2025 will see the 70th staging of the iconic Three Peaks Race with Saturday 26 April the date in question. The event traverses the famous Yorkshire Dales mountains of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside and is one of the oldest and most famous fell races in Britain.

First run in 1954, the race covers 24 miles of the most rugged and spectacular countryside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, taking competitors to a height of 2,500 feet above sea level. The male course record is held by Thomas Roach, who completed this gruelling challenge in 2:53:28 in 2023. The female record of 3:34:36 is held by Holly Wootten and was set at this year's race.

Organisers say: "2024's race saw a 70 year span from the inaugural running of the race in 1954 but due to interruptions form foot and mouth and then covid, we will be celebrating the 70th edition of the race in 2025. We are so excited about the Platinum landmark event and hope the race will be full!"

To help make that a reality the qualification criteria has changed which organisers hope will make it easier for people to sign-up earlier and will help with putting plans in place for this special event. The change means that there are now no specific qualifying races and it is down to the competitor to be confident they can make the various cut-off times and complete the course under race conditions.

Completing the circuit of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks really is an achievement, pitting yourself against some of the UK’s best fell runners in what may be winter conditions is an epic performance whatever your finish time. Despite this, athletes young and old, male and female, return year after year to challenge themselves.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Three Peaks Race website.

Image: Three Peaks Race/@woodentops.org.uk