Hardmoors 55

The course

What you’re in for

Guisborough to Helmsley across the top of the North York Moors in March: 53 miles on the Cleveland Way over Roseberry Topping, the Three Sisters and the Cleveland Hills, then along the western escarpment past the White Horse to the finish at Helmsley sports club. The organiser's own warning is that it may be winter up there, and it often is. It is 84.7km with 2,300m of climb, and sixteen hours to do it from an eight o'clock start. Checkpoints at Roseberry Topping (6.5 miles), Osmotherley village hall (30, drop bag), the White Horse (44) and others between; a coach from Helmsley at six takes you to the start. Support crews are actively discouraged — the moor car parks cannot take them and the race's future depends on it.

Terrain and trail

Stone-pitched climbs and flagged moor top over the Cleveland Hills, heather and peat between, then the firmer escarpment path in the second half. Exposed for most of the day, and March can mean snow, ice or a gale on the tops. Full winter kit: tights, waterproofs, hat, gloves, a litre of water to start. A trail shoe with real grip. Self-navigated on the Cleveland Way's own waymarks plus the organiser's route description; carry the map. Cup-free checkpoints with water, Coke and basic food, drop bags at the points named. A tracker is included, and the organiser watches them — they will ring you if you wander. Full mandatory kit is checked at registration and anyone found without it on the course is out.

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Train for it: routes near the start

Routes starting within 20 km of Guisborough, North Yorkshire, nearest first. Each one has a free GPX file and a TRP grade, so you can rehearse the ground before race day.

All North York Moors routes →

How to enter

Common questions

How far is the Hardmoors 55?

The Hardmoors 55 is one distance: Hardmoors 55 (85.3 km / 53.0 miles).

How much climbing is in the Hardmoors 55?

The Hardmoors 55 has 2,300 m of ascent.

How hard is the Hardmoors 55?

Hardmoors 55: Expert. Distances are measured off the course file. Where the file carries no elevation, the climb is the organiser's published figure.

Is the Hardmoors 55 course marked?

No. The Hardmoors 55 is not a marked course. You are expected to navigate it yourself.

What kit do I need for the Hardmoors 55?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the Hardmoors 55. Hardmoors confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

What are the cut-offs for the Hardmoors 55?

Overall time limits — Hardmoors 55: 16h.

What is at the checkpoints on the Hardmoors 55?

We don't hold a checkpoint list for the Hardmoors 55. What's on the table varies a lot between races, so check the Hardmoors race information rather than turning up expecting food.

Can I download the Hardmoors 55 route?

Yes. The GPX for each distance is free to download here, with no sign-up, the same as every route on Trail Running Planet.

When is the next Hardmoors 55?

Sat, 20 Mar 2027, 08:00. Not open yet.