Event Preview

Rich's Ones to Watch

The Teenagers of The Land Between

End of Day One

We have a first rider home!

Oliver Glen

Pedr Charlesworth

Dan Fox

Andrew Broadway

Craig Monteith

Eva Grange

Alex Dyson

Stanley McNulty

Rupert Hartley

India Landy

George Morris

Matthew Chapple

Matthew Jones

Jason Craven

Charles Sales

Rob Gibson

Zoe McIntosh

John Fettis

Gordon Mackenzie

Katy Orr

Richard Wilson

James Begg

Andrew Delamain

Nic Vieri

Jack Yates

Josh Reid

James Steele

Nathan Hughes

James Rothwell

Jack Westwood

Lee Watson

Iain D'Arcy

Jack Taylor

Nick Tatt

Sam Kerr

Adam Dobinson

Jethro Warwick-Mooney

Izzy Freshwater

Mihir Joshi

James & Edward Roff

Heather Kennedy

Joshua Hughes

Kyle Weir

Helen Collard

Rosalind Clark

Robert Davis

Matthew Gonzalez-noda

Jordan Matthews

Philippa Sumner

Paul Genet

Bradley Murphy

James Dyson

Toby Willis

Andreas Klinton

Brian Sharp

Stephen Edwards

Jon Fiarclough

Mike Wragg

Pete Alfano

Simon Mowles

Thomas Harrison

Svetlana Karadimova

Bill Anderson

Leanne Whitehead

Alec McLeish

John Cooper

Edwin Barnes

Johannes Ruff

Samuel Bartram

Steven Wheatley

Carl Salisbury

![WhatsApp Image 2024-08-23 at 13.23.42 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/55FcdjudUwO1yaUmn3wSnD/843a0573187ba24056d2ae27abaac5d3/WhatsApp_Image_2024-08-23_at_13.23.42__1_.jpeg)

*The Land Between* takes place in and around Northumberland, the northernmost county of England. It is a historical border region, right on the border with Scotland, through which the ride briefly passes. In my research I learned that as a result, Northumberland has more castles than any other English county! The event's tagline on the website gives a pretty good description: "A bikepacking adventure through the ancient and varied landscapes of Northumberland. It's time to embrace the unknown.". 

*The Land Between* is the brainchild of well-seasoned ultra racer Rich Rothwell. Rich is well known within the ultra community and is a veteran of multiple Highland Trail 550 finishes, Race Around Rwanda, Atlas Mountain Race, Further Pyrenees, Further East and the inaugural edition of Further Elements.

![WhatsApp Image 2024-08-25 at 14.57.18 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7bbAhG8cWAOGpIrlNb3MQU/7a47bcfeae9beccf4f4bee3c8cce6225/WhatsApp_Image_2024-08-25_at_14.57.18__1_.jpeg)

This is the second edition of the event, with the first edition having gone down really well with riders both for the route itself but also for the atmosphere. Not a huge amount has changed since last year on the route, with a few short diversions due to road closures. The first edition of an event can often lead to major changes as the organiser's route ideas get put to the test by a multitude of riders. It's a testament to Rich's good planning and testing of the route that it needs almost no modification at all.

The biggest difference this year, according to Rich, is the weather. It has been so incredibly dry this year that the course is very fast-rolling and he predicts a new FKT with a faster first-finish than last year. The weather for the event itself is also forecast to be good, with no rain at all, unlike last year. It's shaping up to be an exciting one to watch!

### The Route
The route kicks off from the village of Alwinton and almost immediately the first major off-road challenge comes in the form of the ancient Clennel Street bridleway which should be a solid warmup and have all the gravel bike riders rethinking their choice nice and early! This is spectacular but tough going, with the second-highest point on the route coming just 15km from the start. However, having crossed the border into Scotland, riders will be rewarded with a long descent with the next 40km being primarily downhill all the way to the coast, with only a few smaller rises along the way. Rich calls this out as one of the sections that will be a lot fast and easier with the dry weather lately. From here, little back lanes wind through a couple of small Scottish villages before crossing the border back into England and heading into the market town of Wooler.

![WhatsApp Image 2024-08-21 at 07.21.43](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3eTQV7hBEyPUMOw8leicWZ/253ea36a716f49affc63cdad6aac8a65/WhatsApp_Image_2024-08-21_at_07.21.43.jpeg)

From here the route goes back off-road and follows the Sandstone Way that meanders out towards the coast past a variety of interesting places such as St Cuthbert's Cave (see cover photo at the top of this post!). After reaching the coast the route turns south down the coast, with a long road stretch past places such as Bamburgh Castle, the coastal villages of Seahouses and Beednall, and Dunstanburgh Castle. The route jumps between the road and off-road a fair bit down the coast; it's fairly flat but is very close to the coast and exposed so the wind is likely to be far more of a concern than the gradient!

