The Maverick Peaks Merlin 2025
Saturday 7 June 2025 | Bakewell Showground
Just like the Peak District National Park is central to England, our Peak District Merlin Ultra trail race is the central piece to the Maverick Adidas Terrex calendar. It is the long-distance event that over the years our Maverick Trail runners have returned to time and time again. You come looking for a challenge and you are not disappointed. You come searching for adventure and you leave with expectations greatly exceeded.
The four routes all start in the spectacular Bakewell Showground before taking you out into the National Park were constantly varied and mixed terrain will keep you on your toes. Our four new routes will take you over high moor and down through river valleys. You’ll crisscross over old railways and summit the highest peaks in the park. You’ll join the iconic well-trodden Pennine footpath in parts, and explore lesser-beaten tracks in others. Whilst never being far from a breathtaking view or lung-busting set of stone steps! Please note, there is no outpost on the Short route.
The Peaks Merlin Ultra will have you hit all the edges of the park taking you through; Bamford, Hathersage, Curbar, Froggatt and Stanage, meaning you’ll get a fully immersive experience and feel for this incredible place. We can’t wait to welcome you back to our Peak District event.
DIFFICULTY
Stunning varied terrain, from rocky climbs and descents to open moors & forest.
More Info
Pricing
Online entry for the Ultra route will close Monday 18th May at midday.
Online entry for the Long, Middle & Short route will close on Wednesday 4th June 2025 at midday (12:00). On the day entries will be available if the event is not sold out.
All entries are subject to a small booking fee.
Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
MULTIBUY
Enter any 3 races from any series, or 3 entries into this event, and get 20% off
MORE INFO
REGISTRATION
Race packs will be posted to those taking part in the ultra route (100km). Kit spot checks and GPS tracker collection for the 100km runners, will be held at Bakewell Showground between 6-8pm on Friday 6th June 2025.
Race packs will NOT be posted to those taking part in the Long, Middle or Short routes. Registration will be held for these runners on Saturday 7th June 2025 from 7am.
CUT OFF POINTS & TIMES
There is a cut off in place for the Ultra & Long races and are in place for your safety. If you do not get to these points in time you will have to be collected as we don’t believe you will finish the route in time.
You will have 18hrs to complete the Ultra route
You will have 10hrs to complete the Long route
PLASTIC FREE
In our quest to make this season plastic-free, we ask that you run with a reusable cup or bottle. Hydrapak Speed Cups are available to purchase at each event and online.
OUTPOSTS
There will be no outpost on the Short route. There will be 2 outposts on the Middle route. There will be 4 outposts on the Long route. The Ultra route will have 7 Outposts.The outposts are designed to act as a top up for what you are already carrying. There will be a range of sweet & savoury snacks (fruit, cake, crisps) as well as Precision Hydration fuel & electrolyte.
There will not be pre-filled water cups available at the outpost. Please have your re-useable cup or bottle ready when you arrive and make use of our self serve water barrels.
HEADPHONES
We strongly recommend not wearing headphones at this event.
TRANSFERS
If for any reason you wish to transfer out from an event we are happy to do this, but once only. You may transfer to any event listed on our website or even change to a higher value event and pay the difference. We cannot action any transfers or refunds for an event that has sold out.
The last day to transfer out of an event is the Monday before event day (5 days before the event), please email us on info@maverick-race.com with the name of the event you would like to move to. We are not able to move you out of an event if you contact us after this day
The Routes
Choose your route carefully. The distance and elevation gain should give you some indication as to how easy/hard each route is, as well as showing you where the tougher climbs are.
Take your running to the next level
GET THE SUPPORT THAT YOU NEED AS A RUNNER WITH TAILORED PLANS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS, FROM TRAINING FOR A FASTER 5K TO YOUR FIRST MARATHON. USE REFERRAL CODE MAVERICKEVENTS TO UNLOCK YOUR EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
What you get
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
PLEASE PACK:
These items are mandatory for ULTRA route:
• Trail shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Mobile phone (in case of emergency)
• Enough food and drink (at least 1 litre) to last you 20km - there will be outpost on course to top up
• Foil blanket
• Basic first aid kit (must include plasters and self adhesive bandage)
• Whistle
• Head torch and spare batteries
• Hat/buff
• A re-usable cup
• GPX of the route
These items are mandatory for LONG route:
• Trail shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Mobile phone (in case of emergency)
• Enough food and drink (at least 1 litre) to last you the race - there will be outpost on course to top up
• Foil blanket
• Whistle
• A re-usable cup
• GPX of the route
Getting to the Race
By Car
Free parking at the venue. If you're looking to share transport you can message other runners here.
By Train
Nearest Train Station: Matlock, Buxton, or Chesterfield (20 min drive from start venue)
Southern Railway: London St Pancras - Matlock
Journey Time: Approx 2hr
By Taxi
Yaz Taxi Matlock
01629 690091
Local Campsites
Campsites within a 10min drive of the venue:
https://greenhillsholidaypark.co.uk
https://www.mandalecampsite.co.uk
https://lathkilldalecampsite.co.uk
http://www.dale.farm
How to stay hydrated
Take Precision Fuel & Hydration's free trail running sweat test to get a hydration plan tailored to your Maverick Race
Free Sweat TestBring your own cup
In an effort to keep our trails clean and preserve the nature around us, we’re aiming to keep out outposts cup free. Please bring a cup or bottle to re-fill.
Get a Maverick Speedcup
