Yorkshire’s Three Peaks Race

The Three Peaks Race is one of Britain’s toughest and most prestigious fell races, challenging participants to cover 24 miles and climb nearly 3,000 metres across Yorkshire’s three highest peaks—Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-Ghent. Whether as a competitive runner or determined walker, the race offers an extraordinary test of endurance and navigation.

This guide reveals everything about the Three Peaks Race, from its history and route to training tips and completing the challenge, whether for the main June race or the winter traverse.

Understanding the Three Peaks Race

The Three Peaks Race has evolved from its origins in the 1950s:

1950s: First race organised by the Yorkshire Dalesman magazine, with only a handful of participants completing the full course.

1960s-1970s: The race grew in popularity but remained niche, with increasing interest from serious fell runners.

1970s-1990s: The race became more established, with better organisation and growing participation.

1990s-2000s: The race’s popularity exploded, becoming one of Britain’s most iconic fell races.

2000s-present: The race is now a major event with hundreds of participants, lottery entry due to popularity, and international participation.

What makes the race special is its combination of challenge and scenery. Covering three of Yorkshire’s highest peaks across spectacular moorland and valleys, the race tests every aspect of fell fitness—navigation, stamina, climbing ability, and mental resilience.

The Route: The Three Peaks

The race follows a consistent route across Yorkshire’s three highest peaks, though the precise order may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and landowner permissions.

The three peaks:

Pen-y-Ghent: 978 metres (3,209 feet)
Whernside Hill: 978 metres (3,209 feet)
Ingleborough: 723 metres (2,372 feet)

Total ascent: Approximately 2,500 metres of climbing Total distance: Approximately 24 miles (39 km) Time limit: 12 hours

The race is not a continuous route but includes checkpoints and road sections between peaks. Participants must navigate using map and compass skills, particularly in poor visibility.

Essential Race Information

Date: The main race is held on the last Saturday in June (check current year’s date). A winter traverse is sometimes held in December/January (check website for details).

Location: The race starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and finishes in Hawes.

Start Time: Typically around 6:30am (check current year’s start time)

Entry:

Ballot entry: Approximately £45-50 (includes coach transport back to start)
Charity entries: Some charities have entries for fundraising
Waitlist: Due to popularity, many hopeful entrants are waitlisted for several years

Time limit: 12 hours to complete the full course

Navigation: Self-navigation with map and compass is required. No GPS or following other participants.

The Route Breakdown

1. Start to Whernside Hill

Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Terrain: Rough moorland and first climb

The race starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and heads west towards Whernside Hill across rough moorland. This section tests navigation and stamina before the first significant climb.

2. Whernside Hill to Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Terrain: Road and footpath running

After climbing Whernside Hill, runners head back towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale via roads and footpaths. This is one of the faster sections of the course and allows for recovery before the next climb.

3. Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Pen-y-Ghent

Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Terrain: Rough moorland and steeper climbing

From Horton-in-Ribblesdale, runners head towards Pen-y-Ghent across moorland. This section is steep and tests climbing ability and navigation skills in potentially poor visibility.

4. Pen-y-Ghent to Ribblesdale

Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Terrain: Descending and footpath running

After summiting Pen-y-Ghent, runners descend towards Ribblesdale, following footpaths and tracks. This section is fast and allows for recovery before the final climb.

5. Ribblesdale to Ingleborough

Distance: Approximately 5 miles
Time: Approximately 2 hours
Terrain: Final major climb and rough moorland

From Ribblesdale, runners head towards Ingleborough across moorland. This is the final major climb and the longest, most challenging section of the race. The navigation is tricky in poor visibility, and the terrain is unforgiving.

6. Ingleborough to Finish

Distance: Approximately 6 miles
Time: Approximately 2 hours
Terrain: Descending, tracks, and final road section

From Ingleborough, runners descend towards the finish in Hawes, following tracks and roads. This section includes the final checkpoint and the finish line at Hawes parish church.

Training for the Three Peaks Race

Completing the Three Peaks Race requires serious training. Most participants spend at least 6-12 months preparing, depending on their fitness levels and race experience.

Fitness Building

Base Fitness: Establish good base fitness with regular running (3-5 times per week) and some hill or mountain walking.

