Runaway Racing

Race details

Next edition - 22nd June 2025

A trail half marathon with stunning views at National Trust's Dunstable Downs estate.

The firth edition of the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon will take place on 22nd June 2025 at 09:00.

Our entirely off-road route provides a fantastic trail running challenge with ridgeline views, exhilarating descents and lung busting hills!

Enter event

Half Marathon

£32/£30 (UKA Affiliated)

There's 36 weeks until this race, get your entry in soon!

 

Key Information

Date
Sunday 22nd June 2025
Start Time
09:00
Event base
Dunstable Downs, LU6 2GY
Distance / Elevation
21.2km / 450m+
Closest Station
Tring or Luton Station
Max Runners
300
Time Limit
4 hours
Navigation
Arrow markers and orange ribbons
Terrain
Trail
UTMB Index
UTMB World Series Index Race
Price
£32/£30 (UKA Affiliated)
Minimum Age
17
Dogs permitted
No
License
TRA Permit No. TBC.
Race held under UKA rules.

You will find Precision Fuel & Hydration products at all our aid stations. Check out their planner to tune up your race nutrition.

Launch Planner

Image Highlights

Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon Image highlights from the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon

Route Map

Event Downloads

Last updated - 5th Sept

Info document
A downloadable PDF with all key race information.
GPX File
A raw GPX track of the route.
OS Maps
Route trace via Ordnance survey maps, subscription required to view OS map layer.
Garmin
Route via Garmin Connect.
Google Maps
Interactive route viewable using the Google Maps app
Printable Map
An A4 map of the route to print at home.

Route Description

Our half marathon route begins at the National Trust centre within Dunstable Downs.

The first quarter of the race takes runners out to the Tree Cathedral, Bison Hill and back past the centre.

Runners then complete a full loop of Kensworth Quarry, passing our aid station at 10KM.

Upon rejoining the Downs the runners complete an out and back to Five Knoles and then back onto the lower Downs trails to run what was the first 5km, now in reverse.

Checkpoints

CP1 - Kensworth Quarry
10.7km

Previous editions

Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 2021
Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 2022
Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 2023
Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 2024

Keep scrolling for more event info

Race Navigation
Race checkpoints

Aid stations

There is one checkpoint located at 10.7KM. The following items will be available at this location:

  • Water
  • Coke
  • Precision Fuel & Hydration - PF 30 Gels
  • Jelly babies
Event base

Event base

The race is held at the National Trust Countryside Center at Dunstable Downs.

There is an on-site cafe open from 10am, serving hot and cold food after the race.

Car parking is available on site (£3.50 or free for National Trust members), along with toilets and a bag drop facility for runners.

View on Google Maps

Required Gear

Required gear

All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:

  • Mobile phone (recommended)
  • Digital route map on watch/phone (recommended)
  • Reusable cup/bottle for aid station (recommended)

Entry details

Registration is £32 (or £30 to UKA affiliated runners), runners must be aged 17 years or older.

  • Entry to the half marathon race
  • Event permitted by the TRA
  • Finishers medal
  • Timing with live results
  • One on-route aid stations
  • Course wide medical support
  • Bag drop at the event base

Entry details

Event FAQs

We've answered some common questions below. Please contact us if you have any further queries.

How difficult is this race?

The half marathon route is set on hilly terrain and this race will test your leg strength and climbing ability. The majority of the elevation is concentrated in the first and last 5km, with a much flatter mid-section around the quarry. We advise runners to take the uphills easier and hike were required in order to preserve energy and speed for the flat and downhill sections.

Where can toilets be found at this event?

There are permanent male/female toilet facilities available at Dunstable Downs, situated next to the registration and start/finish.

There are no toilets directly on the route, however you do run very close to the main toilets at ~5km and ~12km into the race.

Are there changing facilities available?

No, unfortunately we cannot provide changing facilties at Dunstable Downs.

How can I attend this event without a car?

Tring train station is the closest station to Dunstable Downs and is a 15 minute taxi journey away.

What footwear should I wear at this race?

Please wear trail running shoes for this race. The footpaths are uneven and steep in places.

What prizes are awarded at this event?

There are awards for the top three male and female finishers overall, along with age category awards for FV40, MV40, FV50, MV50, FV60, MV60, FV70, MV70.

How do I follow the route using my phone or watch?

Most GPS watches allow you to upload a GPX file of the route for you to follow whilst running. Typically this is done by loading the GPX file into the app (i.e Garmin Connect), and then syncing your phone/watch together.

If you don't have a GPS watch we would recommend using OS Maps (£20/year) or Strava Premium (£48/year).

Withdrawal options

By entering our race, you agree to the following withdrawal policy. This policy applies to all runners with the exception of women of cannot compete due to pregnancy.

Withdrawal date
Credits issued
More than 4 weeks before race day
90%*

*Entrants to The Ridgeway Challenge are entitled to defer their entry for up to 2 years, or receive a 90% entry voucher to use on any Runaway Racing event.

Credits can be used on future race entries, any time during the following 2 years.

Withdrawal requests must be completed online via our manage booking functionality.

Manage Booking
Event withdrawal

Brilliant event, very hilly at the end, but a really great course and exceptionally well marshalled - can't wait to sign up next year.

Lisa

Dunstable Downs Half, 2023

Another classic race from you guys. What an event...the weather, the views, the hills, the rivers, the puddles and the amazing marshalls. Thank you

Simon

Dunstable Downs Half, 2021

Event partners

National Trust
Trail Running Association
Precision Fuel & Hydration
She Races
Ugoku Projects
Runaway Racing Trig Point Illustration

Our trail running races

North Chilterns 50K 50km - 13th October 2024
Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K 50km - 16th November 2024
Chiltern Hills Invitational 10km - 8th December 2024
Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K 50km - 5th April 2025
Chiltern Hills 100K 100k - 26th April 2025
The Ridgeway Challenge 86-miles / 139km - 31st May 2025
Tewinbury Trail 10K 10km - 8th June 2025
Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 21.2km - 22nd June 2025
Chiltern Ridge Half Marathon 21.2km - 6th July 2025
Hughenden Manor Half Marathon Half Marathon - 19th July 2025
Hughenden Manor 10K 10K - 19th July 2025
Suffolk Coastal Path 50K 50km - 13th September 2025
Greensand Country 50K 50km - TBC

Past results & photos

Not sure which race to choose, check out our past event results and photos.

Results & photos