Just before the major town of Blyth the route turns inland for a time, with various farm tracks and singletrack. Rich rates this as something of a hidden gem: rarely ridden but a great stretch to ride from there to Seaton Sluice. From here it's not far to Whitley Bay and Tynemouth - a much more urban area with plenty of resupply options, especially for a well-deserved fish and chips by the sea!

Staying in the urban environment, the route goes up the Tyne and the riders get the unusual experience of riding through a tunnel under the river. Not many events go *under* rivers! Showing riders the sorts of things that they won't normally see like this is typical of the route as a whole.

![WhatsApp Image 2024-08-23 at 19.44.39](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4HtVJ5RmlpvQ9PUVBsSYO5/c6d636a6866ebb968564c5946e4c5425/WhatsApp_Image_2024-08-23_at_19.44.39.jpeg)

From here the route heads slowly back out of the urban landscapes but nonetheless interesting, including potential views of the Angel of the North which they pass quite close to. The section from Sunniside down into the Derwent valley was described by Rich as one of the best descents of the route: "mental, much more fun that it should be, considering it's semi-urban". The route continues on various farm tracks and singletrack as it heads further and further out of town and by the village of Chopwell it is very much Pennines and no longer city!

After the village of Whittonstall comes Slaley Forest with a great descent down into Blanchland but with a brutal road climb back up the other side out of the village. MTB riders will be more rewarded for their efforts than gravel bike riders on the following descent from Townfield to Edmundbyers: Rich describes it as another descent that is very much mountain bike territory - one of the best bits of singletrack in the North East.

The gravel bike riders will get some enjoyable descents still, with the one down to Rookhope shortly after being fast gravel followed by another road section. The gravel section just into Allenheads is another hidden gem that Rich describes as rarely ridden but stunning. He's really hoping that at least a few people get to ride it in daylight to enjoy it properly!

![4e64f864-2826-4328-8f28-cd1bfcc739c4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/66DEpseN8KiHktyTOoiHrT/73690f2a95ada26ac524dc0ee4ef2ecc/4e64f864-2826-4328-8f28-cd1bfcc739c4.jpeg)

From Allenheads there is another longer extended road section back out to the Tyne valley with a descent out to Bardon Mill before climbing up again through Once Brewed. Last year I saw this name and thought it was a joke(!) but thanks to the infamous felling of the tree at the nearby Sycamore Gap in September last year, this village is now much more well known! The route passes the site of Hadrian's Wall with a fairly spectacular view and not long after this, they enter what Rich describes as a no-mans-land through Wark Forest before the potentially critical resupply point of Bellingham. Resupply will be a really interesting tactical divider on this route: there is a lot of resupply in the first part of the route, but from Bellingham, 371km in, there is pretty much no resupply again until the finish.

From Bellingham it's back on the road again up to Kielder Water via the Haul Road and Lakeside Way. They skip visiting Kielder Castle and head back North East onto the Kielder Forest Drive, a long climb followed by a long, fast descent down to cross the A68 onto the Cottonhope Road. This is a long but very remote road climb up through MOD land. The rider notes are very specific that riders should not leave the designated route through this section although there should be no live firing during the event!

![WhatsApp Image 2024-08-21 at 07.31.42](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4uHJ6msrFmnmpThcSQcXeA/479b734f306f23eabbcbf519e8192ac7/WhatsApp_Image_2024-08-21_at_07.31.42.jpeg)

As the route returns towards Alwinton at around 440km there is, in Rich's own words: "a little bit of off-road which is brutal; I put it in because I just wanted to... it ends with a hike-a-bike but the view from the top looking back is one of the best views on the whole route. So they'll hate me but they'll like it".

Last year I predicted that the pass through the start/finish with 70km to go would be a mental challenge to keep moving. However, I was very wrong - almost all but the front riders used this to their advantage, taking the chance to stop at Alwinton and rest overnight before taking on the remaining 70km the next morning. It also helped morale, with the front riders who had finished being able to go out and cheer on those who were further back.

The route heads south back out of Alwinton via a little bit of singletrack but then primarily road over a climb to the village of Elsdon. Whilst there are some off-road options available, it turns out that Rich does have a heart after all! Now very much on his local patch, the route goes through Harwood Forest before another fun but slightly gnarly descent out of the forest. At the bottom of the descent the riders will pass the distillery of [Hepple Spirits](https://hepplespirits.com/), one of the event sponsors.

