High Peak 40 Ultramarathon

High Peak 40 Mile Ultra Marathon - Peak District

First run in 1986, the High Peak 40 is a long-standing, 40.5 mile ultramarathon set in the heart of the Peak District. Starting and finishing in the spa town of Buxton, Derbyshire, this circular route has been a staple of the UK ultramarathon calendar for decades.

Offering approximately 1,704m (5,600 feet) of elevation gain, it provides a varied and challenging loop through some of the most iconic landscapes the national park has to offer. It is a fantastic event for those looking for a traditional, well-supported trail race with a strong sense of history.

Course

The 40.5 mile course provides a challenging mix of terrain, officially split into 65% trail and 35% road.

• The Terrain: Runners will experience the full variety of the Peak District, from hard-packed tracks and quiet country lanes to technical, rocky descents and grassy climbs. The mixed terrain makes footwear choice an important factor, with road-to-trail hybrid shoes often favoured.
• Key Landmarks: The circular loop takes participants through a highlight reel of the area. The route passes through the Goyt Valley, climbs Eccles Pike and the famous Mam Tor, and descends through the steep limestone gorge of Cave Dale. It also takes in Tideswell, sections of the flat Monsal Trail, and two separate "Deep Dales".
• The Elevation: The course features a total elevation gain of roughly 1,704m (5,600 feet). While not an extreme fell race, the constant rolling hills and steep dale climbs require sensible pacing to ensure you have legs left for the final miles.

Support and Checkpoints

The High Peak 40 maintains some unique historic quirks that returning runners love, offering a thoroughly traditional trail-running experience.

• The Tally Card: Instead of relying solely on electronic timing chips, runners are issued a traditional paper Tally Card. You must ensure this card is stamped at every checkpoint along the route, adding a nice old-school touch to the race logistics.
• The Checkpoints: There are 6 checkpoints on the course providing water, cold drinks, and ultra-running food. In a great nod to the event's history, they retain their original numbering from when the race had more stops: you will visit checkpoints 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11.
• Time Limit: The event operates a generous 14-hour cut-off. This makes it highly accessible for those looking to hike the route at a brisk pace or for runners stepping up to the 40-mile distance for the first time.

The High Peak 40 is an excellent choice for runners who appreciate events with a bit of history and traditional trail character. It acts as a perfect "bridge" distance for those who have completed a 50K and are looking for a stepping stone before tackling a 50 miler. The 65/35 split of trail to road means the terrain is varied enough to keep things interesting without requiring extreme technical fell-running skills. With generous cut-off times, the classic tally card stamping, and a route through iconic spots like Mam Tor and Cave Dale, it is a thoroughly rewarding Peak District challenge. For full race details, including registration, please visit the official race website.