Northern Traverse 2025

 

One of the UK’s most gruelling non-stop endurance races the Northern Traverse is set to begin this week, with a sold-out field tackling the epic 300km ultra from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay. Alongside the flagship event, participation in the Lakes Traverse, Dales Traverse, and Moors Traverse has surged, with numbers tripling compared to 2024. This year’s race holds special significance as the Northern Traverse route is poised to become an official National Trail. Originally described by Alfred Wainwright in 1973, the coast-to-coast path has never held formal National Trail status. However, in 2022, Natural England proposed official recognition, and it is set to be designated in 2026. 

Among the standout competitors in the Northern Traverse, all eyes will be on Damian Hall, the current coast-to-coast record holder (39 hours, 18 minutes, and 40 seconds), as he returns to forge a new course record for the Northern Traverse race (currently held by Kim Collison at 44 hours and 24 minutes). With Damians experience and impressive endurance pedigree, the question is whether he can beat his own record and secure his place in history for years to come.

 

Another strong contender is Lianne van Dijk, who came agonisingly close to a podium finish in 2024. Determined to push even harder this year, she will be looking to claim a top spot. Meanwhile, Eloise Eccles brings international experience to the race. Having represented Great Britain at the European and World 24-hour Championships and with recent 1st and 2nd place finishes at the Summer Spine North and Summer Spine, Eccles is a force to be reckoned with.

 

Over at the Lakes Traverse, another exciting battle is set to unfold. Hannah Rickman, the first female finisher in last year’s Northern Traverse and the 2nd overall competitor to cross the line, is stepping onto the start line of the Lakes Traverse for the first time. Having proven her ability to excel on this route, she will be one to watch. David Parrish, who finished as 2nd male and 3rd overall in the 2024 Northern Traverse, is also looking to make his mark. A former Cape Wrath Ultra champion, Parrish is known for his speed and strategy, and he will be aiming for a new course record. Meanwhile, Brian Sharp returns with unfinished business after injury forced him to withdraw from the 2024 race. With a renewed determination, he will be looking to make up for lost time.

 

Ourea Events founder Shane Ohly commented “The 2025 Northern Traverse® is set to be the most thrilling edition yet, with entries doubling since 2024, proof of the growing appetite for epic ultra challenges. With a record number of runners taking on the Northern, Lakes, Dales, and Moors Traverses along the legendary 300km coast-to-coast route, this year promises unforgettable moments, incredible endurance, and an electric atmosphere. I can’t wait to see it all unfold and welcome everyone to this extraordinary adventure.” 

Following a successful inaugural launch in 2024, the Dales Traverse and Moors Traverse are back for their second year, offering shorter but equally demanding routes:

  • Dales Traverse (55km) – From Kirkby Stephen to Richmond, this race winds through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, gaining 1,400m of elevation.
  • Moors Traverse (80km) – Starting at Ingleby Cross and tracing Wainwright’s northern route through the North York Moors National Park to finish at Robin Hood’s Bay, with 1,600m of ascent.

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