Race Review: Pennine Barrier 50

The Pennine Barrier 50, a 50-mile race by GB Ultras, is a perfect challenge for trail runners and ultra-runners. Beginning in Malham, the course takes on the terrains of Malham Tarn, Fountains Fell, Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough before returning to Malham for the finish. It’s a race that will truly test your endurance and skills. 

Arriving the night before, we camped at the Riverside campsite 500m from the start line. Situated in the valley between rolling hillsides, Malham is a storybook village with stone houses, local shops and independent pubs. 

The morning came too quickly. However, we were excited to get going, spend the day out among the rich Yorkshire hillside, appreciate the views, and push ourselves to new limits. 

The first push to the checkpoint is one of the longest, with a 12-mile stint in Malham Tarn and Fountains Fell. The weather was… bleak. 

Promised a glistening blue sky at the start of the week, the weather had turned, fog had crept in, and there was an unseasonal bite to the air. Over the top of Fountains Fell, the wind whipped me sideways. 

I had initially set a goal of 14 hours to complete the race. However, given the conditions, we quickly established that the goal may have been challenging. 

Pen-y-Ghent was my favourite climb of the day, partly because of the quick but technical ascent and my still high aspirations and energy levels.