About the High Peak 40 Mile Challenge

The High Peak 40 Mile Challenge was initiated in 1986 by a Buxton company called Otter Controls Ltd. It was intended as a one-off event (I understand) to celebrate the company’s 40^th anniversary. It proved so popular that the company continued the event until 1997.

From 1998 to 2004 the event was hosted by the Buxton Community School and organised by one of the staff, Jim Collis. Jim was assisted by a small committee and most of the volunteers who had been involved in the previous incarnation. The 2005 and 2006  events were  joint ventures between Buxton and District Lions Club, Buxton Community School and the Trail Running Association. Things move on  however and the Trail Running Association  committee have decided that the High Peak 40 Mile Challlenge will not feature as part of their championships this year.  For 2006 and 2007 the race was part of the Montrail Ultrarunning Championships. A change in sponsorship means that in 2008 the High Peak 40 Mile Challenge becomes part of the Vasque Ultra-Running Championship. For details of the championship and how to register for the series use the link on this site.

The route of the HP40 Miler has not changed significantly since 1986. Up to now the only changes have been minor ones to accommodate the new start and finish in 1998. It has been mentioned that a change might be necessary due to the closure of a  short section of road which has been accepted locally as a right of way for years.  It  is necessary and full details of the altered section (between Checkpoints 2 & 3) are shown on the route page. 

Finally there are two entrants this year who are seeking sponsorship for their pet appeals. There is a limit to what can be extracted from family, friends and colleagues but what about the extended family of the High Peak 40 Mile Challenge? .-- more details will be available soon.