From 50-mile mountain challenges to an incredible 110-mile endurance race, Northowram Pumas Running Club members have been pushing their limits and recently tackling some of the toughest ultra-running events across the country.

Two of the club's ultra-running regulars, Leanda Cox and Ellie May, took on the GB Ultras Yr Wyddfa 50-mile event in Snowdonia, facing technical terrain, major climbs and tough descents during their first mountainous ultra.

Both reached checkpoint four, approximately 30 miles into the race, putting in impressive performances before being timed out.

Although they didn't complete the full distance, their efforts on such a challenging course demonstrated their determination and growing experience in mountain ultra running and used this experience to take them into their next adventure.

Ellie May and Leanda Cox at the GB Ultras Yr Wyddfa 50-mile event.

placeholder image — Ellie May and Leanda Cox at the GB Ultras Yr Wyddfa 50-mile event.

The pair also took on the extraordinary Charm Bracelet, a race covering approximately 110 miles across the Pennine Way, Teesdale and the Cleveland Way.

For Cox, the event marked her debut at the 100-mile distance, while May was taking on her third challenge at this distance.

Both rose to the occasion, navigating typically unpredictable British weather and a demanding course to deliver outstanding performances. Cox completed the challenge in under 35 hours, with May crossing the finish line in under 34 hours.

Julie Bowman headed to the hills around Holmfirth to take on the HUT Ultra Trail 50k, facing a challenging combination of wind, rain and mud that made progress difficult throughout the race.

Andrew Mellor took on the Altra 5 Valleys Ultra.

Despite the testing conditions, Bowman dug deep to secure an excellent seventh place overall among the female runners and second place in her age category.

Meanwhile, Andrew Smith took on the RunThrough Ladybower 54k Ultra, making his way around the reservoir in the Peak District.

No stranger to the area, Smith was treated to some cracking weather and enjoyed the hills and spectacular views along the route, successfully tackling around 5,000 feet of climbing in the process.

Club Treasurer Andrew Mellor travelled to the Lake District for the Altra 5 Valleys Ultra, hosted by 13 Valleys Ultra. The event covered a challenging 58k, with more than 2,300 metres of ascent.

Julie Bowman faced the challenge of the HUT Ultra Trail 50k.

Taking in the stunning Lakeland scenery and embracing the experience, Mellor successfully crossed the finish line with a smile, demonstrating that sometimes the secret to ultra running is simply keeping going, enjoying the journey.

Rachel Williams took on The District BYU in the Lake District, a backyard ultra designed to test both physical endurance and mental resilience.

In this unique format, runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour. The process continues until only one runner remains, with competitors needing to manage their pace, recovery and mindset to keep returning to the start line.

Williams’ debut was an impressive one, lasting 17 hours and covering 70 miles.