A new endurance event is coming to North Yorkshire this month, as participants from across the UK prepare to take on the North Yorks Ultra Challenge for the first time.
Taking place on June 20–21, 2026, the event will see thousands of walkers, joggers and runners head to Scarborough, which will act as the basecamp for the coastal and moorland challenge.
The event is organized by Ultra Challenge, which is part of the Action Challenge group. The organizer provides a supported environment including rest stops, medical teams, and fully marked routes.
Participants can choose from distances ranging from 100km, 50km, 25km and 10 miles. The event follows a circular route that begins on the Scarborough seafront and heads north along the Cleveland Way.
The course passes through Robin Hood Bay and on to the historic seaside town of Whitby. For those taking on the full 100km challenge, the second half of the route heads inland through the Esk Valley and North York Moors, before looping back to Scarborough via forest trails and countryside.
The event is open to all abilities, with options to complete the challenge solo or as part of a team. While some participants will run the full distance, the majority of the field typically walks the course or uses a combination of running and walking.
As a new addition to the Ultra Challenge Series, the event is expected to provide a boost to local tourism and hospitality businesses across Scarborough, Whitby and surrounding coastal communities.
Participants will also be raising funds for various charities. The event series is a popular choice for fundraising efforts in the UK, with recent individual events raising as much as £1.3 million.
The North Yorks Ultra Challenge aims to become a regular fixture in the UK endurance calendar, utilizing the region’s mix of coastline and moorland.
