Welcome to the HUT

Our mantra at The Heights Federation is working together to reach new Heights. We are now hosting our 5th charity running festival in this fabulous part of the British lsles, which is often overlooked when compared to some of the countries National Parks.    We wanted to inspire our community to become more active, and for them (and those from further afield) to discover the ‘not so hidden’ beauty that is on their doorstep by creating a true ‘trail’ ultra. We think we have succeeded and in doing so, have created breath-taking challenges that stretch both bodies and minds and showcase this most beautiful and rugged part of Yorkshire.  

This year we have scaled down the entertainment and stalls, however, we still have lots of things planned on the day to keep families and children entertained whilst you do your thing in one of our 4 challenges. We hope that this will really enhance your HUTFEST experience both before you start and certainly once you have finished!  

Please use the opportunity to bring your friends and family to support you and to make the most of your HUT day. We would like to remind you that this is a charity event to try and raise funds for local rural primary schools, we must thank you for showing your support for the HUT and reminding us that WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN REACH NEW HEIGHTS.

 I hope this guide gives you a clear idea of what to expect on the day and also some tips on how best to prepare. We hope you will be inspired to run your best race on HUT day and thereafter to get out and train in beautiful places whether here or elsewhere for your next challenge ahead.  

Good luck, whichever event you are taking part in, we can’t wait to welcome back those who are taking on their 5th consecutive HUT challenge and for those experiencing the HUT for the first time. See you all on Saturday 6th September 2025.

Andrew Swales & Neil Hill

HUT RD’s

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

Venue

All the events will start and finish at Colne Valley High School, Gillroyd Lane, Linthwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5SP.  ///toenail.nicknames.dressings

Getting to the Event & Car Parking

Arriving by Bus – From Huddersfield Bus station. Either catch the 181 or 183, both will take you past the School.

Arriving by Train – Slaithwaite: The nearest train station is Slaithwaite HD7 5EB.  The 181 bus calls outside the station or you can take the short 10 min walk onto the main Manchester Road for the 183 bus.  Walking from Slaithwaite Train Station is 1.8miles from the event centre and should take around 45 mins.  Please be aware that Huddersfield train Station is closed at the moment.

Arriving by Train – Huddersfield: Taxi’s should be freely available from outside the station in St Georges Square. It is a short 5 min walk from the train station to Huddersfield Bus Station.

Arriving by car: There should be plenty of parking available at the event centre, but we would also wish to appeal for volunteers, families and competitors to car share where possible. Please be aware of some local road closures that maybe in operation.

The event address and main car park is can be found at Colne Valley High School & Sports Centre Main entrance on Gillroyd Lane HD7 5SP.  ///toenail.nicknames.dressings. In the event that this car park is full you will be directed to a further car park 100 metres away which can be found again on Gillroyd Lane. ///dividers.pocketed.highways

Registration

 Registration for the 2 ultra races can be either on Friday 5th September between 6 – 8pm at the event centre and on race day morning 6th September 2025 registration will be;

• • 50 Mile - open from 06.15 until 06.45 (prompt closing)
  • 50 KM – open from 06.30 until 07.45 (prompt closing) priority will be given to 50 milers
  • 27KM – open from 07.30 until 08.45 (prompt closing)
  • 10 KM -  open from around 9.15 until 10.45 (prompt closing)

We will try to ensure that the process is a pleasant one for all, but due to kit checks if you have not commenced registration by the times stated above you risk not been able to take part in your event so please allow yourself time.

Mandatory Kit for the Heights 50 Mile & 50KM Ultra Trail Runs ONLY

Note that this is the minimum kit list regardless of the weather and you may wish to carry more. Most runners will complete during daylight hours, however a torch/headlight must still be carried if competing in the 50 mile run. The course is fair and runnable, however, it is still a tough long run over some technical ground and open moorland. There are no exceptions to this kit list, everyone is carrying the mandatory kit, so by not carrying this kit you are effectively cheating. There will be a kit list check at the start and again at the finish for prize winners.  Expect not to start if you do not have the right kit, expect to be disqualified if your kit is short at the end. We would expect entrants to use common sense. Whilst this is a run/walk expected to be completed in reasonable weather conditions and mostly in daylight this is still a long day out and on some technical terrain, across moorland and on parts of the Pennine Way. If the weather is bad, pack extra kit.

• Waterproof jacket with a hood. This means that one with a waterproof membrane and taped seams.
• Waterproof trousers – as above
• Long sleeve top
• Hat/Cap (not just a buff) and gloves
   
• Water container or MUG. HUT is cupless. If you looking for something hot then you must carry a device, preferably a MUG that can take at least 200ml and not fall apart or damage the user.
• Compass and whistle
• Torch and spare batteries (or spare torch) *No torch required for the 50KM
• Bivy bag (a foil blanket is not sufficient)
• Mobile phone, must not to be used for navigation or have GPS enabled (e.g. strava, mapping tools). You will need to have download the ‘what3words’ app. If need be carry another phone.
• Money that rattles and/or folds (not just a credit/debit card)
   

Mandatory Kit for the Heights 27KM Trail Run ONLY

• Waterproof jacket or extra warm layer/long sleeve top
• Water container or mug. HUT is cupless, we will provide cold drinks at the Wessenden Head CP but you must bring your own container.
• Shoes suitable for off road trail running
• Mobile phone, for emergency use and must not to be used for navigation or have GPS enabled (e.g. strava, mapping tools unless you wish to carry a spare phone. You will need to have download the ‘what3words’ app.

