Not the Northern Traverse: Tales of Community, adventure and friendship.
A few weeks ago the ultra running community was hit with the collapse of Ourea events, cancelling at 2 weeks notice the Northern, Lakes, Dales and Moors Traverses. Like 800+ other runners, that had trained hard to compete or complete one of those events, I faced a decision of what to do next.
But out of the ashes, came a wealth of support – the Centurion Sea to Sea 300km, the Community Traverse, both supported entirely by volunteers, as well as self-supported adventures on and off the route.
This article is written as a tale of positivity, of new-found friendships, and solo efforts that would have never otherwise happened. It’s a tale of what happens when a group of like-minded, adventure seeking individuals come together to support each other to still chase their dreams.
It is a tale worth telling and sharing, and to remind us why do these things. Below is a collection of stories, including my own, of the week that was the “not the Northern Traverse”. A collection of friendships made on the trail and that sit at the heart of ultra running. Tales of set-back, endurance and of inspiration to go ahead and do something anyway. We hope you enjoy and we hope it inspires many more adventures!
Photo credit: Caroline Duncan
James Elson – Centurion Sea to Sea 300km
Around 1,000 runners lost their races following the collapse of Ourea Events, many having already invested heavily in entries, travel and accommodation. Rather than let months of preparation go to waste, James set about creating an alternative: the Sea to Sea 300. Designed deliberately not to replicate the Northern Traverse, the event was positioned as a largely self-supported adventure, with minimal infrastructure. For a £60 entry fee covering tracking and insurance, 30 runners were given the chance to take part.
The event began between 9–11am on Saturday 28 March, with participants given 100 hours to reach Robin Hood’s Bay. The route combined elements of the Coast to Coast path and the now-defunct Traverse route. There was no official on-course support, although runners could use crews or access informal “safe havens” offered by local businesses. Despite the logistical and financial constraints, Elson and a small team from Centurion, Nici Griffin, Matt Neal, Steve Ashworth and James and Chris from Open Tracking pulled the event together in under two weeks.
The decision to create the event was also deeply personal. Elson had longstanding ties to the Northern Traverse, both through friendships with Ourea staff and contractors, and as a participant himself, having DNF’d in 2024. The race held emotional significance, and the opportunity to provide an alternative felt important not just for others, but for himself. You can listen to James describing the event itself on his Centurion Running Podcast.
As runners reached the finish, the tone of the event for James was captured by Darla Crispin in a Facebook post shared within the Centurion Facebook community:
“Watching the first people finish, Sabrina, Martin and James, was a strangely moving thing. Viewed from a distance from a Robin Hood’s Bay roof cam, the lonely figures approached the water and completed their journeys with just a few onlookers. After all the trauma and commentary around the demise of the Northern Traverse and the extraordinary work done to put this event on for those who wished to test their training, the quiet progress of the runners reminds us of what this is about; not crowds, banners and noise, but the chance to test oneself in special surroundings.”
Nineteen runners completed the full distance, but the sense of achievement extended far beyond those who finished. The WhatsApp groups that had been set up continue to buzz with the joy and enthusiasm of people who truly understood what the experience was about, along with the crews who supported them. It left everyone feeling far better than if nothing had been done at all. It had been tough for everyone and for the many others who were also out on the trail, whether taking part in the Community Traverse or going independently, who shared sections of the journey with Centurion participants; everyone should be proud of what they did in turning what was a catastrophe into this amazingly uplifting experience.
Photo credit: Darla Crispin, Centurion FB Community
Kitty Leigh – The Story Behind the Community Traverse
When Kitty received the email confirming the event cancellation, it didn’t fully register at first. She had just come off a strong training block and was in peak condition. It took around 24 hours for the reality to sink in. Like many others, she felt lost, unsure what to do next. But one thought kept coming back: would people still do it anyway?
Her partner quickly grounded that idea, this wasn’t something to take on alone. Still, Kitty was already planning to head to the Lake District. She reasoned that there must be others feeling exactly the same way.
At first, the idea was simple: if she could help a small group of runners get across the Lakes section safely, that would be something. She felt capable leading a handful of people, even if for others the challenge would feel less accessible and that would have felt meaningful.
