British ultra-runner Damian Hall is going for the course record at the Northern Traverse as he defends his coast-to-coast crown.
Hall didn’t race this year’s Barkley Marathons last month but went incredibly close to joining Jasmin Paris as a finisher in 2024.
And he has a new challenge in his sights this weekend as he attempts the gruelling, non-stop 300km endurance race which takes in three National parks, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors.
Record under threat
Hall is the current coast-to-coast record holder in a time of 39 hours, 18 minutes, and 40 seconds which he set in 2021 on the Wainwright route at the age of 45, beating a previous mark which had stood for 30 years.
Now, he has a great shot at beating the course record for the Northern Traverse, which is currently held by Kim Collison at 44 hours and 24 minutes and all eyes will be on him this weekend.
Can he beat his own time in the process and secure his place in the history books? With the recent dry weather and a good forecast going into the event, conditions could be perfect.
Also in the event is Lianne van Dijk, who came agonisingly close to a podium finish in the women’s race in 2024. Determined to push even harder this year, she will be looking to claim a top spot.
Meanwhile, Eloise Eccles brings international experience to the race. Having represented Great Britain at the European and World 24-hour Championships and with recent first and second place finishes at the Summer Spine North and Summer Spine, Eccles is a force to be reckoned with.
One of four
The Northern Traverse, one of the four Traverse Races, is bigger than ever this year with the number of runners doubling from 2024 and a sold-out field tackling the epic ultra from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay.
Alongside the flagship event, participation in the Lakes Traverse, Dales Traverse, and Moors Traverse has surged, with numbers tripling compared to 2024.
At the Lakes Traverse, another exciting battle is set to unfold. Hannah Rickman is stepping on to the start line for the first time after becoming the first female finisher in last year’s Northern Traverse and the second overall competitor to cross the line.
More records could go
Having proven her ability to excel on this route, she will be one to watch. David Parrish, who finished as second male and third overall in the 2024 Northern Traverse, is also looking to make his mark. A former Cape Wrath Ultra champion, Parrish is known for his speed and strategy, and he will be aiming for a new course record.
Meanwhile, Brian Sharp returns with unfinished business after injury forced him to withdraw from the 2024 race. With a renewed determination, he will be looking to make up for lost time.
“Electric atmosphere”
Ourea Events founder Shane Ohly commented “The 2025 Northern Traverse is set to be the most thrilling edition yet, with entries doubling since 2024, proof of the growing appetite for epic ultra challenges.
“With a record number of runners taking on the Northern, Lakes, Dales, and Moors Traverses along the legendary 300km coast-to-coast route, this year promises unforgettable moments, incredible endurance, and an electric atmosphere..”
Following a successful inaugural launch in 2024, the Dales Traverse and Moors Traverse are back for their second year, offering shorter but equally demanding routes:
The Dales Traverse covers 55km from Kirkby Stephen to Richmond and winds through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, gaining 1,400m of elevation.
The Moors Traverse is over 80km. It starts at Ingleby Cross and traces Wainwright’s northern route through the North York Moors National Park to finish at Robin Hood’s Bay, with 1,600m of ascent.
