2027 race date
Ian Milne White Peak Marathon: May 15, 2027. Checked against the official organizer source on October 13, 2026.
The date was checked separately from the course and planning details below, reviewed October 14, 2026. Recheck entry availability and the final athlete guide before travel.
Thorpe to Cromford: the steep descents arrive late
The White Peak organizer lists May 15, 2027 at 10:00. The course starts at Thorpe, follows the Tissington Trail towards Parsley Hay, then uses the High Peak Trail towards Cromford. The former railway paths have firm limestone and cinder surfaces, with significant descents around miles 21, 22.5 and 24.5 before the canal-side finish approach.
Those late descents deserve preparation even though the surface is generally runnable. Practise controlled downhill running gradually, keeping a stable stride when already tired. Do not use the early miles to bank time on the assumption that gravity will make the end effortless. Read the final profile and leave enough control for the steepest late section.
The current instructions describe parking at Cromford Wharf and coach transport to Thorpe, with number collection at the Gothic Warehouse. Work backwards from the coach deadline, including collection and the walk between facilities. Going directly to a start pin on a map may bypass the transport and collection process the organizer expects.
The published overall limit is five hours thirty minutes, with intermediate limits as well. Put the relevant checkpoints into your pacing notes rather than checking only whether your predicted finish fits. On the last section, follow the event's canal and finish directions carefully; a familiar-looking path or bridge is not necessarily the race route. Arrange for supporters and dry clothes at the Cromford finish, and confirm how long parking and post-race collection remain available before planning the journey home.
Last-known race profile
These details identify the race page; they do not establish the next edition's operations. Confirm current course and operations on the official event site.
Training calendar
These start dates count back from the first listed race day. For a multi-day event, recalculate from your assigned day. The duration is a planning option, not proof of readiness.