So she tentatively put the idea out there. It was a bit daunting, and she wasn’t sure how it would be received but it took off almost immediately. The response was overwhelming. Runners from all over reached out, including friends travelling from Ireland for the original event. Rather than cancelling their plans, Kitty encouraged them to come anyway. Through Jason & Paul, she was connected with David Keane of Core Adventures in Ireland, who became instrumental in delivering structure and logistics.
They shared a vision and believed that it was possible. Together they were able to turn an impossible idea into executed reality. David and Kitty connecting in such a strong way, this was the catalyst for what the Community Traverse ultimately became.
What began as an informal group run quickly evolved. Kitty & David’s main aim was clear: to provide a safety net for those who were determined to take on the route regardless. Initially focused on the Lake District section, the idea kept expanding. Could they support runners further along the course? Could they offer more structure; tracking, logistics, and safety support?
Kieran from Swyft Homes, a furniture supply & delivery company, became a key figure in bringing the idea to life. Believing strongly in what Kitty & Dave were already building, he reached out offering supply of a van and two employees to transport drop bags and inevitably became the events main sponsor and funding. This element helped transform the Community Traverse into a fully supported, community-driven event. Colin and Dean stepped in to drive and support logistics but became so much more to the Community Traverse team.
Support continued to pour in from all directions. What stood out most to Kitty was the intention behind it all. People wanted to be involved for the right reasons. In just two weeks, a huge collective effort came together, something that only worked because so many people stepped up and contributed in a way that was possible for them. None more so than the incredibly selfless efforts of our volunteers.
The atmosphere was unlike anything she had experienced. The excitement; the connection; the sense of people coming together without barriers: it felt “pure”. And it wasn’t just about atmosphere, what Community Traverse was doing made a real difference. The A19 road crossing had been one of Kitty’s biggest concerns, particularly with runners arriving late, tired and facing rush hour traffic. Having support there proved critical and was described by some runners as feeling life saving.
There were also runners taking part in alternative events and being directed to Community Traverse checkpoints with early signs of hypothermia, various runners were in need of shelter and foot care. Without the Community Traverse checkpoints those situations could have been far more serious.
In Kitty’s view, the Community Traverse support was a crucial part of people’s journey to stay safe. Ultra runners are stubborn by nature; some people would have started regardless, pushing on without support. For them, the safety net was still vital. For others, it made the challenge feel possible again and reinstalled confidence to those who had felt less comfortable being out there alone. One moment captured it all for Kitty. A participant shared:
“Standing on the start line, feeling like you belong — priceless. Inclusive, supportive, and a dream to be part of.”
For Kitty, that said everything.
She didn’t run the event herself. She sacrificed her own race to make it happen for everyone else who showed up and she wouldn’t change that. Now, together with David, the focus turns to what’s next: the Cleveland Hills, and continuing to grow the Community Traverse family to help evolve their vision and purpose.
Caroline Duncan – Solo Northern Traverse
I did a solo effort after the northern traverse was cancelled. I did it over 5 days and stopped at hotels along the route over night, but did use some of the Community Traverse checkpoints. I actually wished I had done it with them but I was too organised almost and had booked everything before the offer to run with them. They were very welcoming and just knowing other runners were out there too was a massive boost. I saw some Centurion runners too and got to have a chat with them.
All of it was a fabulous experience! I love the route, the people along the way, we had every weather imaginable! But it was amazing.
Photo credit: Caroline Duncan
Becky Dimelow – Community Dales Traverse
My husband and I did the Dales Traverse exactly as we would have on Sunday! We did it in 8.5hrs moving time…..started at 10am from the official start with a few others. We loved it and the volunteers at the scout hut in Richmond were so lovely when we arrived at the end! I’ve been wearing my badge with pride. It was our very first ultra and we loved every second. Even the top of nine standards and the high route after Keld….which we later found out most people were diverted around because it was too dicey! The 50mph winds and rain and hail just made it all the more satisfying when we reflected on it the next day. We were so disappointed when the official Ourea events were cancelled, but so glad we chose to do it anyway. Thank you to all who made it so we could feel such a spirit of community!!!!
Photo credit: Becky Dimelow
Daniel Podzimek – Centuri0n Sea-to-Sea 300k
I initially signed up for the original event , planing to fly from the Alps where I live (originally I have the dutch nationality). I was very upset it got cancelled, as we had everything already including flight tickets. Then I heard from the centurion event and signed up immediately. I love the self sufficiency element of racing. I signed up in the self sufficient category and carried a fully loaded 40 liter backpack which slowed me down but also helped me prevent hypothermia or small issues on the trails
The support along the trail was incredible. There were indoor halls with the most friendly volunteers that made food for us, the mountain rescue was extremely supportive too, and one volunteer even called me to warn me for the busy highway and to make sure we would cross it safely despite the sleep deprivation in the middle of the night
We had a WhatsApp group where we checked in if we rested (too make sure we were fine ) and at the end of the week this app group felt like a little family where everyone supported each other. Honestly, the camaraderie felt much stronger than any” normal race”. It showed me the power of humanity and how friendly and caring most people are
The UK ultra is the best community, and despite the very rough weather the 48h hours all spirits were lifted and super friendly and supportive. I will never forget this event! We all had the same goal, make it safely to RHB. And everyone went the extra mile, especially the amazing volunteers and organisations that organised it within 2 weeks !! An incredible feat.
Definitely, an event for the people by the people, everyone felt so connected and I guess just very grateful it could happen after all! 😁For me , the true spirit of ultrarunning.
Read his full report here.
Photo credit: Caroline Duncan
Nigel Braithwaite – self supported Northern Traverse
After getting over the disappointment of the race cancellation I decided to do the route over 5 days with overnight stops at Patterdale, Kirkby Stephen, Richmond and Blakey Ridge. Inclement weather on day 2 made it a jacket on jacket off kind of day with stinging hail over Kidsty Pike, then day 3 the weather hit hard with constant wind and rain making it tough going on the high ground over the Dales.
There were plenty of highs ranging from the stunning views in the lakes to all the great people I met on the journey, both runners and people crewing and also the offers of food and drink at various points along the route. There was a real sense of community along the route with everyone pulling together to get people to the finish. Wasn’t sure what to expect at the finish but it was lovely running down the final road section into Robin Hoods Bay with people cheering and clapping, then at the end catching up with people I’d met along the way and swapping stories, there was a lovely atmosphere.
On reflection overall I had a brilliant 5 days and it has made me rethink a little regarding entering events when I can have my own adventures.
Photo credit: Nigel Braithwaite
Alex Atkinson – Centurion Sea-to-Sea 300k
It took a few days for the bad news to sink in, before thoughts a solo attempt of the Northern Traverse went through my mind. Out of nowhere, a group popped up in my social feed. The “Community Traverse” a small group of people came together with an initial thought of saving the day for the running community, helping runners get to the start line of the full Northern Traverse and Lakes Traverse routes.
Centurion Running, a well-established company also had a vision of helping a small group of ultra runners tackle the course. James Elson of Centurion Running was also signed up to the Northern Traverse, with his own determination of stepping foot on the route the Sea-to-Sea 300k was born, soon as entries came available, my name was on the list.
At the finish, I could see the bright lights of Robin Hoods Bay, 300+ kilometres later after leaving St Bees a mere 82 hours prior. I had nowhere to stop, but I didn’t care. I made it through the steep narrow street to the finish line. There was nobody about, a few locals and the odd tourist. I pulled the stone I collected at St Bees out of my little zip pocket. The zip wasn’t “zipped up” how did it survive? I happily lobbed the stone into the ocean, mission completed.
I sat down on a pub bench, straight away I started to get cold. Warm weather kit applied, I started to ask around for hotels. The Bay Hotel had a private event on, it was closed to the public. I had zero signal, so dived into The Smugglers ale house. The staff here treated me like a king, got me fed and watered after hearing my story. Before I knew it, they’d found me a hotel a short walk back out of the village. A belly full of Pizza and a well-earned pint, I said my goodbyes and wished them all well.
I had such an amazing time out of the Coast-to-Coast route, I achieved actually what I set out to do. There was no time goal, just simply getting to the finish line. I put myself in a good position with the endless months of hard training that I endured.
