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YOMP MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE

13th June 2026 saw a host of seasoned and amateur runners alike take to the trails at Kirkby Stephen's annual Yomp Mountain Challenge.

Over a series of race distances, the Yorkshire Dales offered up everything from high winds to steep ascents and bog underfoot. Those who took part covered themselves in mud and glory and in doing so found out a little bit more about what they're capable of.

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ABOUT YOMP MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE

The Yomp Mountain challenge is a three day event celebrating all things running, walking and outdoors.

Located in the quaint, Cumbrian market town of Kirkby Stephen, entrants should be under no illusions as to the challenges that await them out in the hills. Wind and rain batters the grass and gravel of the trails as uncertainty hampers every step. Conditions on the fell tops are ever changing and can quickly turn the course from friend to foe.

Originally run in 1983 as a homage to the Royal Marines’ yomp from San Carlos Water to liberate Stanley during the Falklands Campaign, the course has since been known as “the Yomp,” a slang term used by the armed forces to denote "a long march over open terrain." It was here that ThruDark Co-Founder Louis, alongside his older brother Frankie, spent their younger years training to join the military.

The Yomp has a proud history of fundraising for good causes with money raised previously donated to local charities from the Great North Air Ambulance to the Northern Viaduct Trust.

ThruDark Ultra

A 65km epic through the Yorkshire Dales National Park with 1500m of ascent.

The “Ultra” route serves up the most complete Northern Fells experience mixing terrain with elevation and all manner of conditions.

The route encompasses three aid stations along the way with GPS tracking provided to all competitors for safety and in order for friends and family to monitor their progress.

ThruDark Mountain Marathon

A 42km odyssey circling the furthest reaches of the Upper Eden Valley. Taking in Wild Boar, Mallerstang Edge, Tailbrigg and the Nine Standards. This is the closest route to the original Yomp route that has been run for over 40 years.

The route encompasses two aid stations along the way with GPS tracking provided to all competitors for safety and in order for friends and family to monitor their progress.