The unforgiving cinder trails of the Peak District witnessed something extraordinary this May 2025, as Ben Bunting, founder of beForm Nutrition and seasoned professional with a bachelor's degree and PgCert in sports and exercise nutrition, tackled the notorious White Peak Marathon.
What unfolded was not just a test of endurance but a masterclass in how proper nutrition and mental fortitude can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Beast That is the White Peak Marathon
The marathon follows the traditional route from Thorpe to Cromford Meadows, first taking the Tissington Trail to Parsley Hay, then the High Peak Trail to Cromford.
But don't let the word "traditional" fool you, this is no ordinary marathon. The course that Ben faced was a 37.5-kilometre relentless incline that would test even the most seasoned ultra-runners, followed by descents so treacherous they were impossible to run.
The cinder surface of the old railway trails, while composed of firm compacted limestone and cinder surfaces on former railway tracks, proved to be a formidable adversary.
Each stride forward was met with the grinding reality of lost grip and compromised forward propulsion.
For a runner of Ben's calibre, a certified Physical Training Instructor in the British Army and qualified strength and conditioning coach who has competed in multiple running events worldwide, including an Ironman distance triathlon, this presented a unique challenge that would test every aspect of his training and expertise.
When the Elements Conspire
May 2025 brought unseasonably hot weather to Derbyshire, adding another layer of complexity to an already brutal course.
The combination of relentless sun, energy-sapping inclines, and loose gravel created the perfect storm of challenging conditions.
This is where Ben's background in sports nutrition became crucial; understanding not just what the body needs, but when and how to deliver it under extreme stress.
As someone who has dedicated his career to helping athletes optimise their performance, Ben found himself putting his own theories to the ultimate test.
The science he champions through beForm Nutrition, the importance of proper hydration, electrolyte balance, and strategic fueling, wasn't just academic knowledge but survival tools on the unforgiving Peak District trails.
The Impossible Descents
After conquering 37.5 kilometres of unrelenting ascent, most runners would welcome a downhill stretch.
But the White Peak Marathon had other plans. The sharp descents that followed were so steep and treacherous that running became impossible, and even walking required extreme caution.
These weren't the rolling hills of a typical marathon but dramatic drops that demanded a complete shift in strategy and technique.
For Ben, these descents represented a mental challenge as much as a physical one. After grinding upward for hours, the inability to gain time on the downhills tested his psychological resilience.
This is where his military training as a Physical Training Instructor proved invaluable, the mental fortitude to adapt, overcome, and continue moving forward regardless of the obstacles.
A Picturesque Finish with Personal Significance
The marathon concludes at Cromford Meadows, finishing at the picturesque Cromford Mills next to Matlock Rugby Club.
For Ben, this finish line held special meaning beyond the achievement of completing one of Britain's most challenging marathons. Having played rugby for Chesterfield Rugby Club, he had faced Matlock on this very ground in a different arena of competition.
The symmetry wasn't lost on him, once again, he found himself battling on familiar territory, though this time the opposition was the course itself and his own physical limitations.
The historic Cromford Mills, with their industrial heritage and stunning Peak District backdrop, provided a finish that was as emotionally rewarding as it was physically demanding.
Known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent organisation, the marathon is well-supported by the dedicated volunteers from Matlock Athletic Club, ensuring that every finisher receives the recognition they deserve for conquering this beast of a course.
The Science Behind the Success
Ben's approach to creating "science-based supplements to help all runners reach their potential" wasn't just marketing speak; it was philosophy put into practice on the most unforgiving of testing grounds.
Throughout the race, he relied on the nutritional strategies and supplements he has developed through beForm Nutrition, proving that the products he creates aren't just theoretical solutions but practical tools forged in the crucible of real-world athletic challenges.
His experience on the White Peak trails reinforces a fundamental truth in endurance sports: proper nutrition isn't just about performance enhancement, it's about survival and completion when conditions turn hostile.
The loose gravel that sapped efficiency with every step, the relentless heat, and the energy demands of that marathon-length climb all required precise nutritional timing and strategy.
Beyond the Finish Line
Ben Bunting's completion of the White Peak Marathon stands as a testament to more than just physical preparation.
It represents the convergence of scientific knowledge, practical experience, and unwavering determination. As someone who has competed globally and served in the military, Ben brought a unique perspective to the Peak District trails, one that combines academic understanding with real-world toughness.
For the running community, Ben's achievement serves as both inspiration and validation. When the founder of a sports nutrition company puts his products and principles to the test on one of Britain's most challenging courses and emerges successful, it speaks volumes about the integrity of both the athlete and the science behind his work.
The White Peak Marathon may have tested every aspect of Ben's preparation, but it also provided the ultimate endorsement for the nutritional strategies he advocates through beForm Nutrition.
In the world of endurance sports, there's no better advertising than results achieved through genuine adversity, and the cinder trails of the Peak District provided adversity in abundance.
As runners across the country look toward their own challenges, Ben Bunting's White Peak Marathon experience serves as a powerful reminder that with proper preparation, sound nutrition, and unwavering determination, even the most daunting courses can be conquered.
The combination of scientific approach and warrior mentality that saw him through those 26.2 miles of Peak District punishment continues to drive his mission of helping fellow runners unlock their own potential.
Ben Bunting is the founder of beForm Nutrition, a company dedicated to providing science-based supplements for endurance athletes.
With qualifications in sports and exercise nutrition, military physical training experience, and a competitive background in running and triathlon, Ben continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in endurance sports while helping others achieve their goals.