Photo credit: Caroline Duncan
Charlotte Christian – Community Lakes Traverse
I was signed up to run the Ourea Lakes Traverse 100km at the weekend. It was the biggest race I’ve entered in terms of distance & elevation & running solo, self supported. I spent the last year training and planning- navigation courses, pole workshops, recces with elevation & technical terrain. I wanted to make sure I’d be able to complete it or at least give it my best shot. I was devastated when the race was cancelled. I wanted to try and run at least part of the route with family crewing me.
But my biggest worry as a solo female runner was the night time sections over the mountains. My running coach was really supportive and helped me plan & prepare the best I could & helped to break down some of the barriers but when I came across the community traverse it changed everything. What the group managed to organise in only 2 weeks is mind blowing. The trail running community is truly special and I can’t thank them & all the volunteers enough for helping me achieve something I never believed possible. I was able to show my children that you should never give up on something you’ve worked hard for, that anything is possible & to keep chasing those adventures despite what obstacles you may face.
My heart is full with all the kindness, support & love there was out in the trails at the weekend. It felt so inclusive & there was no discrimination. We were all equal, with the same goal. I definitely wouldn’t have made it to the Shap finish line if it wasn’t for the community traverse team & an amazing trail buddy I met along the way.
Photo credit: Becky Dimelow
Colin Harper – Alternative, Jurassic Coast 40
The plan was to be running NT on my birthday. The other plan still is to run an ultra a month every month this year, of which Northern Traverse was one of them. As we were perilously near the end of March my options were limited, but some searching found the Jurassic Coast 40 miler – which is exactly as it sounds, 40 miles along the Jurassic Coast.
Although not as long as the NT, it proved to be a worthy replacement, well organised and with great views en-route. The race was on Saturday so we stayed in Weymouth until Tuesday so I could have a little run out around the Osmington White Horse on my birthday. Although it would have been memorable to have been my birthday on the Northern Traverse, it was much more fun spending it with Sharon (my wife) in weymouth.
Photo credit: Colin Harper
Helena Smith – Self supported Moors Traverse
I had accommodation booked for near the start and after a lot of hard training (I’m an Into Ultra supported runner) and time/money spent on recce’s, it was a no brainer to do the run anyway.
With the help of my partner and 2 close friends, they sorted the logistics and they also took turns to run with me to keep me company. I also had the surprise of a couple from my local running club popping up to support along the route too.
I came across 4 others doing the same thing and the support from there crew was so heart warming. Also a home on route had made a little checkpoint outside their house (that made me a little tearful).
In the end I may not have got a medal but the spirit of everyone coming together I think made it a better experience and I also smashed my personal goal in the process.
Adam Nodwell – self organised Dales Traverse
Adam and his friend Matt had only just returned from a recce of the full Dales Traverse route when the news came through that the event had been cancelled. Having put in the effort to recce the entire course, hearing that just a day later was understandably frustrating.
What stood out to Adam, though, was the response from the community. There was a real sense of empathy towards the organisers—something he felt reflects a different kind of runner compared to the more commercial, big-ticket events like UTMB. The people drawn to races like the Dales Traverse tend to be less entitled and more grounded in the spirit of the sport.
Adam posted on Facebook saying that, having already recced the route, he planned to run it anyway and would welcome anyone who wanted to do the same. He recognised he was relatively fortunate—he’d only entered the 50km, so his logistics were simpler and his financial loss smaller than others tackling the full distance.
While a few people expressed interest, Adam was conscious he didn’t want to take on the responsibility of organising a group. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Community Traverse and Sea to Sea 300 began to emerge for those wanting a more structured alternative to the longer events.
In the end, Adam set up a small whatsapp group to share logistics, posting the link in the Northern Traverse runners Facebook group. Around 17 people joined. Some coordinated car shares, while Adam and five others shared a taxi to the start in Kirkby Stephen after parking at the finish. The driver thought they were slightly mad—but still not as mad as those starting all the way from St Bees.
Adam had planned to start at 10am and complete the route in around eight hours. Others set off earlier at a more relaxed pace, but he gradually caught and chatted with several of them along the way.