![428716225 1865138530594500 7470553228261807610 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6O3ldU0vUwjLe5WEYaFZHC/6a9ad4aacd1b1de9c78439404e7b4fc7/428716225_1865138530594500_7470553228261807610_n.jpg)

Rothbury is the next major point on the map and a resupply option (the first proper resupply since Bellingham!) followed by a tricky technical ascent up onto Rothbury Carriage Drive - another one where Rich predicts that only the most talented gravel bike riders will be make it through without walking. The route passes round Cragside House, originally the home of industrialist William Armstrong and was one of the most technologically advanced houses of its' time! Worth popping back to visit after the event, perhaps?!

From here it is a primarily road affair back to Alwinton with a final off-road descent to the finish. A tough test for riders at 515km and nearly 7000m of climbing! Who will make it round? How many will do it in one, without sleep?! We'll find out between 7:30am Friday and midnight Sunday!

### Your Team
As this race has proven a hit we have brought in reinforcements to try and bring the best possible commentary! We'll have two of last year's riders **Niall Shannon** (who was second finisher) and **Niall Deans** out on the road chasing down riders and providing some commentary here. **Seun Alaba** will also be out with his camera on an eBike chasing down our riders alongside Rich and sending them in. Finally, I, **Steve Haskew**, will be filling some gaps and writing things up back at home. I am envious of those out on the ground, that's for sure!

There are lots of familiar names in the field for **The Land Between** this year, but also plenty of names you may never have heard before. One of the most exciting aspects of this race is the number of young riders involved. It's great that Rich goes out of his way to make sure that age need be no barrier to entry for his event. In particular **James Rothwell**, **Edward Roff**, and **Jack Taylor** are all teenagers taking on the event this year. Keep an eye on the event socials [@_thelandbetween](https://www.instagram.com/_thelandbetween) tonight for a special check-in with the event's three teenage riders!

Like last year, we asked race organiser Rich for his "Ones to Watch" for this year's edition. Here's what he had to say:

---

Well, we'd love you to keep an eye on everyone! All **The Land Between** riders have put in the hours of training and preparation to get to the start line, whether they are at the back, the front, or the middle of the pack. Why, even **Toby Willis** has trained SO HARD that he recently had to have a lie down on a hot beach for a couple of weeks, rehydrating and eating fine food to recover for the big day. Pro tapering right there!

![521089976 18518880562049057 4050529336024212327 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5kQxuZHbbgpwcGCtjtTKU3/fcbd63328376267ae9a183c52f5760e6/521089976_18518880562049057_4050529336024212327_n.jpg)
> Commentator's top tip: Toby takes incredible pictures and posts on Instagram when he's out on his bike!
> (📸 [@tobychillis](https://www.instagram.com/tobychillis))

In the women's field, there is a heady mix of experienced riders and racers. **Sam Kerr** has really been smashing out the big miles recently and is looking on great form. **India Landy** has taken on some big rides and races around the world and is known for her 'get it done' attitude, and always with a smile on her face! **Eva Grange** recently completed a huge global tour and can definitely keep moving over the long haul. **Katy Orr** is our supported rider, having trained with Advance Cycle Coaching and running with Restrap bikepacking bags. She's trained hard and has finished highly in her category in the Gralba gravel race series.

![510959295 18521422843005801 6848231229225841854 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/51PcmHxI63Ld0accp1mU7Z/487b1c5838fb80cd2e22732176e73be4/510959295_18521422843005801_6848231229225841854_n.jpg)
> Sam Kerr out training
> (📸 [@sam____kerr__](https://www.instagram.com/sam____kerr__))

In the men, **Olly Glen** is a strong bet for the front of the field. Olly has achieved high finishes at **The Dales Divide** and has the pedigree to ride a fast non stop ride. **Josh Reid** is also a fast rider and he's on home turf! Losing out in the three-way sprint in the inaugural Land Between, he's got a score to settle! But which Josh will turn up? The Racer or the Film Maker? Or both?! **Stanley McNulty** may not be a familiar name in ultra circles but make no mistake, he puts in the miles  in his home of the Lake District. He's super strong and a little bird told us he's going all out at The Land Between! **Alex Dyson** is also a super strong rider who has trained extremely effectively over the last year. He rode The Land Between last year, finishing a very solid 9th and we know he's aiming on going faster! **Andrew Broadway** is also a returning rider after a superb 7th place finish last year. **Jason Craven** is another rider who has been supported in his training by Advance Cycle Coaching, as well as Restrap. It's his first attempt at an ultra and his training and focus has been impressive. With a strong ride at the Frontier 300, can Jason power through the night and push the front of the pack? **Brian Sharp** comes from the trail running world so clearly has the aerobic engine. Recently turning his hand to long gravel rides and events, we think Brian will make a confident showing at The Land Between.

