Punk Panthers Christmas Cracker
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Punk Panther Christmas Cracker
The Punk Panther Christmas Cracker is a trail running event held on 12 December 2026 in Otley, West Yorkshire, with registration and the finish at Otley Cricket Club, Cross Green, LS21 1RB. The event is set on a mystery route that can change each year. The start order is handicapped so slower runners start earlier, with subsequent positions based on participants' average pace in other Punk Panther races.
Distances and key metrics:
- 12 miles - 1700 ft climb; ITRA 0; UTMB none
- 19 miles - 2200 ft climb; ITRA 1; UTMB Q20K
- 32 miles - 3400 ft climb; ITRA 2; UTMB Q50K
Entries open 14 December 2025 and close 29 November 2026. Minimum age is 18 and maximum entrants are 100.
Course and logistics
Provisional GPX files and a route description are available on the event GPX tab; the final version will be emailed to competitors in the week before the event and must be used for last minute diversions. The course will not be taped. There are three checkpoints in total; the 32-mile route visits CP1, CP2, CP1 again and CP3, the 19-mile route visits CP1 and CP3, and the 12-mile route visits CP3 only. If a competitor arrives at a checkpoint after it is closed they will be retired from the race. Support crews must avoid official checkpoints.
All ultramarathon entrants are supplied with a tracker; 12- and 19-mile runners may hire a tracker for £15. The tracker includes an emergency button which, if pressed in range, ends the runner’s race. Competitors must carry specified kit; random kit checks will be made and missing kit may lead to disqualification. Required items include a suitable bag, waterproof jacket with taped seams, sufficient fluids, a cup, nutrition, a survival or bivvy bag, whistle, mobile phone with emergency contacts stored, a personal first aid kit, a hard copy of the map/route, hat/buff, gloves and a head torch. Every finisher receives a medal and an event T-shirt unless they opt out; hot food and drinks with vegan and gluten-free options are available at the finish. Dogs are not permitted at the finish in the church. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
