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Punk Panther Welcome Way 50 Mile Ultra Marathon
Step up to the 50 mile distance on a course that is as beautiful as it is brutal. The Welcome Way 50 Mile Ultra Marathon takes the stunning 34 mile loop and adds a punishing extension to test your mettle.
As the first race in the Punk Panther "50 Mile Series," this event separates the casual trail runners from the endurance specialists. While it shares the friendly "Welcome Way" name with its shorter siblings, do not underestimate this course. With 1,828m (6,000ft) of elevation gain and strict cut-offs, it is a serious early-season challenge.
Course
The route begins with a tour of the beautiful Wharfedale valley, visiting Denton and Burley, before heading up onto the moors of Shipley Glen and the iconic gritstone edge of The Chevin.
Where the 34 mile (55km) runners turn for home, the 50 milers push on. You will tackle an additional loop that adds significant mileage and elevation, taking you out towards Arthington before finally turning back to Otley.
Navigation Note: While the core route is taped, the 50 mile extension is not taped or flagged. You must be competent with navigation (map/GPX) to complete this extra section.
The "Drop Down" Rule
This race features a unique tactical element: the cut-off at Shipley Glen (CP3). If you do not reach CP3 by 13:00, you will automatically be diverted onto the 34 mile (55km) course. You will still receive a finish time and medal for the shorter distance, so nothing is wasted, but if you want the 50 mile glory, you need to keep moving!
Exclusive to the 50 mile distance, you can leave a small "drop bag" at registration (no bigger than a carrier bag). The organisers will transport this to CP3, allowing you to restock on specific nutrition or change socks before the final push.
The Punk Panther Welcome Way 50 Mile Ultra is a "graduate" race. If you’ve mastered the 50k distance and want to push further, the generous 16 hour total cut-off makes this achievable, provided you can navigate the strict intermediate cut-off at Shipley Glen. Plus, the reward at the finish is legendary: homemade pie, cheese toasties, and chilli waiting for you at the cricket club. For the latest up-to-date info and registration details, please visit the official race website.
