New Year, new goals. Instead of training for a road 10K, half marathon or marathon, why not set your sight off-road and take on a trail half marathon? Whether you’re running through the forests or up a mountain, trail running never gets boring. Escaping into the woods or countryside gives you a sense of adventure that road-running cannot. And the benefits are myriad. From improving balance and coordination, to relieving stress and boosting wellbeing, trail running is a tonic for body and soul. So, get 2024 off to a flyer by signing up to one of the trail half marathons listed below…
Midsummer Munro
Where? Boxill, Surrey
When? 23 June 2024
Proudly billing itself as a ‘gratuitously difficult’ half marathon, the Midsummer Munro takes in the very best (and the very steepest) Box Hill has to offer. There’s some 3,680ft of elevation on a route that takes in steep hills and endless stairs. But the atmosphere at the event, organised by Trionium, is famously uplifting and Box Hill is one of the most beautiful places to run in south-east England.
Endurancelife Northumberland
Where? Bamburgh, Northumberland
When? 24 February
If you want to find England’s best sandy beaches, most people head to the south-west of the country – specifically, to the counties of Cornwall and Devon. But what if the finest sand was, in fact, to be found in the complete opposite direction, the north-east, in the wondrous county of Northumberland? Up here, the sand is white, the beaches are vast and the tourists are few. OK, the weather’s a little nippier than in Cornwall, but when you’re running rather than lounging, then cooler temperatures are no bad thing. This wonderful half marathon, organised by Endurancelife, takes in some of the best of the Northumberland coast – from sand dunes to single-track. Celebrate with some top-notch fish and chips in nearby Seahouses after you finish.
Endurancelife Pembrokeshire
Where? Little Haven
When? 27 April
As you might expect from the UK’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire’s coastline is a thing of beauty. White sand beaches, turquoise sea, sand dunes and sleepy seaside towns combine to create a place that, on a good day, is the rival of many more celebrated spots in Europe. This race celebrates the landscape with a route that, though undulating in nature, can still be completed by trail newbies, as well as seasoned pros.
Maverick Adidas Terex Original Hampshire 2024
Where? Winchester, Hampshire
When? 9 March
If there’s somewhere more reliably lovely to run than the South Downs National Park, we’ve yet to find it. With that in mind, the fact that this race is a couple of km beyond half marathon distance (25km) is a positive. Think of those extra couple of miles you’ll have in the beautiful countryside, you lucky devil. There will, of course, be hills and potentially lots of mud. But there will be panoramic views, fresh air and the glorious feeling that you’re doing your body and soul the world of good. For Londoners looking for an off-road option, the easy train routes to Winchester make this an appealing option.
New Forest Half Marathon
Where? Brockenhurst, Dorset
When? 8 September
Trail purists, look away now: this route involves a bit of road running. On the plus side, these roads are in the New Forest, so you’ll still be surrounded by beautiful countryside. The trail part is largely flat and hard-packed, making this a great bet for trail newbies or those looking to run a fast time. You’ll enjoy forest enclosures, far-reaching views and a friendly atmosphere. Look out for the wild ponies famous to these parts, too.
Needles Half Marathon
Where? Freshwater, Isle of Wight
When? 9 June
While the Isle of Wight is best known for its beaches and sailing, it also has a rich running history. The Isle of Wight Marathon is the longest-running 26.2-miler in the UK, having been held continuously since 1957, and the Needles Half may be one of the most scenic half marathons around. This scenery comes at a price, however, as the route is seriously hilly. But then, isn’t that part of the appeal of off-road running? Here, you’ll run past historic monuments, over heathland up and down leg-sapping hills. The views are magnificent and, if the weather is playing ball, you can take a dip in the sea afterwards.
Isle of Harris
Where? Isle of Harris, Hebrides
When? 6 July
This midsummer half takes in sandy beaches on the west side of the Hebridean island before traversing an undulating stretch of rugged, loch-strewn moorland, finishing in the vibrant ferry port of Tarbert.
Race the Train
Where? Twywn, Gwynedd
When? 17 August 2024
Who’s faster over 14 miles of rugged Welsh hillside – you or a 100-year-old steam engine? The answer, unless you’re pretty fleet of foot, is the train. Only 10% of the field at this classic event manage to finish before the steam engine – but that’s what makes it such a great challenge. The first half of the course is relatively flat. And if you are to beat the train, this is where you need to get ahead. The second half is a different beast entirely: lots of steep ups and downs and, of course, the constant fear of being overtaken by your steam-spouting opponent. Friends and family can book their seats on the train, affording them the chance to shower you with praise/rotten fruit along the route.
Chislehurst Half Marathon
Where? Chislehurst, London
When? 19 May
A trail race in London? Yes, actually. Chislehurst in south-east London is one of the leafiest parts of the capital, and this route showcases this in fine fashion. Lots of the nicest stuff takes place in Scadbury Park, along hard-packed trails and up some fairly steep inclines. The atmosphere is low-key and friendly, making this a great bet for anyone new to trail running.
Monsal Trail Half Marathon
Where? Bakewell, Derbyshire
When? 7 April 2024
A multi-terrain course on a mixture of tarmac and hard track, Monsal’s Half is ideal for those looking to get into trail running. The race starts and finishes at Bakewell Station and heads along the Monsal Trail to a turnaround point at Miller’s Dale, before returning to Bakewell and the finish. Following a former railway line, the race takes you through four railway tunnels and across the spectacular Monsal Viaduct. It is suitable for experienced runners but also a great introduction to the half marathon distance for all abilities.
Midnight Mountain Marathon
Where? Powys Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon
When? 1 June 2024
As three words go, ‘Midnight’, ‘Mountain’ and ‘Marathon’ are at the more extreme end of things. But it’s not quite as bad as it sounds. Runners starts at 5:30pm and must make it to the finish by midnight to avoid being timed out. Ordinarily, most of us would feel comfortable with finishing a marathon within six and a half hours, but this one’s in the Brecon Beacons and uses part of the ‘Fan Dance’ route – a notoriously tough trail used in selection process for the Special Forces. This includes an ascent of Pen y Fan (2,907ft, or 886m), the highest peak in South Wales. Pack a headtorch and sense of adventure.
Cheddar Gorge Challenge
Where? Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
When? 9 June
If you believe great views are worth working hard for, this is the half marathon for you. The only way is up on this spectacular route that gets steeper by the mile. You’ll run on rugged trails and up the affectionately known ‘Hell Steps’ en route to the finish, where breath-taking views across the Somerset Levels and Bristol Channel await.
Xterra Snowdonia Trail Marathon
Where? Caernarfon, Gwynedd
When? July 2024
One of the UK’s most challenging trail races, Xterra Snowdonia is a must for all thrill-seeking off-roaders. Starting and finishing in Llanberis, the route takes in technical trails, tough climbs and epic views. The half marathon route packs in 1,192m of elevation and summits Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. It’s mostly downhill from there, but beware of the sting in the tail: a cruel late climb up the infamous Zig Zag path. Approach with caution.
