Punk Panther Autumn Headtorch Half

Pick your distance

What you’re in for

The autumn running of the reservoir night race: the same after-dark laps of Swinsty and Fewston as the spring event, on a midweek evening in October. Head torch essential — that is the whole idea. Three distances: a 5K, a 10K of 10.3km with 120m of climb, and the 13 Mile at 21.0km with 245m, two laps of the two reservoirs. Everyone finishes by 23:00. No checkpoints; water after a lap and at the finish, bring your own cup. October is darker than March at the same hour, and the woods hold more leaf on the path.

Terrain and trail

Gravel and tarmac perimeter paths around two adjoining reservoirs, flat and fast-draining, with short woodland sections. Autumn adds wet leaves over the roots, which is where you will slip if you are going to. Otherwise this is the simplest ground on the Punk Panther calendar. No taping and no navigation — the water stays on one side of you. A head torch that lasts the distance and a phone with the race director's numbers saved is all you need.

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Train for it: routes near the start

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

EASY

Fewston Reservoir Loop

5.2km · 21m climb · Loop · Same start

A short and beautiful run around this picturesque reservoir in the Washburn Valley

Checked Jun 2026

MODERATE

Thruscross Reservoir from Blubberhouses

13.5km · 162m climb · Loop · 2.4km away

The middle option in the Washburn Valley reservoir series - more commitment than the short loops but less than the full three-reservoir circuit. Thruscross from below gives the valley its proper context.

Checked Jun 2026

EASY

Swinsty Reservoir Loop

6.3km · 27m climb · Loop · 2.4km away

The smallest of the Washburn Valley reservoir circuits. Straightforward, reliable, and the kind of route that gets used regularly rather than just once.

Checked Jun 2026

MODERATE

Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir Loop

10.3km · 41m climb · Loop · 2.4km away

Two reservoirs for the price of one, connected by well-graded Yorkshire Water tracks. Quiet, well-maintained, and a reliable choice when everywhere else is ankle-deep.

Checked Jun 2026

HARD

Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty from Blubberhouses

23.7km · 195m climb · Loop · 2.4km away

Three reservoirs, one long run, and some of the best-maintained trail surfaces in the north. This is what you do when you want big distance without big hills.

Checked Jun 2026

EASY

Thruscross Reservoir Loop

7.9km · 97m climb · Loop · 4.9km away

Thruscross sits above the rest of the valley and feels it - more open, more exposed, and noticeably quieter than Swinsty and Fewston below. Worth the extra 5 minutes drive.

Checked Jun 2026

All routes near Ilkley →All Nidderdale routes →

Mandatory kit

• Head torch
• Mobile phone, switched on, with the race director's numbers saved

Kit for this race

Picked against the list above. Check the organiser's final instructions before you buy anything.

Mandatory: Head torch

Petzl Actik Core Head Torch

Petzl·headtorch

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How to enter

Common questions

How far is the Autumn Headtorch Half?

The Autumn Headtorch Half offers 3 distances: 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), 13 Mile (20.9 km).

How much climbing is in the Autumn Headtorch Half?

The 10K has 120 m of ascent. The 13 Mile has 245 m of ascent. No figure yet for the 5K.

How hard is the Autumn Headtorch Half?

10K: Moderate. 13 Mile: Hard. Distances are measured off the course file. Where the file carries no elevation, the climb is the organiser's published figure. The 5K isn't graded yet.

Is the Autumn Headtorch Half course marked?

We haven't confirmed the marking on the Autumn Headtorch Half with Punk Panther. Check their race information before you enter rather than assuming it either way.

What kit do I need for the Autumn Headtorch Half?

The organiser's compulsory list is: Head torch, Mobile phone, switched on, with the race director's numbers saved.

What are the cut-offs for the Autumn Headtorch Half?

One cut-off, and it is the end of the event: the race finishes at 23:00. There are no checkpoints to be timed out at.

What is at the checkpoints on the Autumn Headtorch Half?

No checkpoints. Water is available after one lap and at the finish — bring your own cup or flask, as there are no cups.

Can I download the Autumn Headtorch Half 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 Autumn Headtorch Half?

No date announced. When Punk Panther confirm the next Autumn Headtorch Half, it appears here and on the race calendar.

Past runnings