Hill Training: Essential for the race’s climbing. Include regular hill sessions, preferably on terrain similar to the Three Peaks (rough, steep, uneven).

Back-to-Back Days: Practice running on consecutive days to simulate race demands. A 2-day weekend with back-to-back sessions of 4-6 hours each day is excellent preparation.

Interval Training: Mix long, slow runs with faster, shorter sessions. Include recovery runs at easy pace.

Strength Training: Include core and leg strength work to support climbing and rough terrain.

Map Reading: Learn to read OS maps and understand contours, features, and symbols.

Compass Skills: Practice using a compass for navigation. This is essential as GPS is not allowed.

Route Recce: Practice reciting route cards and understanding checkpoints and transitions between terrain types.

Night Navigation: Some sections might be tackled in poor visibility. Practice night navigation with map and compass.

Poor Visibility Navigation: Practice navigating in fog, mist, or poor weather conditions, as you may experience these on race day.

Climbing Skills

Scrambling: Practice basic scrambling on steep, rocky terrain. You’ll need to negotiate steep ground, particularly on Ingleborough.

Descending: Learn safe descending techniques. Descending steep, rocky ground is a skill that many race injuries occur during.

Terrain Reading: Practice assessing ground conditions and choosing the safest line over steep or unstable terrain.

Race-Day Preparation

Equipment: Good trail running shoes with aggressive grip are essential. Don’t use road shoes.

Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing. Avoid cotton, which becomes cold and heavy when wet. Consider compression gear for long descents.

Nutrition: Practice your race-day nutrition during training. Determine what works for you and stick with it on race day.

Hydration: Practice drinking on the move. You’ll need to drink regularly throughout the 12 hours.

Mental Preparation: Visualise the race and have a clear plan. Mental resilience is as important as physical fitness.

The Three Peaks Race Experience

Starting Line

The race start is a spectacle of nervous energy and anticipation. Hundreds of runners gather in the dark, preparing for a challenge that will test them to their limits.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is tense but supportive. Fellow runners share stories, advice, and encouragement.

Strategy: Start at a pace you can sustain. The first climb to Whernside Hill will test your early pacing decisions.

The Peaks

Each of the three peaks offers a different experience:

Whernside Hill: The first major climb. The summit offers views towards the route ahead, giving you a taste of what’s to come.

Pen-y-Ghent: The highest point of the route and one of Yorkshire’s most famous peaks. The summit offers spectacular views across the Dales and towards distant hills.

Ingleborough: The final and most demanding climb. The summit is rocky and offers a sense of achievement as the final major obstacle.

The Sections Between Peaks

The sections between peaks are where the race strategy is determined:

Pacing: Many runners will use the road and footpath sections to recover and eat/drink.

Navigation: Poor visibility or tricky terrain can cause delays and navigation errors. Stay focused and trust your compass.

Group Dynamics: You may run with others of similar pace, but remember that you’re racing independently and must navigate for yourself.

The Finish

Crossing the finish line at Hawes parish church is one of the most emotional moments in fell running. After 12 hours of relentless effort, crossing that line with a medal around your neck is a powerful achievement.

Atmosphere: The finish is emotional and supportive. Fellow finishers congratulate each other, and supporters cheer in the late arrivals.

The Winter Traverse

While the main race is in June, many runners complete the Three Peaks route in winter as a personal challenge or training run.

Differences:

Weather: Winter conditions can be challenging—snow, ice, and short daylight hours.
Solitude: Winter traverses are much quieter, often with few other people on the fells.
Support: No race organisation support—you’re entirely self-sufficient.
Conditions: Winter can make the route much more challenging, with snow and ice requiring extra caution.

Preparation: Winter Three Peaks requires winter mountaineering skills, including:

Extra warm and waterproof clothing
Ice axe and crampons if snow and ice are present
Navigation skills in poor visibility
Emergency shelter and bivouac experience
Check weather forecasts and mountain conditions before setting out

The winter traverse is a different but equally rewarding challenge, requiring self-sufficiency and serious winter skills.

Common Mistakes

Over-Pacing Early: Many runners start too fast, burning energy for the later peaks. Start conservatively, especially for the Whernside Hill section.

