Get ready for an exciting new event on the trail-running calendar as Great Owl Running presents the inaugural Ebor Way Races this May. Inspired by the historic Ebor Way footpath, which stretches 70 miles from Helmsley to Ilkley, this event offers a thrilling challenge with three race distances: 70K Ultra, Marathon and 20K Trail.

Kicking off at 8am on Saturday, 3 May, the LXX Ultra (70K) will start in the heart of York at the Inov8 York store, taking runners past The Shambles and York Minster before heading out on the scenic trails. The Marathon will begin in Wetherby, while the XX Trail (20K) starts in Eccup, with all races finishing in Ilkley, the starting point of the Dales Way.

Runners will have generous time limits to complete their chosen distances, with 12 hours for the Ultra, 8 hours for the Marathon, and 5 hours for the 20K Trail race. Organisers told us: "For those who love an even bigger challenge, keep an eye out for The Full Helmsley to Ilkley Ebor Way CXX (120K Ultra), set to launch in 2026!"

More than just a race, runners will experience historic landscapes, riverside paths and the rolling countryside of Yorkshire, with the freedom to visit shops, cafés, petrol stations, and even pubs along the way. Take on this epic journey from York to Ilkley, whether you’re chasing an ultra finish or looking for a scenic long-distance run, the Ebor Way Races are set to become a must-do event.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Great Owl Running website.

Image: Chemical Engineer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons