time of year the weather conditions could involve anything from a heatwave to snow and ice, or anything in between. You should be comfortable in and equipped for this environment.

 

Safety

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/ultra-distance trail running/hiking, 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 Handbook, which will issued to participants prior to the event.

 

Navigation

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 will be made available in the Routes section of this page once finalised.

 

You will, however, be expected to carry a printed map of the route. This could be the souvenir bespoke event map from 2022, which you can purchase a copy of here while stocks last. Alternatively you may use a map you already have, which should ideally be a Harvey or 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 event in jeopardy.

 

Kit Requirements

Weather conditions can be harsh and 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. This is based on what you would need to be safe if you have to stop for any reason, not just to be comfortable while running/hiking.

 

Mandatory requirements are:

  • Whistle

  • Emergency bivi bag

  • 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

  • Waterproof trousers with taped seams

  • Additional warm layer (in case you have to stop running for a prolonged period / retire, not for comfort while running/walking), e.g. fleece or puffa jacket.

  • Basic first aid kit, including foot care items

  • Warm hat

  • Warm gloves (preferably waterproof)

  • Emergency food (at least 400 calories)

  • Drinks bottles and/or hydration pack to carry a minimum of 1 litre of fluid

  • Fully charged mobile phone (with waterproof cover or bag)

  • Head torch, plus spare batteries (participants on the 35k route not mandated to carry a head-torch).

 

Highly Recommended:

  • GPS device for backup navigation

  • Route description

  • Mug for hot drinks at checkpoints (where hot water available)

  • Mobile charger/power-pack

  • Buff / tube-scarf

 

Time Limits and Cut-Offs

Participants in the half distance (35k) must finish by 19:00 hours.

 

Participants in the full distance (70k) must finish by 24:00 hours (midnight).

 

The full amount of time you have will therefore depend on the start time that you choose.

 

You should also bear in mind:

  1. You must not start so early that you would arrive at any checkpoints before they are open, as per the info in the route section below.

  2. To be eligible for podium positions/prizes as a runner you must start with the mass start for your distance (08:30 for full distance, 10:00 for half distance). Early starters will still be timed, based on their individual start time, and included in results.

 

Check Points and Aid Stations

There are checkpoints/aid stations on each route as follows (this may be subject to change, but final details will be available in the Event Handbook); 

 

Half Route (35k) : 2 check points at Hayfield (16km) and Edale (30km) 

Full Route (70k) : 5 check points at Hayfield (16km), Edale (30km), Bamford (42k), Hathersage (54k) and Bradwell (64k)

 

An overview of them and their position on the route is provided in the route section below.

 

As well as being points where your progress will be recorded, these locations will also act as aid stations. They will be well stocked with drinks and a variety of food. Please note that this is a ‘cup free’ event. With the exception of reusable mugs at event HQ, 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 and suitable a vessel for hot drinks (mug, collapsible cup, hard bottle).

 

Medical Support

Medical support will be available throughout the event by Challenge First Aid who specialise in this kind of 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.

Prizes and Finishers Awards

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female finishers in each distance. To be eligible for these you must start with the mass start for competitive runners.

 

All finishers will receive a finishers memento. 

 

Note: Due to the lead time in manufacturing the finishers mementos, the number ordered will be in line with entries received by 15th March 2023. An award is therefore not guaranteed if you enter after that date and will be dependent on others not finishing.

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Route Information

 

Summary

The full 70 kilometres Birthday Bash Route is a spectacular tour of the best scenery the Peak District has to offer. With around 2,600 metres (8,500ft) of elevation gain it is a challenging route but the multitude of breathtaking views make the effort worthwhile. The half distance (35k) option covers the first half of the longer route but, with over 1,300 metres (4000ft) of elevation gain itself is still a challenge that will gain you kudos.

From the start at Castleton you will climb up via the Great Ridge to Lord's Seat, before meandering your way through the hills that form the western edge of the national park to the first checkpoint at Hayfield.

You'll then visit the gathering point of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass of 1932, which paved the way for the formation of National Parks and our right to roam in upland areas, before climbing up to traverse the edge of Kinder Scout itself - the highest mountain in the Peak District. From Kinder Scout, Jacob's Ladder will take you down into Edale where you'll reach checkpoint 2.   