![521663430 18525340705012364 2545112750690806635 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/8d1G8vhnK6zr37q1HT9ly/87250ce07bf5a2472d701d96dce2f2ac/521663430_18525340705012364_2545112750690806635_n.jpg)
> Alex Dyson's recent trip to the Alps!
> (📸 [@a__dyson](https://www.instagram.com/a__dyson))

The beauty of these events is the Dark Horses and those riders who fly a little under the radar. We are sure they are in the field and will show their hand this weekend!

But most of all, we want **all** the riders to have their best ride and enjoy the stunning scenery and unique culture of Northumberland.

![4e64f864-2826-4328-8f28-cd1bfcc739c4](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/66DEpseN8KiHktyTOoiHrT/73690f2a95ada26ac524dc0ee4ef2ecc/4e64f864-2826-4328-8f28-cd1bfcc739c4.jpeg)
> Josh Reid in the leading trio during The Land Between 2024

Niall S interviews Edward, James and Jack - the teenagers of The Land Between!

![WhatsApp Video 2025-08-21 at 21.37.13](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1GE3jqdAZ8lz05Y0nKjqzo/fba57064142adad26c8f047a5c47dea2/WhatsApp_Video_2025-08-21_at_21.37.13.mp4)


The race is now well underway with the lead riders strung out down the coast. The initial climb and descent into Scotland was tackled pretty quickly and **Olly Glen** rapidly broke off the front and has now established himself a sizeable lead!

![e41fa594-af6d-4282-9d7a-776c1b15eddc](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6vunI5Ev4XYe4jXQK1tJ7T/649b1b338f8deda519260491c4a1f869/e41fa594-af6d-4282-9d7a-776c1b15eddc.jpeg)

We have a larger group behind Olly which may contain some of those dark horse riders that Rich predicted. As I was reviewing the name list I had a feeling I’d come across **Pedr Charlesworth** before and seeing him at the pointy end of the race I’ve now remembered. He has just finished cycling from Mexico to New York to finish off a ride that COVID interrupted - he should definitely have the legs!

![6cdef7a4-0010-4e51-8fbc-3555efa65d85](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6azVzkvJIcvQK6aS5ZUTzO/0265a66b9c248d076a99a7f06cecba16/6cdef7a4-0010-4e51-8fbc-3555efa65d85.jpeg)

More to follow later as it comes in!

First Few Hours

Well - Rich predicted a fast edition this year and he was right! Last year, the lead four went under the Tyne at about 5pm. This year at 5pm we'd had nine riders come through the tunnel and start to head back out of city, with **Olly Glen** forging the way at the front. He has a lead of just over 20 minutes over **Pedr Charlesworth** and **Dan Fox** who are about level in second position. **Eva Grange** is leading the women's race with about a 45 minute lead over **Zoe Macintosh** and about an hour over **India Landy**. Eva and **Stanley McNulty** regularly share their adventures over at [@twodots.cc](https://www.instagram.com/twodots.cc) and live in the Lake District. It's no surprise to see that they are both towards the front, with Stanley being not behind Pedr and Dan.

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-22 at 11.59.46](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ronnL97RzYjJQwgfdyqDl/91cb614346957f47780b3b259bbfa708/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-22_at_11.59.46.jpeg)

*Restrap* roving reporter **Seun Alaba** caught up with a number of riders making rapid stops for lunch earlier today. I spotted in the picture that it is indeed the videographer **Josh Reid** that we have this year, making videos rather than trying for the win to avenge the close-run for first last year.

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-22 at 13.39.24](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/15GnL2ZV8UZKStBE7DSRgI/06b869685d6072fa2aeb881f891db242/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-22_at_13.39.24.jpeg)

It looks like we may unfortunately have our first scratches - **Brian Sharp** and **Mike Wragg** have both headed well off-route and into civilisaton but I have no news on what issues they've faced I'm afraid.

**James Rothwell** is leading the teenagers race with **Edward Roff** and **Jack Taylor** a bit further back. However, he reportedly forgot to take cash with him and then ran out of water early on! Perhaps a reflection on the fact that for his previous big endeavours he's had his Dad on hand to keep the admin under control!

