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Yorkshire Dales · April · AL Category

Three Peaks Fell Race

One of the oldest and most famous fell races in Britain. 24 miles over Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough — an AL category classic held every April since 1954.

24 Miles
39km Distance
1,596m
Ascent
April
Annual Race
1954
First Held
COACH

Brennan Townshend — Winner (x2)

Brennan has won the Three Peaks Fell Race twice, giving him unrivalled first-hand knowledge of racing lines, pacing strategy and what it takes to compete at the front of this iconic event.

About the Race

The Three Peaks Race traverses the famous Yorkshire Dales mountains of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside — three of the most iconic peaks in the Pennines. Starting and finishing in Horton in Ribblesdale, the race covers approximately 24 miles with 1,596m of ascent.

First run in 1954, the race is organised by the Three Peaks Race Association and is limited to 999 competitors. It is part of the UTMB World Series Index, contributing Running Stones toward UTMB race entry. The course record is held by Thomas Roach (2:53:28 in 2023); the women's record by Holly Wootten (3:34:36 in 2024).

The Route

  • Start & Finish: Horton in Ribblesdale
  • Leg 1: Pen-y-ghent — the first mountain. Deceptively tough early climb.
  • Leg 2: Whernside — the highest of the three (736m). A brutal all-fours scramble up the steep face.
  • Leg 3: Ingleborough — the final mountain. 5.5 miles still to run from the summit.
  • Two time-limited checkpoints — missing these means disqualification
  • Entry: online only, October to April (or when 999-place limit is reached)

Preparation Tips

Leg-Specific Training

Each leg has a different character. Train on all three peaks if possible — the scramble up Whernside's steep face requires specific technical practice.

Pacing

Pen-y-ghent feels manageable on fresh legs — don't go out too hard. Whernside is where many runners blow up. Save something for the long run home from Ingleborough.

Entry Strategy

Entry opens 1 October and fills very fast. Set a reminder and enter the moment the ballot or entry opens. Priority places are given to top 10 men and top 5 women from the previous year.

Kit Requirements

Strict kit list required. Missing even one item means disqualification. Know the requirements in advance and practice running with race kit weight.

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