It’s one event with four distances up to 50 miles and also a great family day out.

The HUT Heights Ultra Trail and HUTFEST23 is a charity running festival and community event based in the Colne Valley.

HutFest takes in the scenery around Huddersfield while raising money for three primary schools in the Colne Valley – Clough Head Junior and Infant School, Wellhouse Junior and Infant School and Wilberlee Junior and Infant School. Together, they are known as The Heights Federation.

The event on Saturday, September 2, features four distances for people to choose from to run or walk – one mile, 10km, 50km or 50 miles and the routes take in the Colne Valley, the Holme Valley and parts of the northern Peak District.

They all set off from Colne Valley High School and there are aid stations along the route to provide plenty of water and support.

HutFest features local business stalls such as running, clothing, craft, food and drink alongside entertainment and live music.

A runner who took part in last year’s event said: “This course was pure quality, well thought out to challenge you and keep you on your toes while hitting you with a fine selection of terrain. Without a doubt a grade A 50K.

“At the finish people were sitting on the grass cheering you over the line, craft beers and lager were available to buy and people were taking full advantage chatting together and reliving the event. A relaxed and chilled way to end the day.”

Another added: “Having run the 50k last year I knew that there was no other race that could match up and I had to do it as my first 50 miler. It’s a challenging course but delivers in terms of variety and beauty. The marshals are all fantastic. The organisers equal the best out there. It’s my favourite race ever and it will take some beating.

“The main thing I loved was the route, scenic but also the route made sense. You could see the next landmark and make your way there so you felt the progression. The people were friendly, both competitors, race organisers and volunteers.

“My next important thing is a well stocked checkpoint. Mix of savoury and sweet and catered for dietary needs/preferences. It’s also easy to navigate with the signs, maps and sat nav.”

Runners and walkers can enter the HUT on Racebest or via the HUT website: heightsultratrail.co.uk

Costs:

50 miles – from just £60 (https://racebest.com/races/eyye5)

50 kilometres –from just £45 (https://racebest.com/races/ufw5r)

10 kilometres – from £19 (https://racebest.com/races/55tfg)

1 mile – £5 (https://racebest.com/races/y7xu9) 

For further information about the event contact the HUT Team at info.hut@heightsfed.uk or on 07810 862278.

Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content and copywriting.