From Edale half distance participants will climb back over the Great Ridge to take a direct route back to Castleton. Those tackling the full 70k will continue along the valley before climbing up to Hope Cross and Win Hill which has panoramic views across the park in every direction.

Bamford will be your next checkpoint before you start the next climb up to and along the iconic Stanage Edge, with great views back across the hills you've already conquered, as well as those still to come.

You then enjoy a long descent into Hathersage where you can replenish your energy at your fourth checkpoint, before continuing your journey along some lessor known, but still wonderful, trails towards Bradwell.

There is then one last push into the hills before you can bask in the glory of your spectacular final descent to the finish in Castleton.

 

Distances

The distances for an event of this nature cannot be measured completely accurately due to the nature of the terrain and the obstacles that you will encounter.

 

We have measured them using a combination of mapping software and gps enabled devices and taken care to ensure that they are at least the advertised distance; as we know most participants would be disappointed to be short changed with the distance.

 

You can therefore expect a variation of up to around 5% above the advertised distances.

Overview

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Route Files to Download

Below are the routes for the full and half Birthday Bash.

 

To download gpx files, click on the route names within the 'plotaroute' panels below.

Written route instructions are also available HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

PD70kFAQ
  • Background
    2024 will be the fifth edition of our Peak District Ultras. Creating an iconic ultramarathon for the Peak District is something that Peak Running founders, Andy Brooks (Brooksie) and Chris Hopkinson, had been thinking about for many years before. As a fell and trail runner since the mid 90's, Brooksie has always had a penchant for going long. So, while there have been some great races in the Peaks over the years, satisfying that desire has traditionally meant travelling a long way from his Derbyshire home. To take on his first 100-miler, he had to go all the way to the mountains of Virgina, because there was yet to be one in the UK in those days! Chris' passion for mountain marathons in remote locations, and the challenge of planning routes through the terrain, is something that has seen him travel to other parts of the UK, and overseas (including Iceland and Japan) over the years, to enjoy his fix too. The increase in popularity of mountain and ultra-running in the UK in more recent times has led to some fantastic events emerging in the other national parks. Something that the guys have revelled in. But their own backyard, the Peak District, was still crying out for something special in their view. Our aim, therefore, with The Peak District Ultras is to provide an event that's not only a fantastic experience for those taking part, but something that is also a special day for the communities within our favourite playground, the 'original' national park. In our view, the Peak District is the best place on the planet to go for a run. Click HERE to to understand why.
  • Race Ethos
    Our ethos for the event is aligned with our ethos for Peak Running as a whole. We want it to be an event that is capable of challenging even the most experienced ultra-runners, while also inspiring those within the wider running community to push their boundaries and achieve things they may not have thought possible themselves. So, in addition to the race itself, there is bags of guidance and support available to help you achieve your ambitions and complete the event safely. We want there to be some tough competition at the front of the fields in each distance. But we also recognise that, for the majority, simply finishing is winning for them. So even if you're not a fast runner, or you'd prefer to hike, it's designed to accommodate you. From a broader perspective, we want to make it an event that has a positive impact on the Peak District, its communities and the local environment. An event that residents, local businesses, and those that look after the delicate landscapes within the park, support and look foward to. Our commitments to this fundamental aim for the event include: Donating a proportion of the profits to the Peak District National Park Foundation charity to help them protect this wonderful park, for everyone, forever. Building strong relationships with the park authorities and land managers, their rangers and other stakeholders. Organising conservation days for runners to help carry out important conservation and restoration work on the trails within the park. Using the event as a vehicle to help promote and educate people on the work and behaviours necessary to maintain the beauty of the park for future generations. Using community facilities for event HQ and checkpoints wherever possible. Using local independant buinesses for supplies, such as race mementos, t-shirts etc. Ensuring there will be no trace of the event by the time it is wrapped up on the Sunday.
  • Entries
    Entries, including changes to a different distance, will close on Monday 26th August or earlier if the capacity is reached. Entries after 1st July 2024 are not guaranteed a finishers memento. The prices for entries are: Millstone 100 : £147 Limestone 50 : £77 Peveril 33 : £57 The above prices are subject to a £2 supplement for participants who are not affiliated to UK Athletics or members of the Trail Runnings Association. By purchasing an entry you agree to the terms on conditions specified below in the 'Taking Part' section of this website.
  • What's Included?
    Participation in a race on a spectacular route in the Peak District National Park Detailed results, including intermediate check-point splits A unique memento for finishers Comprehensive event handbook Access to a detailed route description GPX file of the route Well stocked aid stations Hot meal at the finish Support from an highly experienced and enthusiastic event team Live GPS tracking (for Millstone 100 participants) Professional medical support UTMB World Series qualifying points for finishers Option to purchase a high quality event technical t-shirt (order when entering)
  • Location
    The event in based in the heart of the beautiful and vibrant village of Castleton in the Hope Valley. The village is situated at the foot of the historic Peveril Castle and surrounded by spectacular hills. The base for the race and event HQ is The Peveril Centre which is on the western side of the village. The address is: The Peveril Centre Buxton Road Castleton Hope Valley Derbyshire S33 8WP
  • Schedule
    Friday 30th August 2024 16:00 Registration Opens – Millstone 100 only 17:30 Registration Closes 17:30 Race Briefing – The Millstone 100 18:00 The Millstone 100 starts Saturday 31st August 2024 06:30 Registration Opens 08:15 Registration Closes 08:30 Race Briefing -The Limestone 50 & Peveril 33 09:00 The Limestone 50 & Peveril 33 start Sunday 1st September 2024 06:00 Deadline to complete all races
  • Event Team
    Our event team, The Blinding Peakers, are renowned for their enthusiasm and ability to bring a sense of fun to an event, while maintaining the professional standards needed to ensure a smooth and safe event for all involved. They’re nearly all runners themselves, and many are ultramarathon veterans. So they know what it’s all about and know what you need, maybe even before you do. If you are interested in joining the team please contact us.
  • Car and Campervan Parking
    A dedicated event car and campervan park, with temporary toilets, will be provided close to race HQ in Castleton. This is available to both participants and supporters throughout the weekend for a small charge. Permits for use can be purchased when registering for the event on the Fabian4 entry system. Full details of the arrangements will be provided in the Event Handbook prior the event.
  • Local Accommodation
    There are various accommodation options in the area. Locally there are two Youth Hostels (Losehill Hall and Edale Activity Centre) and a number of camp sites which take tents. There are also various pubs with accommodation, B&Bs and holiday cottages. The nearest large towns/cities with greater accommodation options are Buxton (10 miles), Chesterfield (15 miles), Sheffield (15 miles), Stockport (15 miles) and Manchester (20 miles).
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Results

