RHAC Pennine Way Relay, 21-23 June 2024

11th September 2023

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*** UPDATE **** We completed the Pennine Way Relay in 56 hours and 51 minutes at 18:38 on 23rd June 2024. 43 runners did 24 legs, running in pairs. It was a fabulous adventure and one which will stay with us forever. You can read our write-up of the event Ultrarunner magazine and view our picture gallery blog of those days and nights spent in the wilderness. And our Just Giving page raised over £2,000 for our local Mountain Rescue. We already planning our ultra, team challenge for next year 🙂

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on 21st June 2024, over 40 Rochdale Harriers will be running the >253 mile /37,000ft ascent Pennine Way as a continuous relay. We are running from North to South, starting at Kirk Yetholm in Scotland and finishing in Edale, Peak District, England. We have provided some outline information here and there is more detail (e.g. runners and predicted start times) in the Rochdale Harriers’ Community WhatsApp group:

• When: We will start Leg 1 at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 21st June 2024. The precise timing of later legs is difficult to predict, but we will GPS-track progress and update timings as the relay commences. VERY approximate start and finish times for each leg are available in the RHAC Community WhatsApp group for this event.
• Where: North to South from the Border Hotel, Kirk Yetholm in Scotland to The Old Nag’s Head, Edale (at least 253 miles), broken into legs as indicated in the table below.
• Tracking: We will post here a link to the website showing the live location of the runners throughout the event, 24/7.
• Who: Fully paid-up members of Rochdale harriers and A.C.. Currently over 40 RHAC members are on the relay team. Details of who is running each leg are available in the RHAC Community WhatsApp group.
• Maps: Are available and runners will need to recce their leg. Here is the full route (N to S). We can also provide .gpx traces for loading onto navigation devices, including some Garmin watches.
• Safety: We will run in pairs and all runners will need to wear or carry full FRA kit, including head torches for late and very early legs. We have held a meeting briefing runners on what to do in an emergency, have 24hr phone cover and have shared the risk assessment. Progress will be tracked by GPS and all relevant Mountain Rescue teams have been informed of the event. Any runners who have not provided a completed UK Athletics PAR-Q form (Pre-Activity Readiness Questionnaire) will need to do so (to check for any significant health issues). Also all runners must complete an entry form with disclaimer.
• Other: We have a bespoke baton or sash for the route and there will be a memento for all official runners and helpers.
• Charity: We have a Just Giving page set up. All proceeds go to Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue.
• Tracking: you can track progress here (tracker checks-in every 3 minutes)
• Apres Relay: See the RHAC Community WhatsApp group for the details of the apres relay meal and drinks (Sunday evening)
• Organisers: John Mayall, David Bull, Juliet Smith and Nick Barton.

PWR Legs. Distances and ascent/descent are approximate, possibly +/- 20%. Details of who is running each leg are available in the WhatsApp group.