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-22 at 15.14.55](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/43ysqWJ8kyUdboGCV3rOhk/ae228c548644705a8331ace18b233b5e/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-22_at_15.14.55.jpeg)

Finally, in the "race of the sponsors", I have to point out that **Rupert Hartley** of *Albion* has given **Alex Dyson** and **Nathan Hughes** of *Restrap* the slip and is well ahead of them, right at the front of the race!

To round off this update, I've got an on-the-ground interview come in from **Niall Shannon** with **Rosalind Clark** and **Helen Collard** who are enjoying a more sociable pace at the back of the pack!

![WhatsApp Video 2025-08-22 at 12.55.29](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5K4wiqlgfG3zd3J8IuslmV/8d79a82cdd5cbbfdd8b1c3729318c18a/WhatsApp_Video_2025-08-22_at_12.55.29.mp4)

A Rapid Afternoon

Just like that we're nearing the end of the first day! The distance will be starting to bite for our riders and for a few folks it may be one of their first attempts to ride into/through the night. Thankfully the weather remains on their side too and so it should be a great night for riding!

A quick note up front - the eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted that **Jon Fiarclough** is at hospital! The good news is that he rode himself there and is getting checked out but it's not related to any crash. We'll bring any updates we're able to but rest assured the race team have got in contact to check all is ok.

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-22 at 22.11.13](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5q92X1eag9xBLxWUvGnLvR/dbe5adadfd1a71989fe1a3db880cc480/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-22_at_22.11.13.jpeg)

Towards the front of the race, riders are stopping for resupply at Chopwell - the last resupply for the night shift. As I commented earlier, the pace is very high, as expected: approximately the front 30 riders are through Chopwell as of 10pm, compared to the front 10 riders this time last year. **Olly Glen** continues his phenomenal ride off the front - now a full hour and fifteen minutes ahead of **Pedr Charlesworth**!! If he can continue at this pace, he will obliterate the FKT and be done in well under 24 hours.

Pedr has pulled slightly ahead of **Dan Fox** now for second on the road, but only by a matter of five minutes or so - this spot on the podium is still very much a fight. **Craig Monteith** and **Stanley McNulty** are not at all far behind either - so any significant stops could see these guys come into contention. Not only that but **Eva Grange** and **Andrew Broadway** are right behind them too! I estimate it's about 50 minutes between Pedr and Eva/Andrew, so very tight still!

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-22 at 18.34.45 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1KX2ZQENvzyRuACRsgQp17/4aed1408d0bbaf7daf9d26ccb28fb0d6/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-22_at_18.34.45__1_.jpeg)

The women's top three has a similar layout to the mens, with about an hour and 15 minutes between **Eva Grange** and **Zoe Macintosh** and then 20 between Zoe and **India Landy**. Eva is very much mixing it up with the mens field, much like Kerry did last year, which is always exciting to see! Fourth of the women is **Katy Orr**, who is one of the supported riders:

Both of our two *The Land Between* Supported Riders **Jason Craven** and **Katy Orr** are in the front of the field. These riders are both novices to the ultra world and were picked by Rich to be supported by the sponsors. They have been coached by Rich via *Advance Cycle Coaching* and supported by *Restrap* and *Albion* with kit. We've heard a few snippets from on the ground and it sounds like they are having a great event and Katy is raring to go to ride into the night but wisely not making any commitment as to sleep strategy yet. The fact that these riders are so far up the pack is testament to the amount of work they've put in under Rich's guidance to be ready to go!

![537360627 18520530217026570 7035951008023523905 n](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2GEd03CGnDCQtM5av5cOhz/986e2d11cdf4a22340ab47d55e52985e/537360627_18520530217026570_7035951008023523905_n.jpg)
> 📸 [@keo44](https://www.instagram.com/keo44)

It will be interesting to see how many riders are going to opt to ride through the night, to wild camp/bivvy or to get hotels/accomodation. It looks like **Andreas Klinton** and **Mihir Joshi** may be taking the more luxurious option of a hotel for the night whilst a few others look to be quietly laying down their bivvy bags just off-route already. **James Rothwell**, **Edward Roff**, and **Jack Taylor**, our young riders, are all still out riding with James having a sizeable lead there.

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-22 at 22.11.16 (4)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2ByLdTTqg660dO4nHRxXK2/9d20b822e4d7563c72eaf9be2847dd95/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-22_at_22.11.16__4_.jpeg)

As is traditional with commentary posts, the leaders have moved on a lot by the time I've finished writing! **Olly Glen** has just cleared Hadrian's Wall at Once Brewed (hopefully leaving all landmark trees intact...) and is showing no signs of slowing down!

