Welcome to the Toughest 100

A sportive like no other. No flats roads. No recovery. It's either up or down. More elevation per km than any other UK sportive. This is the toughest 100km you may ever ride.

After the incredible feedback we received from the first-ever Toughest 100 in 2023, we are back with the Toughest 100 2024, and the new XL Route option, which we believe to be the UK's hilliest sportive with a whopping 4800m of climbing (16,000ft).

The Band of Climbers Toughest 100 is a one-day sportive that will take place on 18th August 2024 in Sheffield and the Peak District. Designed, organised, and route tested by the Band of Climbers team, we've selected the toughest possible route for the Toughest 100.

The Original Route, at just over 100km in length (68miles), the Toughest 100 is the hardest UK Sportive of its kind you may ever ride. What it lacks in distance, it makes up for in elevation. Over 3200m (10,500ft) of climbing awaits, over 22 steep and savage climbs, most of them going over 10%, many of them hitting over 15%.

For perspective, The Toughest 100 has 65% more elevation per mile than the Fred Whitton. We've stripped out the flat roads, deliberately. No rest, no recovery, just climb after climb.

When and Where?

We have a whole new, much larger venue to host the Toughest 100 2024. Starting and finishing near Ringinglow in Sheffield, we'll have a new event village with food and drink stalls, brand partners on site and more to help you recover after one hell of a ride. 

You can begin your ride from 7am to 8.30am. You choose your start time between those hours.

We expect the ride will take on average around 5 hours 30 minutes to complete the Original Route, and around 8 hours to complete the XL Route.

The Routes

The Original

Distance : 110km / 68 miles

Elevation : 3200m / 10,500ft

The Original was designed to be the toughest possible route of its kind. Over 20 punishing climbs await, ranging from short, steep (and we mean steep) climbs, through to longer, slightly more gentle but beautiful climbs towards the end of the route. Most climbs hit gradients of over 10%, but many 15% and 20%+ moments await.

The route takes us from Ringinglow on the outskirts of Sheffield, heading north towards Bradfield, before heading back through the Strines, Hathersage and 'The Dale' before finishing back in Ringinglow. The route is all about the climbs. There is almost zero flat on the entire route. The descents are steep and short, so they're over in seconds. Then you're onto the next climb immediately. No flat. No recovery.

NEW // The XL 

Distance : 100 Miles / 163km

Elevation : 4800m / 16,000ft

The XL route takes things to a whole new level, and will push your body to a whole new experience. The first 95km of the XL is exactly the same as the original. Then, at 95km, instead of heading back to the finish, you'll head west, deeper still into the Peaks. Here you will face another barrage of steep climbs. 

Another 15 climbs await you in the XL route, with more hidden gems as well as famous Peak District ascents including Monsal Head and Curber Edge, which you'll face late into the day. Altogether, the XL Route will see you face 35 knee-shaking climbs throughout the ride. The 4800m of climbing you'll face in the XL makes this the UK's hilliest sportive that we're aware of. That's more elevation than many of the major Alpine Gran Fondos across Europe. 

Both routes will be run on open roads, and the event is limited to 300 riders. The route will be fully signposted throughout the ride, with additional signage over the 2023 edition, and the Strava route will be emailed to you around 2 weeks before the event. 

Rider Packs

All entrants will receive a rider pack when signing on for the event, as well as a digital info pack by email. The rider pack will contain your ride number and chip timer, so you can compare your times with others. You'll also receive a digital guide to the event, BoC Stickers and more from our partners.

Feed Stops

There will be 2 feed stops on the Original route. The feed stops will be stocked with OTE Anytime Energy Bars, Gels, Water and Electrolytes, as well as bananas, oranges, and other carb-based snacks to keep you going.

There will be 1 additional feed stop on the XL Route, with the same energy products and snacks to get you to the finish line. 

Photography 

We will have an official event photographer on the course, and all photos will be made available to you, for free. Photos will be uploaded to the Band of Climbers Facebook page where you can download your photos and use them anywhere you like.

Event Jersey

We have produced an exclusive 2024 Toughest 100 jersey to commemorate the event. This high-performance jersey is available in mens' and women's sizes, by pre-order only. You can purchase event entry and this exclusive jersey from £99. Your Jersey will be handed to you at event sign-on at the Toughest 100.

When selecting the Event Entry and Jersey Option, after completing your booking, we will send you an email to confirm your size and fit required, in order to produce the jersey for you. 

Entry Terms & Conditions

Entry into this event is entirely at the risk of the participant. All riders will be required to read, accept and sign an entry disclaimer confirming they are riding on open roads, at their own risk.

Entry is non-refundable in the event you cannot enter the sportive. We can however transfer your entry to another rider, or defer your place for 1 year, subject to our terms of service. Purchase of the Event Jersey is by Pre-Order only, and is non refundable.

Read our full entry TERMS & CONDITIONS HERE.