A peculiar event held in West Yorkshire, UK. Every year the Bingley Harriers running club challenge the cyclists to a race over a fell laden off road course. This amazing combination that is not often seen, is made even better by the ruggedest terrain and the endurance required. This event has been taking place for many years and I had the opportunity to watch the 2023 edition.
A 6km race in the hilly areas of Bingley and Baildon in West Yorkshire. It starts from a low point in Bingley, goes up to the top of Baildon Moor, and then returns through challenging terrain. Participants can choose to run or ride the course, and depending on their skills, cyclists may end up running with their bikes. Given the conditions of mud, ruts, grass, soil, as well as the uphill and downhill sections, the choice of equipment is crucial.
Sneakers or Bike?
Cyclocross or MTB?
Thats the crux
Terrain & Course
The terrain is made up of rutted field mud crossings, rocky singletrack, and downright moorland grass clumps. Throw on top about 1000ft of elevation and 31-degree temps, and you have a peculiar type of race that appropriates cyclocross but with runners in for the win as well.
Results & Fastest Times. –
RECORDS Male: Rob Jebb (2018) 33:53 Female: Victoria Wilkinson (2014) 40:07
2023 Runners won : Cyclist – Stephan Macina 39:41 – Runner – Nathan Lawson 35:55
Full 2023 Results here: https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=336349
More Info
https://bingleyharriers.teamapp.com/?_webpage=v1
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Buckyrides 
Thanks for putting this out. What a concept. Is it the nature of the terrain that allows for both runners and cyclists to compete head on? I feel like a bike wins this thing every time?
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yeah its pretty cool event. Looks like the runners have been wining it by just a few minutes. The terrain is gnars bars. Goes back to the question of weapon of choice, after seeing it, mine would be carbon hardtail 29’er 2.25’s with a 140mm fork.
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That bike configuration adds to the mystique of it all. Do you plan to attend again next year? Do you see yourself competing? With how running AND mtb friendly the PNW is, do you think folks would come out to such an event on this side of the planet?
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I do think there is a segment for this in the USA. It would take some root efforts to find the right type of running club to partner with (maybe more cross country trail running) and a route that was correct but I think it could work and be pretty great. Also a good spectator thing as you get more runner centric people with cyclist centric people and their families. There’s a few people that host run clubs around this city (pdx) that might align good…. Nw dirt churners by Shane, some of the ON and Arterex run clubs and optimistic prominence club maybe.
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