Mountain Challenge

How to define the Yomp?

Is it a Fell Race?
Is it a Trail Race?
Is it a Long Distance Walk?

It's Yes, Yes, Yes to all the above.

The Yomp was first run in 1983 and comes from the Forces name for a long march over open terrain.

Everyone completing the Upper Eden Yomp receives a certificate, medal and refreshments.

The Yomp has its own distinct character. It does have its roads and tracks, but they are not the main element, which is the open, exposed fell.

Participants for both courses must register at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, CA17 4HA. There is plenty of parking at the school and nearby.

For 2022, there are changes to the 20k Yomp (which is now a race with a mass start at 10am and prize money for the first two men and ladies). The removal of 37k Full Yomp race.

PLEASE NOTE: New registration times and start times

20k Yomp
Mass Start at 10am from Grammar School.
Registration: 8.30am to 9.45am.

10k Yomp
Buses leave for the start at Tailbridge from about 11.00am.
Registration: 10.30am to 11.30am.

How to Enter
Participants can enter online at SiEntries (link below) or on the day.

SiEntries

Poster

If you would like to help advertise the Yomp Mountain Challenge you can download a poster by clicking on the 'Yomp Poster' below.

The 20k Yomp

The 20k Yomp is now a race, with 730 metres height gain. It has been extended from it’s original 18.5k by 1.5k to 20k, taking in High Pike.

With some rough terrain and the full ascent of Nine Standards it is still more than equivalent to a half-marathon on the flat.

It goes past Wharton Hall, then by a fell track to High Pike and drops down to the top of Tailbridge, joining the main route to the Nine Standards and then down to Kirkby Stephen.

Minimum age for entry is 11. Prize money of £75 for the first man and lady and £50 for the second man and lady. The winners will become the initial record holders.

The 10k Yomp

The 10k Yomp, with 200 metres height gain, starts at Tailbridge, after registration at the grammar school first. It covers the same ground as the final section of the 20k route. This includes the summit of Nine Standards, providing a great challenge for all ages including children of 5 or over walking with adult supervision. It involves a distance of 10k with 200m height gain and 530m descent. Participants are bussed to Tailbridge for the start.

Terrain

All routes are over roads, tracks and open fell land and each course is fully flagged every 50m.

Timing

Every entrant on both 10k and 20k Yomps has an electronic card issued which is used at the start and finish, plus checkpoints. At the finish, each participant has their card read and information downloaded ready for printing of certificates and display on the hall on-screen public display.

Run or walk, Team or Solo

The Yomp is tackled with enthusiasm by hundreds of  runners and walkers every year.  Some participate on their own and some in teams.  Some participate for the simple pleasure of a fine day out in the hills, some with serious intent to win a trophy or set a new record time.

Trophies, Medals and Certificates

All entrants will be timed to the nearest second. Finishers will receive a completion certificate and a medal. Trophies are awarded to individual and team winners in the various categories.

Introduced this year for the 20k race, there will be prize money of £75 for the first man and lady winners and £50 for the second man and lady.

Upper Eden Rotary Club

The Yomp Mountain Challenge is organised by the Rotary Club of Upper Eden on behalf of nominated charities.

Corporate Sponsorship

Builders merchant JT Atkinson have been the principal and ongoing sponsors of the Yomp Mountain Challenges since 2010. The picture shows John Andrew, then President of Upper Eden Rotary Club, receiving the 2010 cheque from Alan Barr, Branch Manager of JT Atkinson in Kirkby Stephen with members of their staff looking on. John expressed his thanks on behalf of the club for the continued and greatly valued support of the Yomp by JT Atkinson.

Website

Rotary Charities

Each year UERC donates the net proceeds of The Yomp to charities. The primary charities supported in 2022 are:

Bendrigg Trust

Bendrigg Trust is one of the leading outdoor disability specialists in the country, challenging perceptions of disability through adventurous outdoor pursuits. Bendrigg supports around 4,000 disabled people each year to develop confidence, build independence and increase resilience through inclusive activities such as caving, climbing and canoeing. The Bendrigg course ethos and structure of enabling and empowerment, just flips the world on its head and makes what most people might perceive as impossible, possible. A Bendrigg participant quoted “It gives me confidence in myself, a sense of achievement and more self-belief, and it also really puts the message out there about what disabled people can do”.

Bendrigg Trust Website

Northern Viaduct Trust
Renovation of Smardale Gill Viaduct

Smardale Gill Viaduct was designed by Cumbrian engineer Sir Thomas Bouch for the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway in 1861. It is now at risk as the stonework on this iconic building is severely damaged by water and needs urgent repair. The viaduct deck is in urgent need of waterproofing and new drainage to prevent further deterioration.

Northern Viaduct Trust Website

Accommodation

Local accommodation for visiting Yompers is available in hotels, b&b and caravan/camping sites. See links below.

Kirkby Stephen
Ravenstonedale