Richard Frazier on why Peak Divide is the best shuffling event of the year
For the third year Peak Divide has brought together hundreds of ultra curious people to run (or shuffle) from Manchester to Sheffield over 2 days taking in the beautiful views of the Peak District National Park. The emphasis is on the adventure and good community vibes as the event strictly conveys ‘it’s not a race’. We caught up with Richard Frazier on why Peak Divide is the perfect intro into the world of ultra trail running.
Was this your first time doing Peak Divide?
It was, yep. I’ve been watching it from afar over the past couple of years as the guys have been building it. I know one of the co-founders and organisers, Stef, from when he was doing some amazing stuff with his cycle-touring company, Pannier. I’ve always loved his focus on distance over speed and journey over destination — it’s a sensibility I share so PD was an event that really spoke to me.
Why did you decide to take part?
I like to try and do one big thing a year — ideally something I’ve not done before, but at least something that feels like it might not be do-able. It’s useful to have a totem event to focus on and provide a little more structure and motivation for getting outside.
The organisers do everything incredibly well, but what makes Peak Divide special are the things they needn’t do, but do anyway.
What did your training look like for it?
It was mostly consistently building time on feet. My good friend Sam runs Kings of the Wild Frontier (KOTWF), a training business that focuses on endurance sports. His advice was invaluable and he helped break down the build into something that felt manageable and achievable. The mid-week runs never exceeded 90 minutes or so and were a bit more structured, whereas the weekend runs were just about getting out and going long.
Key for me in mentally preparing was stacking back-to-back runs to simulate what would be happening over the two days of the actual event and doing as much as possible on trails and with elevation involved.
Any tips for the ultra curious?
Do it. Start where you are and stop thinking about splits and times. Terrain and elevation change your frame of reference, as does the distance. My view on any event I’m taking on for the first time is that I want to enjoy my time out there and cross the finish line.
What made the event special? Any highlights that stood out?
Two things: the details and the ethos.
The organisers do everything incredibly well, but what makes Peak Divide special are the things they needn’t do, but do anyway. Ceremonial toothbrush chopping at sign on? Sure. Good coffee at the rest stops? Non-negotiable. Fresh basil to garnish your gnocchetti at lunch? Absolutely.
It’s also an event that attracts like-minded people. The folks are very clear that the two-day excursion is a journey, not a race. It’s communicated from the moment you land on their website and reinforced right through to the race pack. Given the organisers’ attention to detail, I can’t imagine Peak Divide taking place on the same weekend as London and Manchester marathons is an oversight — it’s a feature, not a bug that confidently communicates the fact that they’re doing something very different. The result of all of this is that everybody taking part is on the same page; they’re there for a good time and the subsequent conversations you have out in the Peak District are brilliant, as is the atmosphere as everyone gathers round to cheer the final participants across the line.
Food (and drink) looked incredible. What did you have and what were your favourites?
The food and drink were probably the best I’ve had at any event. Sweet and claggy bars and gels really start to grate several hours into an active day, so rounding a corner to find the team serving up caprese rolls (mozzarella and olive oil-kissed fresh tomatoes) was one of the highlights of the whole weekend. I’ll be thinking about that sandwich for a long time.
What items did you have as part of your kit list?
Along with mandatory kit like a waterproof, thermal layer and survival blanket, I squeezed my spork, 8oz stainless steel camp cup, head torch, battery pack and Sony Alpha 6000 camera into a 12L running vest. I also had far too many snacks given the unparalleled levels of catering.
Would you recommend Peak Divide to others and why?
There are so many reasons I’d recommend Peak Divide, but ultimately I’d say do it because, regardless of your level or your ability, you’ll feel welcomed and supported throughout. I can’t think of a better introduction to the world of ultra running.
Photos by Richard Frazier @richardfrazier and Callum Howard @woodark