The plan is that most of tomorrow's coverage will be from **Niall Deans** and **Niall Shannon**, both veterans of last year's race, so I will let them have the privilege of announcing the podium tomorrow. Set those alarms early for tomorrow, because we could genuinely have a finisher before sunrise!


Good morning from The Land Between HQ, it’s Niall and Niall stepping in for Steve today.
![Men's winner Ollie Glen](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5eOhAnqWlkgLNCqqpCC3IC/13ee42a6947a6505e315fda47bb7ec46/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-23_at_10.02.26.jpeg)

And the big news is we’re starting our day with the men’s and overall winner, Ollie Glen.  He arrived back in Alwinton after a little over 25 hours to take the win and FKT (by over two hours).  He went solo from the start and barely stopped – we grabbed a quick word with him at the finish line whilst marvelling at how fresh he looked.  A big talent.
![Interview with men's winner Ollie Glen](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5zugAomAovKZytRZOv6b1C/e2f83c27109a51c42810691a4409b85f/PXL_20250823_073638476.mp4)

It’s a bit of a gap to the next riders but we do now have a few more on the finishing loop – as we write this our leading woman Eva Granges has just headed out, teamed up with Stanley McNulty.  They stopped to enjoy some real food after a night of gels.  There’s a good chance Eva can take the women’s FKT too.

![Eva Grange - women's leader](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ZgtNqYC86dYwNgImROMro/b84d9b15bb37cf7073f48d31ef546f42/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-23_at_10.02.19.jpeg)

A quick update on our races within the race:

In the women’s race there’s some speculation that Zoe McIntosh may have overslept, dropping out of the top three for the first time.  There’s still a chance that a good night’s sleep will launch her into a fast day two.  But for now that’s opened the way for India Landy to move into a comfortable second place and supported rider Katy Orr to move into third.  We’ve been getting regular updates from Katy via her partner and this performance will be above and beyond her expectations going into her first ultra.

The Three Musketeenagers all looked strong yesterday but we’ve heard a few reports that they’re starting to feel the fatigue on day two.  James is leading the trio but complaining of a sore toe and some boredom – for a boy who hits road gaps for fun the road sections on this route may not hold much appeal.  In the middle is first-time ultra rider Jack - his dad is here too and giving regular updates – he’s actually just been kicked off the route by a farmer – we’re exploring alternatives here and we’ll post them when we know more (the rider behind made it through so maybe he just caught the farmer at a bad moment).  Edward and his dad are not far behind, and we’re pretty confident their experience and the fact they’re able to keep each other’s spirits up may help them as we get into the business end of this event.

The men’s race – second to seventh are on the finishing loop and should finish by lunchtime.  Pedr Charlesworth and Dan Fox look likely to take the remaining podium spots.  We grabbed a quick chat with a slightly tired Craig Monteith before he headed out:
![Interview with Craig](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/mKJ4r0ENMLNaAUgyPZKRC/6915f6bdda6c635ac2b05f67344070d0/PXL_20250823_072140406.mp4)

As ever, the more interesting stories are further down the field – we’ve heard a few stories trickling in of public toilet parties – one hosting around six riders at one point.

Sam Kerr shared this beaut of a shot after her own toilet nap (having not brought any sleep kit this may not have been that restorative…)
![Sam Kerr morning views](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7c8n14CUxYGL0fYpicKhpX/79863f6a7a41190c21a1a1bcd8b4e95c/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-23_at_09.25.22.jpeg)

We’re going to hunt for a few more stories today so we’ll be back with all the gossip and finishers later.

In our next big update of the day we have our winner of the women’s race, Eva Grange. Looking composed and strong as she went out to tackle the final loop she arrived back at the Rose & Thistle just before 14:00 to take a couple hours of last year’s woman’s FKT.

Eva led the women’s field from the start of the race finishing in style with a bottle of prosecco, we managed to get her for a few words from her at the finish line. 
![Winner's Interview ](//videos.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2O8Ih3pG8mMldTHuNxNtjv/b2b728027692f656d380e04b49e408c8/PXL_20250823_125017759.mp4)

