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Punk Panther Christmas Cracker Ultra Marathon
Ditch the high street shopping and hit the trails instead. The Christmas Cracker is the ultimate way to wrap up your running year, a winter ultra marathon through the Washburn Valley that demands grit, navigation skills, and a love for mince pies.
Held in December, this event is not your average festive fun run. While there is plenty of Christmas cheer at the finish, the course itself is a serious test. You will be running through the heart of winter in Yorkshire, tackling mud, potential ice, and the shorter daylight hours. It is the perfect excuse to burn off the calories before the big day.
Course
Unlike many other Punk Panther events in the ultra marathon calendar, the Christmas Cracker is unmarked. There will be no taping, flagging, or signage on the course. You are responsible for your own navigation. You must be competent with a map or have the GPX file loaded onto your device.
The route takes you from Otley into the beautiful (and likely muddy) Stainburn Forest, passing through Timble and up to Langbar. It is an "out and back" format, meaning you retrace your steps to the finish.
You will be well fuelled. There are 3 checkpoints which are stocked with water, Coke, Fanta, energy bars, and crisps (Vegan options available at all CPs).
Note: Support crews are strictly prohibited from official checkpoints due to space constraints.
The reward for battling the winter elements is legendary. Finish at the United Reform Church in Otley and thaw out with homemade 10-bean chilli, cheese toasties, and mince pies. It’s a warm, festive atmosphere where you can trade war stories with fellow runners. What better way to round up the way. Visit the official Punk Panther website for the latest race info and registration details.
