Live GPS Tracking from Track Trail® on race day
The Gritstone Grind 34.5 mile
September 7th 2025
A straightforward challenge and it always sell out fast! We created this event to be an accessible, low-key event. We want to keep the cost down and the satisfaction level high. 2025 will be the 13th edition.
All the main 34.5 mile event registrations will take place once again at the new 7.5million pound refurbished Kidsgrove Sports Centre.
The entire 34.5mile national trail between Kidsgrove and Disley is really well way-marked with nice waymarks with a ‘G’ on them to help you out. We also give you a participant handbook and route guide. Bring along a map and keep your eyes open and you won’t go far wrong. If you want to pay a little more for a medal but that is optional to keep race entries low and environmental waste to a minimum. The guidebook says “It’s a beautiful 3-day walk in the beautiful Peak District”. We have given you 12 hours, and we think that’s super-generous even for those new to ultra running. That’s less than 3mph.
Either, park at Disley and book the £8.50 for coach to the start, or make your own way to the registration venue in Kidsgrove. Then all you have to do is grind out the miles all the way to Disley. Once you get back, you’ll get congratulated! All for a low cost entry price! Places are limited and always sell out so Enter Now to avoid disappointment.
The Route
Route Details
NEW: Download the 2024 guidebook here
The OS maps that cover the whole route are:
1:50k – OS Landranger: 109, 118
1:25k – OS Explorer: 1, 24, 258, 268 (268 cover 95% of the route)
The route begins with a flat canal section before a climb up to Mow Cop castle for great to views over Staffordshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire. Next descend gently to refreshment point (CP1) at Timbersbrook picnic area. A short, sharp climb up The Cloud follows; from the top of which you can survey a good 10 miles of the upcoming course.
Enjoy a nice descent to run alongside the River Dane, before a gentle climb up to Wincle Minn, and then over the road to the huge transmitter station at Croker Hill to enjoy panoramic views over Cheshire. Descend from Croker Hill, and over fields then short divert on road to (CP2).
Down to the outskirts of Macclesfield Forest to Langley before a short, sharp climb up everyone’s favourite named hill “Tegg’s Nose” . Onwards North to Rainow, with a cambered ascent up to The White Nancy at Kerridge Hill, and then down to the outskirts of Bollington to find the 3rd and final refreshment point (CP3). Next a very long but steadytowards the summit of Sponds Hill.
A left turn where the Gritstone Trail splits to a welcome descent all the way into Lyme Country Park. Then you’re almost home and dry as it’s just a couple of miles into Disley, where you will have finished an incredible ultra that runners repeat year after year!
2025 Entries open 6th Sept Midday
-
£35 race entry. (All registrations take place at the new indoor venue Kidsgrove Sports Centre)
-
If required, coach travel in the morning from Disley to Kidsgrove is £8.50 (applies to 34.5 mile event only)
-
£6.50 optional Medal
-
New County in a day series [3 races - Wychavon Way, Millennium Way, Gritstone Grind - 3 races for the special price of £100]
Your 34.5 mile event booking also includes:
-
GPS Tracker and electronic RFID chip timing from www.tracktrail.co.uk
-
Selection of food and drink at CP’s to suit most needs
-
Snacks and drinks at the finish
-
Finishers PDF certificate can be downloaded from the results page
-
Optional award can be purchased when booking (£6.50)
-
Experienced race director, over 100 races
-
Paramedic support for 34.5 mle event
Refund Policy
-
You can transfer your place to person that you find yourself. Transfer using Etchrock.com's transfer function. Once the recipient pays, you will be refunded. Merchandise and booking fees are not refunded by Etchrock but is transferred to the recipient. You may have to agree a private sale if you wish to recoup those costs. Tshirt sizes cannot be changed. Whatever you originally ordered will be given to the recipient at the finish.
-
No refunds unless the event is cancelled
-
No deferrals