Races

Valleys Ultra (7)

EnglandSeptember

England, September. 110 km on 70% trail. +4,914 ft of climbing. 25 hours cutoff.

68 mi+4,914 ft-4,960 ft25 hours1,115 ft to 1,467 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierSeptember
Distance68 mi
Gain+4,914 ft
Loss-4,960 ft
Altitude1,115 ft to 1,467 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 70°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start1,332 ft
  • High1,467 ft
  • Low1,115 ft
  • Finish1,286 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop351 ft-3.5% over 1.9 mi
Night miles24 misunset near 18:00 local

The cruxMoorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths (near mile 44)

Course DNA

The Course

Valleys Ultra (7) runs 110 km through England. +4,914 ft gain and -4,960 ft loss. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 20% path / 10% road. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths. High point near 1,467 ft. Low near 1,115 ft. September temps run 40°F to 70°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 34.

The Work

Train for 4,914 feet of climbing across 110 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 25 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 44.

Kit

September in England: plan for 40°F to 70°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 25 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 17. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 34.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 17. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 34. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths near mile 44 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 23 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Valleys Ultra (7)