Race Director Interview: Ultra Tour Yorkshire Dales

Starting in 2018 by Due North Events, the Ultra Tour Yorkshire Dales is the newest edition of what was formerly the Yorkshire Trod. The route covers a 25km, 50km and 100km route starting from Grassington and visiting some of the most beautiful sights the Yorkshire Dales offer. 

Race Director Mel Steventon describes how this event is a personal affair, as she designed the route following her experiences working as a gardener. 

“It’s a hell of a route. It takes in a myriad of iconic spots alongside lesser-known paths as well; that’s the beauty of it. I came up with the route following my work as a gardener and wanted to form a route that would take in all these spaces. 

“I realised to join up my favourite spots, it will have to be a 60-mile event, so that’s how it came about. Last year, I added the 25km option to increase numbers and make it slightly more inclusive.”

The routes take in Malham Tarn, Buckden Pike, and Kettlewell. The 100km route also takes in Simons Seat and Cracoe War Memorial and then back down the Yorkshire Dale’s Way to Grassington.

When asked why Mel changed the name going forward from the Yorkshire Trod to the Ultra Tour Yorkshire Dales (UTYD), she explained: “It was mainly for marketing purposes as it just wasn’t getting the numbers, and it should, because even though I say it myself, it is a cracking route.”