It was a route Adam had always wanted to run. Ideally, he would have preferred to race it properly, but given the circumstances, the low-key start and small number of runners made for something quite special—an experience that might not have been possible in the official event.
He later shared his experience on YouTube and continues to organise his own events through Great Owl Running. As a race organiser himself, he was clear in his admiration for what the Community Traverse and Centurion Running teams managed to pull together at short notice—it was, in his words, nothing short of remarkable.
Matt Dunn – self supported Northern Traverse
My not the NT adventure covered the route over 5 days with overnight stops in Patterdale, Kirby Stephen, Richmond & Blakey Ridge.
40mph freezing gusts and hail/rain made for an interesting day 3 covering 9 standards and the dales section of the route. The highs for me have to be meeting some awesome people along the way, all making best of the bad situation surround the event cancellation. And not just those running, but people out supporting, like the guy who should have been on the Lakes traverse, but came with his wife & 2 daughters to Clay Bank road crossing with a car boot full of goodies for those out on the route.
Photo credit: Matt Dunn
Fiona Lynch – an alternative adventure, Rab Stretton Summit Rounds
Instead of going on the C2C route I used the time off to have alternative adventures with friends. I started on the Friday with the Rab Stretton Summits Round from the Outdoor Depot in Church Stretton with two friends. It’s an 18.5 mile circular route over the stunning ‘Shropshire Alps’. A windy but stunning day saw us cover Caer Caradoc, Lawley, Long Mynd and Ragleth Hill. We were rewarded at the finish with a warm welcome, a free patch at the shop and then we hunted out some good coffee and excellent cake to refresh ourselves. Then I hopped in the car to drive to meet Megan for the next part of my adventure….
My own story – The alternative adventure part 2!
So I pick up where Fiona left off…both deciding having already run most of the Northern Traverse in recce’s that we would instead run a whole new national trail, the Glyndwrs Way. 138 miles, over 4 days would allow us to use our training for an exciting self-supported adventure back in Wales (where we first met training for Dragon Back).
Whilst the two of us are no stranger to multi-day fastpacking, given we would no longer be running the event we trained for, we deliberately picked distances that would provide a challenge with heavy packs, whilst at the same time allowing us to sleep and refuel each night.
Day 1, turned into 48 miles from Knighton to Llanidloes – a super long day that saw us finally getting into the hotel at 9.30pm. Highlyights church hall porch café which was our only stop for the entire day, and the lovely hotel owner cooking us dinner upon request when we arrived so late (can’t thank that guy enough!).
Photo credit: Megan James
Day 2, was just as rainy and windy as it was for all the traversers, seeing us going over the high point of the course right at the worst part of the day. Type 2 verging on type 3 fun, with mostly us running like pirates into a hail laced headwind must have looked a hilarious sight. The wind was so strong the water on the path (or was it a river?) was actually being blown back up into our faces. Glad to have survived after 30 miles we staggered into our very clod bunkhouse for the night.
Day 3, feeling a little shell shocked after the day before, was another long day of 37 miles, from Machynlleth to the famed Lake Vyrnwy. With already a lot of miles on our feet we were looking forward to the span hotel at the end of the day. Highlight was definitely the 4 poster bed and meal, with a close second being the lemonade and crisps at the only pub we passed all day. Low lights included nearly loosing Fiona to the bog of cow poo somewhere up on Pen Coed common – a place we both agreed should never be visited again.
Day 4 – the final day, was again another 30 miles to round our journey off. So after a huge welsh breakfast, off we set, with a the promise of meeting our good friend Lawrie at the finish. Baby lamb overload, the post office of dreams (and cold drinks) as well as a day which we had been told was pretty much downhill (and most definitely wasn’t) saw us complete the adventure with tired legs but full hearts and happy smiles.
So not the Northern Traverse we planned for, but in so many ways, so much more. Along the way, we were delighted to see the adventures of our own Northern Traverse whats app group mates (one we formed on the many happy recces), raising a glass to everyone that finished and also adventured that week with smiles on their faces.
Thanks to everyone who allowed us to share their stories. These are just a few of the stories, and there are many more. Did you also have an adventure the week of Northern Traverse? Then let us know!
