Ladybower Reservoir 50K Ultramarthon

Ladybower Reservoir 50K Ultra Marathon - RunThrough

Discover the "Dark Peak" in all its glory. The Ladybower Reservoir 52k is a stunning tour of the Upper Derwent Valley, mixing fast, flat reservoir paths with gritty, technical climbs onto some of the most iconic edges in the National Park.

Brought to you by the team at RunThrough Trails, this 50k ultramarathon has quickly become a favourite for runners looking to step up to the ultra distance without navigating extreme mountain terrain. While it starts and finishes with a festival vibe at the Hope Showground, the miles in between are pure wilderness, offering sweeping views of the reservoirs and the brooding moorland of Derwent Edge.

Course

The 52km ultra is a tale of two terrains. You’ll experience the rhythmic, runnable trails that skirt the water’s edge of Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden reservoirs, perfect for banking some time. But don't get too comfortable; the route kicks you up high onto the fells.

You will tackle the steep ascent of Win Hill, offering one of the best panoramic views in the Peaks, before traversing the famous gritstone formation of Derwent Edge. Expect technical rocky sections, peat trails, and a total elevation gain of approximately 1,500m (3,700ft).

Key Landmark: The Dambusters history runs deep here. You’ll run past the gothic towers of the Derwent Dam, famously used for practice runs by the 617 Squadron.

Known for their "no-stress" approach to racing, RunThrough provides a fully marked course (flags and arrows), meaning you can keep your head up and enjoy the view rather than staring at a GPX file.

The aid stations are frequent and famously well-stocked. Expect water, Coke, gels, fruit, and arguably the best race-day brownies in the business. The finish line at Hope Showground is a proper celebration, with bespoke medals, merchandise, and a food village to refuel your tired legs.

The Ladybower 52k ultra marathon strikes the perfect balance. The 11 hour cut-off and fully marked course make it an achievable "first ultra" for road runners making the switch to trails. However, the vertical gain and technical terrain on the edges ensure it’s a genuine challenge for seasoned ultrarunners chasing a fast time. For more details, including registration info, please visit the official RunThrough Trails website.