Over the weekend, Maverick took over the Peak District for a proper day on the trails. We sent Tash Wilkinson along to experience it first-hand, test the HOKA Speedgoat 7s and take on the 50K ultra. She has since reported back with the useful bits: how the route felt, where the shoes worked, what the heat did to the day and why party rings deserve more respect in ultra running.

Tash did not go into The Maverick Peak District X-Trail 2026 chasing a time. She wanted a good day out, a clear head and a reminder that long-distance running can still be fun when you stop turning every split into a personal performance review.

The Maverick Peaks 50K Ultra, officially a 55km route with 1,214m of elevation, started from Bakewell Showground on Saturday 30 May 2026. From there, runners headed into the Peak District for rocky climbs, grassy tracks, open moorland, technical sections and the kind of views that do a lot of emotional work once the legs start negotiating.

For Tash, the day had most things an ultra can throw at you: sunshine, heat, downhills, snacks, a cut knee and a finish line shared with her partner Sam.

Friendly faces, unfriendly hills

Tash already knew Maverick events had good energy. This was her third, and the small details still stood out.

"All of the staff and volunteers are upbeat and chatty, and the vibes at the start line are always good," she said. "The aid stations are all well stocked and well manned too, which makes a huge difference to how your race can go."

On a long trail race, that stuff matters. A clear sign when your head is tired. A friendly marshal when a climb has gone on long enough to feel personal. An aid station table that looks like it understands what your body is trying to say.

The route backed it up too.

"There was a perfect mix of trodden paths and technical sections, and the views were stunning."

Hot enough to make hydration personal

The weather was good. Almost too good.

"The weather was great, almost too great," said Tash. "I struggled with the heat a bit and taking on enough fluid was hard, but I still managed well enough."

That is the sneaky side of a sunny ultra. Everyone wants dry trails until the bottle starts emptying quicker than planned and every patch of shade begins to look like a life choice.

Still, there were highs. The downhills were Tash's favourite part, which is usually a good sign in a trail runner. The aid stations also delivered exactly what was needed.

"Scoffing party rings at every aid station" was one of her highlights.

Ultra nutrition can get very serious. Sometimes the thing that keeps the day moving is a tiny iced biscuit at exactly the right moment.

Knee meets ground. Runner continues.

Around 30km in, Tash took a tumble and cut her knee open.

"Luckily the adrenaline helped me laugh it off," she said.

That was her lowest moment of the course, but not the one that shaped the day. The bigger high came later: crossing the finish line with Sam.

A cut knee fades. A finish line like that tends to stick.

Finding the fun again

Tash has run road marathons and trail ultras, with 100km as her longest race so far. This one was not about proving the distance. It was about enjoying it.

"My last ultra was only a few weeks prior and I felt as though I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to," she said. "So enjoyment was the main goal and that was definitely achieved."

Running has been a big part of Tash's life for the last six years, especially for her mental health. The Peak District gave her the reset she was looking for.

"It was important to me to bring it back to having fun and clearing my head."

That is the useful bit. Not the time. Not the pace. A long day outside that gave something back.

Speedgoats in yellow, obviously

Tash raced in the HOKA Speedgoat 7, a shoe line she already trusts. Her first Speedgoat 5s came in 2022 for her first ultra, and she has worn the 6s too.

"The 7s didn't disappoint and I absolutely love the yellow," she said.

Important detail. Trail shoes do not need to be bright, but it helps morale when you are several hours in and negotiating with a hill.

The fit and grip did the proper work.

"The fit was perfect, supporting around the midfoot yet comfortable. The grip was great, perfect for the mixture of rocky trails and the grassy tracks too. They'll definitely be a staple in my rotation going forward."

For a route like this, that is exactly what you want: secure hold through the midfoot, enough comfort for the later miles and grip you do not have to think about every time the trail changes from rock to grass to something vaguely ankle-related.

Small kit, big difference

Tash's kit behaved itself. The Speedgoat 7s stood out, as did a lightweight T-shirt in the heat. A comfortable running pack was non-negotiable.

Her best tip was spare socks.

"I always take an extra pair of thinner running socks with me," she said. "It's a game changer if I ever experience any hot spots, especially from swelling in my feet."

Simple. Unflashy. Potentially race-saving.

She also recommends wetting a hat or headband in hot conditions. Again, not glamorous. Very useful. Trail running is full of that kind of wisdom.

First trail race? Do not overthink it

Tash's advice for new trail runners is refreshingly normal.

"Just get out and try it," she said. "It doesn't have to be far away or in the mountains. Go to a local forest or park and run there."

And when you find a hill?

"Walk the hills. At every trail race I've done, 90% of people walk the hills. Pace isn't everything."

That might be the best first-trail-race advice going. Walk early, run the runnable bits, enjoy being outside and stop treating your road pace like it applies everywhere. Trails have their own rules. Most of them are written by the gradient.

Three words and one puppy

Tash described the race as "inspiring, scenic, fulfilling."

When it got tough, she reminded herself that being able to run these distances is something to be grateful for. Her favourite moment was being reunited with her bestie's puppy at the finish line, which feels like a strong argument for more dogs at more finish lines.

Next up, there are no races booked yet. For now, Tash is keeping things outdoors with climbing and hiking while she decides what comes next.

You can follow Tash on Instagram at @Tashemilyw and on Strava here: https://strava.app.link/XFlx8GIvE3b

Final shout to Sam, who supported Tash by agreeing to run an ultramarathon with her on short notice. Love, madness, or both. Probably both.

Trail kit for your own Maverick day

The Maverick Peak District X-Trail exposes the little things quickly: shoes that slip, socks that rub, packs that bounce, tops that feel heavy once the sun comes out.

For mixed Peak District terrain, start with trail running shoes that grip on rock and grass, hold the midfoot securely and stay comfortable over long miles. Add a reliable pack, lightweight layers, spare socks and hydration you will actually use before you are already thirsty.

Shop trail running shoes, HOKA Speedgoats, running packs and trail kit at Pro:Direct Running, then build from the ground you are actually going to run.