Ultra Tour of the Peak District
Dig Deep Peak District Races
Press Release / 24.02.2014
Dig Deep is a weekend festival of races and all things running in some of the most beautiful and challenging trails in the UK. Take your pick from 4 fantastic races; from the awesome Ultra Tour of the Peak District (60 miles) to the Whirlow 10k trail Challenge we have a race to suit every fitness level.
The Ultra Tour of the Peak District 60 miles 21st June 2014
The Peak Trail 'Intro Ultra' 30 miles 21st June 2014
The 12.12 12.12 miles 22nd June 2014
The Whirlow 10k Trail Challenge 6 miles 22nd June 2014
All of the races are predominantly trail races. There are occasional road sections on the Ultra Tour of the Peak District and the Intro Ultra but apart from that its traffic free all the way! All of the races incorporate hills and, whilst we wouldn't describe any of them as being fell races, they all enter some hilly terrain. We believe the races show the best of what the Peak District has to offer and sometimes you have to work that little bit harder to see it!
The Ultra Tour of the Peak District is a qualifying race (2 points) for the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc
The UTPD, which will be held on the 21st June 2014, is now close to selling out! We are really pleased that with still 5 months to go we now only have 50 places left for the 60 mile ultra race, which takes in some of the most iconic climbs and views the Peak District trails have to offer.
The Intro Ultra follows the Ultra Tour of the Peak District along parts of its length but deviates from certain key sections (Derwent Edge and Kinder). This means that the Intro Ultra is less committing in terms of distance and the ground you will cover. It's still a long way and has some grueling climbs to tackle but the high, uncultivated moorland is missed from the route.
This race was one of the highlights of the Dig Deep event largely due to the amazing diversity of the trails you follow. The route is fully signed but we do ask competitors to carry maps and compass because of the nature of the ground around the Burbage valley and the potential for bad weather (and therefore bad visibility). The 12.12 is a hilly course but you won't forget the views from Higger tor!
The Ultra Tour of the Peak District and the Intro Ultra both exceed the traditional marathon distance putting them both in to the ULTRA category. The Ultra Tour of the Peak District is not designed for novice Ultra runners. The route has 2722 metres of ascent and enters in to some quite remote areas where navigation skills would be necessary. However, it is a brilliant route and should be on your 'MUST DO' list of races to complete.
10k - there or thereabouts! This race isn't for your average road runners out to get a PB! There are hills, awkward trails and possibly mud to encounter! In other words, a proper trail race! Added to this the race fees are donated to Whirlow Hall Farm Trust.
Speaker for the Weekend
We are really pleased that Mammut sponsored endurance athlete Helen Bonsor will be joining us for the Dig Deep Peak District weekend. Helen will be one of several elite athletes who will be giving talks on endurance running over the weekend.
The Whirlow Hall Farm Trust is the main charity beneficiary from the event. Eight Point Two strive to ensure that every possibility to help the trust raise money is committed to. For example, all of the free food for race entries is bought directly from the farm. Also, if you are entering the Whirlow Hall 10k Trail Challenge every penny from this race will go to the Trust. If you are interested in fundraising further for the Trust please let us know.
The Dig Deep weekend is brought to you by Eight Point Two. We designed and ran the very first Ultra Tour of the Peak District and the 12.12 race in 2012. Both races were such a great success that we just had to continue them. After the success of 2012 and 2013 we've developed the event and have incorporated the Intro Ultra (30 miles) in to the program. Eight Point Two deliver races and events throughout the UK including the JCB Mud Run and the Whole Hog Races.
For full details of Dig Deep and other events please visit : www.digdeepraces.co.uk
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