The Maverick Peaks Merlin Ultra 2024
Saturday 1 June 2024 | 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.
LOCATION
Bakewell Showground,
Bakewell,
Derbyshire
DE45 1AH
/// barman.puncture.pickup
ROUTES
Ultra: 52 km
Long: 41 km
Middle: 27 km
Short: 10 km
See Route Info
DETAILS
Registration: 07:00am
Start times:
Ultra: 08:00am
Long: 08:30am
Middle: 09:00am
Short: 09:30am
DIFFICULTY
Stunning varied terrain, from rocky climbs and descents to open moors & forest.
More Info
PEAKS MERLIN GPS TRACKING
Please see the map below to follow your runner.
The map defaults to the ULTRA route but you can switch it to the LONG route by using the "Select Course" dropdown within the map.
Use the magnifying glass on the left-hand side to search by either race number or name so you can follow your runner.
MORE INFO
We have 4 routes for you to choose from. Please select carefully - the X-Series is not for the faint-hearted.
CUT OFF POINTS & TIMES
Peaks cut off times are as follows. These apply to the Ultra race 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. The below time allows you to complete the distance in 9hrs. Your Safety is our Priority.
Ultra Route Cutoff times:
Start: Bakewell (0km), 08:00
Outpost 1: Chatsworth (10km), 09:45
Outpost 2: Grindleford Train Station (19km), 11:20
Outpost 3: Upper Burbage Bridge Car Park (25km) - Ultra route only, 12:20
Outpost 4: St Helen's Church, Grindleford (36km), 14:15
Outpost 5: Longstone (45km), 15:35
Finish: Bakewell (52km), 17:00
Long Route Cutoff times:
Start: Bakewell (0km), 08:30
Outpost 1: Chatsworth (10km), 10:15
Outpost 2: Grindleford Train Station (19km), 11:50
Outpost 4: St Helen's Church, Grindleford (24.5km), 14:15
Outpost 5: Longstone (34km), 15:35
Finish: Bakewell (41km), 17:00
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 outpost on the Middle route, at approximately 10km & 19km. There will be 4 outposts on the Long route, see above. The Ultra route will have 5 Outposts, please see above for the distances of each. 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.
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.
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What you get
Getting to the Race
By Car
Free parking at the venue. If you're looking to share transport you can message other runners here.
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
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
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
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
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
PLEASE PACK:
These items are mandatory for Ultra and Long routes
• Trail shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers or base layer for legs
• 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
• First Aid Kit (must include plasters, self adhesive bandage)
• A re-usable cup (we’d like to ensure our are races plastic free!)
• GPX of the route
Built to perform in the harshest conditions, featuring pinnacle functional materials and design, the adidas TERREX range is the perfect companion for any trail runner. That's why we are partnered with them and proud to have them sponsor our races. Click the button below to get the latest TERREX kit.
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