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Hardmoors 55

16-Mar-2019 Helmsley, Yorkshire & the Humber, UK (England)

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6 REVIEWS

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Trail Race Race Terrain

89KM / 55Miles
1 Day

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Intermediate

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The Hardmoors 55 is runs from Helmsley to Guisborough through the North York Moors and the Cleveland Hills in winter conditions. It follows the Cleveland Way including the crest of the North York Moors and the Cleveland Hills, including Roseberry Topping. There is a coach for runners from Guisborough to Helmsley in the early hours before the start of the race and the race briefing, which is compulsory.

The cut off for this event is 16 hours and finishers will earn UTMB qualifying points.

There are 12 checkpoints, six with food and drink, and two for the non-returnable drop bags (9).

There is mandatory kit that will be check before and during the race.

Event Organiser
Shirley Steele

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Hardmoors 55

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erinvictoriaking

11:16 17-07-17

Ran in 2015. Excellent race, loved the demotivational signage! The route was reverse this year, so there was a very tough first section to tire you out for the second half. Well organised, good aid stations and friendly marshals; well worth the entry fee.

thelongesttry

08:09 04-04-16

I think if you're a runner on the trails in the UK, you have to give the Hardmoors 55 a dig, A moderate 20 or so miles then a tough run into Kildale, the up and down Roseberry Topping is a drainer but a day out on the North Yorkshire Moors is never a bad thing. Depending on the weather. Great marshalling and distance between check points too.

Paintedrunner

06:30 04-04-16

2016 great race, well organised, easy to navigate.highly reccomended

JHarpham

07:43 03-04-16

Ran in 2016, brilliant race, superb organisation, great marshalling, great competitors, cannot be faulted! Challenging course but very runnable, would highly recommend and will be at the 60 in September!

Paintedrunner

04:11 03-04-16

This was my longest ultra run to date, I ran it in 2016, It was easy to navigate due to being mainly on the Cleveland Way, with yellow tape and glow sticks for the tricky sections. There were 2 checkpoints for bag drops, but I carried everything easily. There was also scope for runners to be supported if they wished. I ran unsupported and enjoyed the race very much, it has a very friendly feel about it. It was a challenge, and I felt very accomplished to complete it. I highly recommend the Hardmoors 55

SarahCrunning

07:21 30-03-16

I ran this in 2016 having run a few ultras before but nothing on terrain like this. The closest I had come previously was High Peak 40. I am a nervous runner on the steep rocky descents and don't have as much local hillage as I'd like, so wasn't sure how I would cope.

This is a long day if you're staying in the same place the night before and after and getting the coach (as I did) to the start. Due to kit checks and the number of runners, there is a bit of hanging around before the start of the race. That said, I never saw a volunteer who wasn't smiling and nothing was too much trouble to keep the runners comfortable, safe and happy.

The route is tough, and I can imagine it would be very difficult in extreme weather. This shouldn't be underestimated. However, I wouldn't want to discourage runners from giving this a go if they've run some decent off-road distances before. The cut-offs are very manageable and there were runners of all levels and speeds out there. Although it was technically the hardest race I have done, it was by far the most beautiful, rewarding and enjoyable. Navigation is mostly very straightforward, there are lots of very runnable sections, and the climbs are exhilarating.

The CPs were well-stocked and well managed (apart from a slow supply of water to refill bottles at Osmotherley) and everything seemed to run smoothly. Everyone I met was very friendly and there is nothing like seeing dozens of headtorches going up and down Roseberry Topping in the dark!

This is a challenging but varied race - the terrain makes the time pass quickly. You need to be fit, but you don't need to be super-fast to give this race a go and experience a really beautiful part of the country. It has made me think seriously about doing the 110 at some time in the future!

Hardmoors 55