Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry.
Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry ignores its own number on the long course: this is 30 miles, from Guisborough up to the highest part of the North York Moors, where the route stays high for several miles. Your preparation is for 1,260 metres of ascent, exposed ground and one last long climb around the marathon mark.
Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The loop starts and finishes at Guisborough Rugby Club and turns serious early. At km 2.4 comes the first hard ramp, just over a kilometre at an average of 14 percent. It lifts you to almost 300 metres, and for now the route holds that height. The second ramp follows at km 8. It is shorter but averages nearly 19 percent, and parts of it approach double that. The course then drops back below 200 metres by km 16.
The heart of the race lies beyond that point. From km 16 the route climbs for a long stretch and carries on in waves until it reaches the highest part of the North York Moors. It stays up there for several miles, and that is what defines this course: the ground is exposed, and the organiser warns of wind chill and exposure even in late August. Hence the mandatory kit, the 500 ml of water or sports drink every runner carries, and an event that goes without cups.
From the top a long descent takes you back below 200 metres, followed by a flat stretch that tempts you to push on. At km 40.6 the last big climb begins. At a little over 4 percent for nearly three kilometres it would be harmless on fresh legs; this far in, it is a grind. Finally you lose more than 200 metres of height over the closing kilometres back to Guisborough.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 0.1 | 0.8 km | 6.4 % | 12.4 % | +48 m | — |
| km 2.4 | 1.2 km | 14.3 % | 26.6 % | +165 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 8.1 | 0.8 km | 18.6 % | 33.7 % | +139 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 9.2 | 0.5 km | 10.1 % | 17.9 % | +53 m | — |
| km 11.7 | 1.1 km | 7.9 % | 9.9 % | +85 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 16.2 | 2.3 km | 6.7 % | 13.7 % | +151 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 20.5 | 0.9 km | 5.9 % | 8.1 % | +50 m | — |
| km 40.7 | 2.9 km | 4.3 % | 10.5 % | +123 m | Cat. 4 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry.
Start under control
The ascent on this loop is unevenly spread: the steepest ground is in the first ten kilometres, the highest in the middle, and the final third is long stretches of downhill and flat. Hike both early ramps without exception and use the sections between them to settle. Running them buys a few minutes that you hand back on the high moor.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided between km 16 and the end of the high section. After the long climb come several miles of exposed ground where wind costs you speed. Run that part by effort rather than by the watch, add a layer before you get cold, and ration your 500 ml to a plan rather than waiting for the next checkpoint.
Spend what is left
The real trap comes afterwards. The long descent from km 28 feels like a gift after the high ground, and the flat stretch behind it invites marathon pace. This is exactly where you save strength for the climb from km 40.6 and the steep last descent. Burn your quads going downhill and you will walk the closing kilometres.
Training plan for Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry: 12-week build
Build the base
For a typical age-group runner this is a day of roughly six to eight and a half hours. The effort stays mostly aerobic but is broken up by steep ramps where the heart rate spikes and you shift from running to hiking. Your training has to cover both: time on your feet and the constant change of gait.
Train race pace
What counts most is being able to run or hike briskly uphill for kilometres after more than 40 km. Build your long runs so that a long, moderate climb comes at the end, with short steep sections done early on. Steep hiking deserves its own session too: on stretches above 30 percent, a strong walk is race technique, not a fallback.
Rehearse the course
Downhill running on tired legs matters just as much. Over 40 percent of the distance heads down, and the longest descent only starts after about 28 km. So put extended downhill sections at the end of your runs and teach your quads to absorb the impact while fatigued.
Arrive fresh
Train with the full mandatory kit and 500 ml of fluid on your body as well, so that weight and fit hold no surprises on race day. Practise drinking without a cup, and take some long sessions onto open, windy ground where you can test your clothing against getting chilled. For the hours on the moor, that counts for more than any extra speed session.
Courses
Download the Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry dynamically
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Everything about Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry.
How long is Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry?
Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry is 48.28 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry have?
Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry has around 1,260 m of elevation gain over 48.28 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry?
Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry is classified as Hilly, averaging 26.5 vertical metres per kilometre. 16% of the route is flat, 31% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 11% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry have?
The hardest climb of Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry starts at kilometre 2.4, runs for 1.2 km at an average of 14.3% and gains 165 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 3. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry a loop course?
Yes, Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry course?
Yes. The Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry?
Preparation for Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry should account for 48.28 km, 1,260 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry?
The pacing strategy for Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry should reflect 48.28 km, 1,260 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry take place?
Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry takes place on August 29, 2027.
Where does Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry take place?
Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry takes place in Guisborough, United Kingdom.
Which distances does Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry offer?
Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry offers 3 distances — Trail Marathon — 30 miles: 48.28 km; Half Marathon — 14.5 miles: 23.34 km; 10K — 9 miles: 14.48 km.
How do I register for Hardmoors 26.2: Roseberry?
Registration runs through the organiser: hardmoors110.org.uk. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
