Both routes use Long Lane, near Clapham
Fancy a challenging trot across the Yorkshire Dales with the inner warm glow of knowing you’re helping a great bunch of volunteer rescuers?
The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation is inviting hardy outdoor types to join them for their annual long-distance challenge to raise funds for the team.
Despite its name, the organisation spends most of its time rescuing stricken walkers from the hills of the Yorkshire Three Peaks area, though it does also go to the aid of potholers in need.
Runners and walkers have two choices in the 22 May event: the longer Ingleborough Marathon is a 26-mile (42km) route through the Three Peaks area, while the Clapham Circuit is 12 miles (19km) long.
Both will use paths and tracks seldom used by the thousands who make the ascent of the popular hills, and both routes begin in the team’s home village.
A team spokesperson said: “The actual routes will be provided at a later date but both routes will start and finish at Clapham.
“The routes will both go up Long Lane from Clapham towards Ingleborough. The Clapham Circuit will then veer off to Sulber Nick and then go back to Clapham via Wharfe and Austwick.
“The Ingleborough Marathon will track to the summit of Ingleborough, down towards the Hill Inn and then the route will be off the official footpath and on land that the CRO have been given special permission for access to Selside.
“From Selside the route will cross the valley and follow a section of the Ribble Way to Horton in Ribblesdale, then back to Sulber Nick where it will take the same route back to Clapham as the Clapham Circuit.
“Everyone will receive a medal and a certificate with the time that it took them to complete the event.”
Participants in the marathon are asked to raise at least £25 for the team, with those on the Clapham Circuit set a target of £15.
The spokesperson said: “If you want to raise money for another charity you are welcome to do this, all we ask is the above entrance fees.
“You can enter as an individual, a family, a group or even use it as a corporate event for your work.”
More details are on the event website.
