Got your mandatory kit sorted?
Browse the ultra runners' kit list for all your essential gear.
The Eight Stations Ultra 50K - Whitby to Pickering
Ever fancied racing a steam train? Well, this is about as close as you can get. The Eight Stations Ultra is a cracking point-to-point 50k that follows the historic route of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, taking you on a journey from the sea at Whitby to the charming market town of Pickering.
This isn't your typical brutalist moorland slog; it's a race with a unique character and a whole lot of charm. It’s about the journey, the history and the beautiful scenery of one of the UK’s most loved national parks.
Course
The Eight Stations Ultra begins in the best possible way: under the iconic, gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey. After a quick dash through the historic town, you leave the scent of sea salt behind and head inland, picking up the path that traces the famous railway line.
The 32 mile (50km) route is deceptively tough. While it follows a 'rail trail', it’s no pancake-flat course, packing in a surprising amount of climbing as it snakes its way through the heart of the moors. The path itself is a fantastic mix of cinder track, forest trail, and country paths, making for a really enjoyable and runnable day out.
The real magic of the route is ticking off the old stations one by one: Grosmont, Goathland (famous as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films!), Levisham, and all the stops in between. You might even be lucky enough to get a toot and a wave from a passing steam train. The race finishes, fittingly, right at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway station in Pickering, where a warm welcome and a well-deserved rest awaits.
If you're looking for an ultra that’s a bit different, this is it. The unique railway theme makes it stand out, and the route is just absolutely stunning from start to finish. For more details on Eight Stations 50K Ultra, please visit the official race website.
