DalesRunner 40

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Swaledale with the DR40, an exhilarating marathon route that winds through rolling hills and historic landmarks. The race begins and ends at the heart of Grinton, inviting runners to explore a diverse landscape filled with captivating scenery.
The journey starts on short stretches of road before transitioning onto moorland tracks. As you run, expect to pass by Maiden Castle Iron Age Hill Fort—a remarkable historical site—before ascending Whitaside Moor for panoramic views. The trail continues along Apedale Road and then takes an adventurous turn into Wensleydale.
Here, the route leads through Bolton Estate’s expansive moorlands, offering stunning vistas of Pen Hill as you traverse Green Haw Hut and Carperby Moor. You’ll descend via Oxclose Road under Ponderledge Scar to reach the quaint village of Carperby before continuing on footpaths that wind past West Bolton and historic Castle Bolton.
The second half sees runners climbing up to Height of Greets, then descending through Cogden Hall with a final push back towards Grinton Smelt Mill. The route’s grand finale is marked by Sharrow Hill views followed by the last stretch leading to The Dales Bike Centre where you’ll cross the finish line.
The course features hard-packed footpaths and tracks, moorland trods, and grassy pastures with some short road sections. Trail shoes are highly recommended for this challenging yet rewarding terrain.
Participants will receive a tracker and GPX trace to ensure navigation is smooth throughout their journey. Marshals will oversee all road crossings along the route to keep everyone safe.
Post-race refreshments include hot soup, rolls, and additional options like cakes and drinks available at The Dales Bike Centre. An early start option is offered for those expecting a longer race duration, beginning at 9:30am, while a generous cut-off point exists after Dent’s Houses around the 7.5-mile mark by noon.
This event requires adherence to a mandatory kit list detailed on their website and participants must be aged 16 or older; runners under 18 require adult supervision. The DR40 offers an optional XCover insurance for those wishing to secure a refund in case of unforeseen circumstances preventing race attendance.
Experience the unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and challenging terrain that makes the DR40 one of the most memorable marathon events on the calendar.
Explore more about this event at [https://dalesrunner.co.uk/events/dalesrunner40](https://dalesrunner.co.uk/events/dalesrunner40) for detailed information.