Tom ad Gary ready to go!
The 71st edition of the Three Peaks Fell Race, known as “The Marathon with Mountains,” took place on Saturday 25 April 2026 under unseasonably hot conditions in the Yorkshire Dales. Covering approximately 24.2 miles and taking in the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, the race once again tested the endurance and determination of every competitor. A total of 567 runners finished, with 163 DNFs, reflecting the impact of the heat on an already gruelling course.
Newcastle AC had two athletes representing the club – Gary McEvoy and Tom Crudgington who both produced an outstanding performance in tough conditions. Crudgington was running confidently in the lead group early on, and in podium contention for much of the race. However, severe cramping on the Whernside climb and descent forced a brief slowdown, and a second bout near the summit of Ingleborough cost more time. Despite these challenges, Tom battled strongly to the finish in 5th place overall, clocking 3:25:17, and claiming 1st U25 — a remarkable achievement in such a demanding field. Gary McEvoy had a strong run and continued to gain places as the race progressed, showing his strength over the longer distance and finished 89th overall in a time of 4:19:25.
Tom and Gary’s determination and resilience epitomised the spirit of fell running, and their result highlights the strength and promise within Newcastle AC’s endurance squad.
Top honours went to Tom Evans, who delivered a strong run to win in 3:02:17, followed by Jordan Clay (Keswick AC) in 3:18:01 and fellow NI runner Timothy Johnston (Annadale Striders) had a strong run in 3:22:06 to finish 3rd. Among the women, Helen Leigh (Inverness Harriers) took the win in 3:49:13, narrowly ahead of Catherine Williamson (Loftus & Whitby AC) in 3:49:44, with Molly Browne (Wharfedale Harriers) third in 4:02:25.
In brutal heat across the Dales, the 71st Three Peaks reminded everyone why it holds its reputation as one of the toughest and most historic races in British fell running. With another top-five finish and an age-category win, Newcastle AC once again featured prominently among elite company on one of the sport’s biggest stages.