You can find the results for the 2022 edition here. 

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Gallery

Below is a selection of images from a test run of the route by some of the Peak Running Community in April 2021... the original Birthday Bash!

You can view the official race photos from 2022's event using the links below; 

- Mehul Vaitha Photography 

- Frank Golden

Terms and Conditions

 

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

When purchasing an entry you are agreeing to our general terms and conditions specified, as well as any terms and conditions specific to the event.

 

Event Specific Terms and Conditions for the Peak District Birthday Bash

 

Participant Cancellation

If you cancel your entry before midnight on 15th February 2023, you will be eligible to a refund of 70% of the fee received by us for the entry and any associated merchandise.

 

If you cancel your entry after that date, no refund will be given.

 

Deferrals

Deferrals to other events are not permitted.

 

Transfer to another participant

You are permitted to transfer an entry that you have purchased to another person without additional charge. Transfers must be done by the original entrant via the on-line entry system, and the deadline for transfers is midnight on 9th April 2023.

 

Transfer to a different distance

You are permitted to upgrade an entry to the half distance event to the full distance, subject to places remaining available and payment of the difference in entry fee. The deadline for transferring to the full distance is midnight on 9th April 2023.

 

You are permitted to change an entry for the full distance event to the half distance subject to places remaining available, but you will not be eligible for a refund of the difference in entry fee. Transfers to the half distance are permitted until registration closes on the day of the event. 

 

Merchandise and Mementos

Participants entering or switching distance after 15th March 2023 are not guaranteed a finishers memento.

 

Orders for t-shirts or other event merchandise cannot be changed after 15th March 2023.

Participant Guide

The Event Handbook for 2023 will be sent to all entrants via email / linked here when available.

 

General Terms and Conditions

Our general terms and conditions apply in other respects for this event. These are available here

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