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Yorkshire Reservoir Dogs 50K Ultramarathon
Don’t let the Tarantino-inspired name fool you; there are no suits or bank heists here. Instead, the Yorkshire Reservoir Dogs is a stunning, water-side tour of the Washburn Valley, offering some of the most runnable and scenic trails in the Punk Panther calendar.
As Race 8 in the series, this event takes place in mid-September, often the sweet spot where summer warmth meets the first crisp hints of autumn. It’s a race that swaps the bleak, open moorland of other Yorkshire ultras for the sheltered woodlands and flat, fast paths surrounding the region’s spectacular reservoirs.
Course
Starting from the market town of Otley, the route heads north to explore the chain of reservoirs that feed the area.
The 52KM (32 mile) Ultra course is a masterclass in trail variety. You will skirt the edges of Lindley Wood, Swinsty, and Fewston reservoirs, before heading up towards the wilder terrain of Blubberhouses. Unlike the constant grinding elevation of the Dales, this route offers plenty of flatter, faster sections along the water’s edge, perfect for stretching your legs, before hitting the punchy climbs of Stainburn Forest.
With 1,066m (3,498ft) of ascent over 52km, it is by no means flat, but it is certainly one of the more "runnable" ultras in the series.
The Yorkshire Reservoir Dogs ultra marathon is a different flavour of Yorkshire running. The reservoir paths offer a mental break from technical descents, allowing you to get into a rhythm, while the sections in Stainburn Forest keep things interesting with technical trails. Whether you are chasing ITRA points (2 for the Ultra) or just a great day out in the Washburn Valley, this is a race that delivers. Visit the official Punk Panther website for the latest race details.