Poor Navigation: Not checking position regularly and relying on other runners can lead to navigation errors. Trust your map and compass.

Inadequate Equipment: Trail shoes with poor grip, unsuitable clothing, or insufficient food and drink can all compromise performance.

Ignoring Terrain: Not respecting the difficulty of the peaks, particularly Ingleborough, can lead to falls and injuries.

Not Eating/Drinking Enough: 12 hours of sustained effort requires proper nutrition and hydration. Don’t skip food and drink stations.

Race-Day Tips

Weather: Check forecasts before the race. Weather in the Dales can change rapidly, and you’ll be exposed to it for up to 12 hours.

Checkpoints: Know the location of each checkpoint and the required equipment/proof. Don’t miss any checkpoints, or you’ll be disqualified.

Time Limits: The 12-hour time limit is generous but real. Don’t underestimate the challenge.

Support Crew: The race has support stations but they’re limited. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.

Finish: The finish is at Hawes parish church. Don’t run past it or you’ll be disqualified.

Post-Race: The finish area has food, drink, and first aid. Take time to recover, hydrate, and celebrate your achievement.

Three Peaks Race Photography

Start Line: The mass start in the dark is atmospheric and captures the nervous energy of the beginning.

The Peaks: The summits of the three peaks offer spectacular views and photography opportunities, especially in good light.

Weather: Sun breaking through mist, snow-capped peaks, and atmospheric weather conditions can make dramatic photos.

Finish: The emotional scenes at the finish line capture the essence of fell racing—exhaustion, achievement, and celebration.

Respect: Don’t interfere with other runners or block their finish. Photographers are generally welcome but should be considerate.

The Three Peaks Community

The Three Peaks Race has a strong, supportive community:

Alumni: Those who’ve completed the race become part of an exclusive community, with reunions and events.

Supporters: Friends and family support runners, creating a supportive atmosphere at start and finish.

Volunteers: The race depends on volunteers for organisation, checkpoint staffing, and support.

Charity: The race supports various charities, and many runners raise money through sponsorship.

This community spirit is one of the race’s most appealing aspects—runners supporting each other through shared challenge and achievement.

Alternative Three Peaks Routes

While the official race route is fixed, there are alternative Three Peaks challenges:

The Classic Traverse: Completing the three peaks in any order within 12 months (self-timed). This is the most common alternative to the race.

The Winter Traverse: Completing the route in winter between November and March. This is considered the hardest version of the challenge.

The Three Peaks in Under 12 Hours: An elite challenge to complete the route in under 12 hours. Only the most experienced fell runners have achieved this.

The Reverse Three Peaks: Completing the route in the opposite direction (Hawes to Horton-in-Ribblesdale start).

All these variations offer different challenges and can be completed throughout the year.

A Final Thought

The Three Peaks Race is one of Britain’s toughest and most prestigious fell races, testing every aspect of fell fitness—navigation, climbing ability, stamina, and mental resilience. Covering Yorkshire’s three highest peaks across spectacular moorland and valleys, the race offers an extraordinary challenge that demands respect and preparation.

Whether you’re attempting the race for the first time or seeking to improve your time, the key to success is thorough preparation, realistic pacing, and respect for the challenge. The fells can be unforgiving, the weather unpredictable, and the demands relentless.

Crossing that finish line, whether you’re in 12 hours or 12 hours and 1 minute, is one of the most emotional and rewarding experiences in fell running. The Three Peaks medal represents more than just physical achievement—it represents months or years of training, preparation, and dedication.

So if you’re considering the Three Peaks Race, start planning now. Prepare thoroughly, train specifically for the route’s demands, and respect the challenge. The reward is crossing that finish line with the knowledge that you’ve completed one of Britain’s toughest challenges.

The Three Peaks Race isn’t just a race—it’s an achievement that will stay with you forever. The medal, the memories, and the stories will last a lifetime, and the experience will change how you see the fells forever.

This guide reveals everything about the Three Peaks Race, from its history and route to training tips and completing the challenge. The race is one of Britain’s toughest fell races, testing navigation, climbing, and stamina across Yorkshire’s three highest peaks. Train thoroughly, respect the challenge, and discover what makes this race so special and rewarding.

Yorkshire's Three Peaks Race