Currently India Landy is sitting in second and rode straight through Arlington without stopping focused on tackling the last circuit of the course. After India the race for third is heating up. As suspected the rest that Zoe McIntosh took last night looks to be paying off and having dropped into 4th overnight Zoe has managed to claw back with a strong day of riding reducing the gap to Katy Orr with less than 1km splitting the two of them. Will they look to have a rest and refuel before taking on the final loop or can they ride through and keep the pressure on each other to have a showdown, this is looking the race to watch! 
![Hike a bike into Arlington](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/9Dm745LyDUIDyskgkgFln/92198ca24d9f4fa0929884fc4b0a47b5/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-23_at_15.33.25.jpeg)
Whilst we wait for the rest of the woman’s podium to arrive.  The men’s top 3 has already been decided with the arrival of Pedr Charlesworth in second, and Dan Fox in third. Pedr rode through the night single speed after his having issues with his derailleur impressively staying ahead of Dan and holding his nerve to finish in 27 hours 20 minutes. Crossing the line an hour later was Dan arriving in third, despite a crash on the first decent yesterday morning he put in a strong performance to close out the men’s podium.
![Alex and his pint](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7tRrVRnolrIOUGH1mFPecU/2c7c3c56b59ed81313ae21f51f69a1aa/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-23_at_14.23.30.jpeg)
Beyond the front of the race the general pace from the riders this year continues to impress and veterans Andrew Broadway and Alex Dyson have managed to exceed their expectations to take hours off of their times from last year. Alex was greeted with a well-deserved pint of Guinness on the finish line and was the first mountain biker he played a tactical game knowing that his areas to shine were on the technical sections of the course riding through the pack by staying comfortable and make easy work of those more challenging sections.

Riders are continuing to arrive at the HQ and we expect to see many more finish today and others arrive ready to start the final loop. We may even see some of the younger riders arrive with big decisions to make. Having taken a measured approach to the race so far will the excitement of getting back push them to go out and ride through the night to get a finish in the earlier hours? There’s a lot more to come in this race and we are likely to hear more stories as the rest of the pack heads through. 


The First Woman is in! 

What a day to be a dotwatcher… I’m going to try and keep this brief and go straight to the most exciting bit – after a comfortable second place for India Landy, the battle for the remaining women’s podium spot was between two riders coached by Rich, both riding their first ultra...

![India Landy landed second place (pic from Restrap)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3IcX7jiNxxYaGv6SOV1Awu/7ca63d02c0f6c34df986fc1aa917c4df/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-23_at_18.26.43.jpeg)
*India Landy looking happy at the finish (pic from Restrap/Seun Alaba)*

In third place for most of today was Katy Orr, with Zoe McIntosh chasing in fourth (after the long’ish overnight stop we mentioned earlier).  As they hit the infamous hike-a-bike before the pit-stop in Alwinton and the final loop, Zoe caught the group containing Katy.  From there she blasted straight through Alwinton without a stop.  Katy stopped briefly – long enough to grab essential supplies, but not long enough to say hello to her dog Otis, who seemed slightly bemused by the rush.

![Zoe on the hike-a-bike (pic courtesy of Restrap)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1yxVej1aMYdd6vRYYmbdQF/5b7123aea44dbbd81936801f49bd2420/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-23_at_19.08.51.jpeg)
*Zoe McIntosh was strong on the hike-a-bike (pic from Restrap/Seun Alaba)*

On to the final loop and Zoe managed to keep the momentum and grab the final spot on the podium – a great ride, congrats.  Also a huge congrats to Katy, finishing fourth in her first ultra – it looks like she also made it up to Otis at the finish. 

![Katy and Otis at the finish (from her partner Reuben's insta)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4z3iAFAkfCSkVywzI9Frgk/5a41fafc3160c85fabf897c6b86980bb/Screenshot_20250823-210701.png)
*Katy Orr and Otis at the finish (pic from <https://www.instagram.com/roobsa?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==>*

Elsewhere we saw men’s supported rider Jason Craven finish in 14th place – another phenomenal performance for a first-time ultra rider and we’re excited to see what he does next.

![Jason - always smiling (pic from Restrap)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/0TFiQwaUZeBJkdMgGWs2l/7b0cd065c72882b2b71d13cc201c56a4/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-23_at_12.45.41.jpeg)
*Jason, always smiling (pic from Restrap/Seun Alaba)*

We were relieved to see Charles Sales and Rob Gibson roll in too – Charles has his own engagement drinks to get to tomorrow so hopefully he’ll recover quickly and enjoy those.  Rob also achieved the feat of being the first rider home on a bamboo bike he’d made himself – nice work.

![A puncture on the bamboo bike](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1URshOpwW9l8jZ19R66MHs/c7cd5c1c8d247cee51cb41face84c741/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-22_at_12.16.30.jpeg)
*A puncture on the bamboo bicycle (pic from Restrap/Seun Alaba)*

At the time of writing Nic Vieri is less than an hour from completing the race – he’s been shadowed by good pal and film-maker Josh Reid so watch out for a film coming out soon.  Josh messaged to say that Nic entered this race on less than three weeks training – there’s a film already up on YouTube about his lack of prep if you’re interested.  And if you’re hungry for more, Josh’s Tour Divide film is just beautiful – strong recommend. 

