A really fun event, in challenging conditions underfoot. Very wet trails but in stunning surrounds and good weather (wet was from previous 2 weeks of rain). It was great to be able to complete a whole trail as part of a race and to do it alongside all the other variations (28/110/dark skies) meant you were never alone for long. As ever Punk Panther team looked after us so well and I always enjoy their events. If you have the chance to do an event of theirs, you shouldn't let it pass.

Having made the decision to finally try a 100-miler, running with Punk Panther was the natural choice. The friendly race director team will all somehow have learned your name and face after your first race with them and manage to extend a feeling of family to every race you run with them. The course was challenging but fair, easily navigable with the gpx file provided, and provided stunning views to spur you on through the day and beautiful starry skies to help you keep going at night. The checkpoints were well stocked, spaced well along the route and staffed by smiling crews who couldn’t do enough for you and cheered you in and out of every station. Whether you go for the half loop 28, full loop 55, one and a half loops 83 or the double loop 111, this one is well worth a go.

The Nidderdale Trail races are the first time I have run one of the Punk Panther events as to say it was interesting is an understatement. An hour into the run a major storm blew in bringing stinging rain and biting cold winds. This didn't deter the friendly and smiling marshalls we encountered or detract from the stunning scenery (when you could actually see it) 😁. When we finally reached the finish we were treated to hot mugs of tea, toasted sandwiches or bowls of chilli. To sum up. Challenging, yes. Enjoyable, for the most part. Worth doing, definitely. Would I do a PP event again, yes after all the weather couldn't get any worse, surely? 🙂

A great friendly event that would be ideal for people new to ultra’s . Even though it’s not course marked it’s simple to follow the route via the gpx file. Friendly and well stocked aid stations with all you could need. A nice route in an area I’ve never been , nothing technical and a nice elevation change. Many thanks to the organisers and marshals for a great event.

I entered the 20mile event which was held on the Sunday (along with the 10k, half marathon & marathon). On the previous day, the ultra distance events were held along with the dark skies marathon. Even though storm Babet struck on the Friday, all the events went ahead and we enjoyed a calm & generally sunny event (on the Sunday) Prior to the event, outline provisional information was available on the website and a week before, the final details (including the finalised gpx file) were emailed out. Parking was provided at the show ground and the registration was straight forward at event HQ. The start was a short walk away (due to a narrow path unsuitable for the large number of runners) and the RD walked us there to give the race brief. Due to the earlier storm, a “dry” river crossing was no longer passable & the short diversion was explained before the start. As all the distances were started together, several narrow gates and stiles in the first couple of miles did cause some choke points, which didn’t really affect me as I deliberately started near the back, but could have frustrated some fast runners. Maybe next time, start the different distances at 5 min intervals? As the course generally followed the Nidderdale Way, course markings were the official signs which, along with the accurate gpx provided, were easy to follow. Where the route deviated from the Nidderdale Way & where the route was diverted due to the storm, clear signs & tape marked the way. Underfoot, it was generally firm, running along tracks, paths & the occasional bit of tarmac & took us out into the wilds above Patley Bridge which in the calm clear conditions gave excellent views down the valley. Nowhere was overly muddy (a surprise with the recent rain) but several paths were underwater for a short distance & you couldn’t avoid having to wade through, with the water at calf depth in places. As with all Punk Panther events, a mobile professional medic was out on the course, who as well as providing medical support (if needed) also acted as part time Marshall at a road crossing where the 10k route split off from the other distances. There were two checkpoints on the 20ml route ( the same one visited twice) which although after 4 mls, the first visit was too early to restock, it was a welcome sight after 12mls & was well stocked with drinks & snacks & friendly Marshall’s. Coming into the finish, event flags marked the run in to the finish line & we were welcomed with hot drinks & a choice of food, all provided from the outdoor gazebo, where the event shirts & medals were presented (included in the entry fee). Overall a well organised low key event, and to say there were nine different distances offered over two days (with the longer distances going over both days), another success from the Punk Panther team.

Pre event communication was great, I then received the updated gpx a few days before with last minute adjustments. Due to storm Babet I assumed this race would be cancelled, but the team set up in the storm so we could still race on the glorious hills, despite the slightly flooded trails! And by slightly I mean extremely with just one diversion for an impassable stream. As always the Punk Panther team were fantastic and the marshals super cheery. This race has some bottlenecks early on as there are some gates and stiles, this was clearly explained in the race briefing so the speedy people set off first with anyone happy for a quick breather setting off with a bit less haste. The gpx file was bang on and super easy to follow and it was great to see Julian the medic out there on course several times. I always feel really well looked after on Punk Panther races. As always the aid stations were very well stocked and the food at the finish was ridiculously good! So many vegetarian options! I went for the carrot and coriander soup with what I can only describe as the best cheese toasties I have ever eaten! I love the technical finishers t-shirt and medal. What a top day out on a challenging course with the best people ever! I'll definitely be back next year! Thanks Punk Panther :D