Timing

The ultra events are tracked timed events. The 27k & 10k will be chipped timed this year.  Times will be taken at start and again at the finish and live timing will be available for the 2 ultra events. Results will be officially published online after the event by Open Tracking Timing at http://results.opentracking.co.uk/ . Timing for the 27KM, 10KM and thr Kids ‘fun run’ will be available at https://timemyrace.co.uk/heights-ultra-trail/ and will be made available on our own Heights Ultra Trail website also https://heightsultratrail.co.uk/

Navigational Devices

Our route distances are gathered by using an electronic mapping system. This is as accurate as possible but discrepancies can occur between the use of different GPS running computers, the position on the trail and atmospheric conditions. This in turn may lead to potential minor differences in distance when out on the route.

The Routes & Waymarking

The start for all 4 races has been increased by 100 metres which will mean that you will both start and finish at our HUT race arch this year.

50 Mile, 50 Kilometres and 27KM – Signage begins at around the 3.5 KM mark for these routes due to the 10KM being heavily marked. Please turn right after 2KM passing Blackmoorfoot Res on your right, do not follow arrows at this stage! These are circular routes and runners will pass through various checkpoints in order to complete the full course.  The routes will be waymarked with HUT discs, the occasional arrows to assist you and on open moorland paths there will be red flags.  These waymarks are there for guidance and support only and should not be relied upon exclusively to plot your way around the course.  Where each course splits at 36.4KM on the 50KM route and at 10.4KM and 13.5KM on the 27KM route, there will be obvious markings until each of the routes meets again at the Deer Hill conduit. In and out of the checkpoints will have increased signage and the last 4 kilometres of all 4 events follow the same route and will be heavily marked with black arrows on yellow background to guide you back to the event centre.

Entry for the 50 mile and 50KM events includes a bespoke full colour waterproof map and the ability to navigate will be an advantage. The complete route for the 27KM is on our bespoke maps, if you would wish to use a map, these can be purchased on the day for £8.  The use of a mobile phone is not allowed for navigation nor should you have GPS enabled unless you are carrying a second phone for emergencies. Please refer to our mandatory kit list. https://heightsultratrail.co.uk/50miles

10 Kilometres – The 10k route will be waymarked with arrows and/or tape, alongside enthusiastic and supportive marshals to guide and cheer you on your way also.

DURING YOUR EVENT

Checkpoints & Water Stations

Please see the information below with regard food/water and expectations at these control points;

50 Mile, 50 & 27 Kilometre Check Points

Food & Drink

If you are going to take part in an ultra event and cover 50 miles on foot, then you’ll need to ensure that you are fuelled correctly to maintain energy. Whilst individuals are responsible for ensuring that they have what they need to get them to the feed stations we can guarantee that there will be plenty of food available should you require a top up or something extra to help you on your way.

From our own experience, the sight of a well-stocked feed station is itself an assuring motivator and instils confidence of a well organised event. You can expect that treatment at the HUT and we don’t intend to be reserved with the amount of food that we make available. It is also our intention that any surplus perishable foods will be donated to a local foodbank so you can expect that there will be something for you especially if you are treating the event less competitively than others.

You should have already let us know if you are gluten free, vegan or have any other diets. If you have done this, then we can plan and cater appropriately for all situations. If there is a food item that we don’t provide and it is key to your race, you either need to carry it or consider not entering these events. A quick summary of food you can expect to be available at each feed station;

Holme Village Sunday School – Food – Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit, Cakes, Crisps, Sweets, squash & coke.

Wessenden Head (Marquee) – Food – Something high carb based, Creamed Rice, Fresh Fruit, Cakes, Savoury snacks, Sweets, hot drinks (subject to availability), a nip of something stronger, squash and coke.

Clough Head J & l School – Food – Hot Soup, Baguettes, Fresh & Tinned fruit, Savoury snacks, Cakes, Sweets, hot drinks, a nip of something stronger, squash and coke.

There will be plenty of food and drinks available at the event Centre throughout the day for everyone including any supporters waiting to see friends and family members.

There is also additional water only stations sited at Holme Moss transmitter car park for the 50 Mile & 50KM and at Berry Greave for the 50 Mile event only. In the event of extreme warm conditions, we may add an additional water station at Deer Hill Reservoir which is on all 3 routes.

 In addition, we have had a number of farms that have suggested that they would be happy to offer water. These can be found using the ‘what 3 words app’ at;

• ///mason.stars.sunblock  - Sun Royd 7.5KM
• ///spirits.ferried.streak – Troaves Farm – 50KM
• ///tides.broth.hires – Weatmans House, West Carr Lane – 53.5KM

10K Race - Water Stations

There will be a water station at approx. 2 kilometres and 6.5 kilometres. 

Litter

We must respect the trails we use for the event otherwise we will always run the risk of landowners no longer being supportive of the events. Therefore, we ask all participants to keep hold of their rubbish until they either reach the next Checkpoint, Water Station or Event Centre where there will be plenty of bins available to dispose of your rubbish.

Snapshots

There will be a number of professional photographers on your route and at the start/finish, so make sure you are looking at your glamourous best when you see one.  Runners will have a variety of option, you can search photos of yourself for free or you can pay a small fee and search via your bib number. Finish line photos will also be available to buy.

WE HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE AT HUTFEST IN WHICHEVER EVENT YOU ARE DOING, HAVE FUN, RAISE A SMILE AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR CHARITY EVENT.