![Nic, unamused outside the amusements](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6QdEfdzmZjnsCaeXydL4my/f12bb58defe850a7aadfef92ac7cbce2/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-22_at_13.39.24.jpeg)
*Nic, unamused outside the amusements (pic from Restrap/Seun Alaba)*

James Rothwell continues to lead the three teenagers, though given that ultras age you by about ten years we’re not quite sure what to expect when he rolls into Alwinton later this evening.  He’ll certainly have learned a lot – despite all his experience this is the first time he has raced an ultra solo, and we gather he’s had a few tough moments today.  Both James and his parents will be relieved and extremely proud when he crosses the finish line.

Speaking of learning, Sam Kerr has arrived into Alwinton still as fifth woman and with just the finish loop to go.  Rumour has it she may have considered scratching this morning, before realising she just needed a nap.  Good luck to her for the finish loop – she may decide to sleep at HQ and tick it off tomorrow morning.

Last story from the road is from Heather Kennedy.  She’s currently about to arrive at Kielder Water, but would be about 10km further on if her GPS computer hadn’t randomly decided to re-route her back to the start this morning – a frustrating start to the day but she saw the funny side and enjoyed some good company once she was back on the trail – apparently she’s getting stories from cafes of exhausted riders needing “triple espressos” before they’re able to talk any sense… wonder who that was! 

One last mention to our favourite double act at the back, Ros and Helen – they’re currently either in the pub or the bunkhouse in Allendale, which leaves 200km to go.  Will they make it back before midnight tomorrow??

That’s it for now – thanks for reading.

Link to a few rider videos here (variable sound quality) - <https://photos.app.goo.gl/VGAVqnDs4mGNpEoL8>


Day Two Wrap Up

There has been a steady flow of riders coming in during the last few hours, with many of them riding through the night to get it done! **James Rothwell** was the first of our teenagers to come in late last night leading **Jack Taylor** by a fair margin. Jack finished early this morning after a real slog through the night. **Edward Roff**, alongside dad **James** is on the finishing loop and they should comfortably achieve their goal of a faster finish than last year. It's amazing to see the grit and determination of these younger riders and the great maturity it requires to manage yourself and your emotions and get something like this done!

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-24 at 09.48.17 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2g03DyDSl4rF6mHOeEFp1Q/e555b63d8344329dcca873379e934981/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-24_at_09.48.17__1_.jpeg)

A number of riders carried on throught the night to finish - **Iain D'Arcy** and **Lee Watson** both arrived in the early hours in between James and Jack. Others opted for the sleep-at-HQ option - **Nick Tatt** set off extremely early this morning and **Sam Kerr** at a slightly later time. After that a group of riders set off onto the finishing loop with **Izzy Freshwater**, **Jordan Matthews**, **Adam Dobinson** and **Jethro Warwick-Mooney**. This group has now fragmented with some having finished and others still out riding. **Mihir Joshi** also headed out a bit later is currently on the finishing loop near Rothbury.

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-24 at 09.48.18 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3HlEDAZm9qFneKyRUh4Y1m/e03dcf45760442d2df7f66580884d137/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-24_at_09.48.18__1_.jpeg)

Lastly, our focus turns to the party-pace group who are currently enjoying a ride around Kielder Water! **Helen Collard** and **Rosalind Clark** have been happily back-marking the event for some time - you can go back and watch a short interview from when Niall caught up with them on the first day. They are joined by **Joshua Hughes** and **Bradley Murphy** to make a gang of four. They have about 120km to go to finish and now about 11.5 hours in which to do that. We're all rooting for them to finish before the official close at midnight!

Check back later for an update on their progress and hopefully news that they are nearly home!

![WhatsApp Image 2025-08-24 at 09.48.16](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/51KoYNqxkUl58PNGsHkJug/89d33a90cc0ceec1fad180ce2249cbad/WhatsApp_Image_2025-08-24_at_09.48.16.jpeg)


Sunday Morning

Steve Haskew

Niall Shannon

Niall Deans

Kerry MacPhee

John Hale

The Land Between 2025 tracking and commentary: The edition of this off-road Northern England event will explore the ancient and varied landscapes of Northumberland over isolated fell, along stunning coastlines and through industrial landscapes, both old and new.



The Land Between 2025

The edition of this off-road Northern England event will explore the ancient and varied landscapes of Northumberland over isolated fell, along stunning coastlines and through industrial landscapes, both old and new.

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The Land Between 2025

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