Pennine Barrier 50 Mile - Race Report
Conquering the Barrier: The Pennine Barrier 50 Mile Ultramarathon Race Report
There’s a special kind of madness that comes with a 4am alarm, especially when you know what lies ahead. For me and my brother, that gentle but brutal wake-up call on Saturday 3rd May signalled the start of the Pennine Barrier 50 mile ultramarathon. After a quick shower and a porridge pot, courtesy of the hotel kettle, we were on our way from the cosy inn we’d booked, a mere 15 min drive from the start line in Malham.
The approach to Malham Showfield was a slow crawl, a tell tale line of headlights snaking into the valley. You could feel the nervous energy building. We eventually found a parking spot, stepped out into the crisp morning air and were greeted by a classic Yorkshire scene; a cold, misty morning with fog rolling down from the hills. As we queued to get our trackers fitted the sky began to transform. The mist started to thin and the sunrise began to peak over the fells, promising a beautiful day for a very long run.
Pennine Barrier 50 Mile Ultramarathon
The Race: Pennine Barrier 50 Mile Ultra
Date: 3rd May 2025
Distance: 50 Miles
Elevation: 2,593m
Start/Finish: Malham, North Yorkshire
At 6am sharp, we were off. The initial pace through Malham village was steady and relaxed, a river of runners flowing towards the day's first major landmark, Malham Cove. As expected, the iconic limestone steps created a bit of a conga line. It’s always a bottleneck but it’s a good chance to chat, regulate your breathing and accept that the real race hasn’t even started yet.
Once we crested the top, the terrain became more technical, demanding full concentration as we navigated the grippy but ankle threatening exposed limestone pavement. Soon enough, it opened up onto lush grass and winding paths. This is where the field began to stretch out and everyone settled into their own rhythm. We found our groove and one of the best things about the course became apparent, with the sight of another runner nearly always in the distance, we could focus purely on moving forward.
Tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks
The GB Ultras team and the volunteers were, as always, phenomenal. Every aid station was a beacon of friendliness and encouragement. And the salted potatoes? An absolute game changer. They are the undisputed king of ultra snacks!
A huge part of the Pennine Barrier's appeal is that it incorporates the legendary Yorkshire Three Peaks, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. This meant some seriously steep climbs that reduced even the strongest runners to a determined hike, but the rewards were immense. The downhills that followed were fast, furious and exhilarating. There were moments, especially on the long descents, where we were absolutely flying. The weather gods were mostly kind to us, too. A brief, light shower as we tackled the long climb up Whernside was the worst of it, and it didn't last long enough to dampen spirits.
A Sting in the Tail: The Final 10km
For 70km, everything was perfect. I was fuelling well, my legs felt strong and we were keeping a consistent pace. And then, it happened. My stomach decided it had had enough, and the final 10km became a brutal battle of mind over matter. Every step sent a wave of nausea through me and my pace plummeted. Just when I thought I couldn't take another step, my brother was there, spurring me on when all I wanted to do was quit.
Somehow, I held it together and stumbled across the finish line in 12:21:47. I was exhausted and felt dreadful, but I was surprised to be placed in the top 200, earning me a coveted gold medal. It was a fantastic reward after such a painful final hour.
The glamour of ultra running, however, is often short-lived. About half an hour after receiving my medal, I was back in our room, on all fours, throwing up into a bin. Sorry to people in the room below 🤮
Despite the rather unpleasant ending, it was a fantastic event. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular, offering a perfect balance of tough, character building climbs and joyous, fast descents. For me, the 50 mile distance is one of the best. It’s a monumental effort, but on a May day, you’re almost guaranteed to finish in the daylight. And I think the Pennine Barrier 50 might just be my favourite 50 mile ultra to date.
A huge congratulations to all the runners, and especially to the podium finishers who put in some incredible performances.
Pennine Barrier 50 Miler - 2025 Results
Men:
- Michael Harris (7:51:00) 🥇
- Liam Mills 🥈
- Tom Davies 🥉
Women:
- Rebecca Hormann (8:45:58) 🥇
- Louise Goddard 🥈
- Emma Moore 🥉
