Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The Metric Marathon covers 26.2 kilometres on the traffic-free Monsal Trail near Bakewell through the Peak District landscape.
Course & Elevation
Start and finish are at Bakewell Station; the undulating multi-terrain course follows the former railway trail through tunnels and viaduct country.
Pacing Strategy
Control the opening and settle into rhythm on the straight trail sections; save strength for the later undulations.
Training plan for Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon: 12-week build
Build long runs on rolling ground and add tempo blocks. Practise fuelling and adapting to changing trail surfaces.
Course Map
Profile Parameters
Slope Distribution
Climbs on Route
| Start (km) | Length | Ø Gradient | Max Gradient | Elev Gain | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM 4.7 | 0.4 km | 3.9% | 5.4% | +15m | — |
| KM 7.0 | 0.9 km | 6.1% | 17.0% | +56m | — |
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.
Course as GPX
Download the Metric Marathon course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Adaptive race preparation
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon?
Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon is 26.2 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 Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon have?
Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon has around 317 m of elevation gain over 26.2 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon?
Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon is classified as Rolling, averaging 12 vertical metres per kilometre. 31% of the route is flat, 32% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 1% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon have?
The hardest climb of Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon starts at kilometre 7, runs for 0.9 km at an average of 6.1% and gains 56 metres. 2 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon a loop course?
Yes, Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon course?
Yes. The Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon 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 Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon?
Preparation for Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon should account for 26.2 km, 317 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 Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon?
The pacing strategy for Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon should reflect 26.2 km, 317 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 Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon 2027 take place?
Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon 2027 takes place on February 14, 2027.
Where does Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon 2027 take place?
Monsal Metric Marathon & Half Marathon 2027 takes place in Bakewell, United Kingdom.
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