Dunstable Downs Trail Half Marathon

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Race details

Next edition - 20th June 2027

Take on a scenic trail half marathon set in the heart of the National Trust’s Dunstable Downs estate.

The seventh edition of the Dunstable Downs Half Marathon will take place on 20th June 2027.

This well-loved route offers an unforgettable mix of sweeping ridge views, fast descents, and tough climbs - the perfect challenge for trail runners of all levels.

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General Entry

£35 (£37 UKA Affiliated)

Prices rise on 01/03/2027

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Price tiers

£35/£37

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£40/£42

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Key Information

Race info

Date

Sunday 20th June 2027

Start Time

09:45

Event base

Dunstable Downs, LU6 2GY

Distance / Elevation

21.2km / 450m+

Closest Station

Tring or Luton Station

Max Runners

250

Time Limit

4 hours

Navigation

Arrow markers and orange ribbons

Terrain

Trail

UTMB Index

Minimum Age

Dogs permitted

Licence

Licensed by the Trail Running Association. Race held under UKA rules.

Male Course Record

James Davis
01:24:55 (2026)

Female Course Record

Freya Weddell
01:40:44 (2025)

Route Map

Explore the route and elevation profile below, or download the route for your watch, OS Maps, Garmin and more.

Download the route

Route Description

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

Image Highlights

Event Downloads

Last updated - 17th June - Minor route tweak

Runner's Guide

A downloadable PDF with all key race information.

Coming soon

GPX File

A raw GPX track of the route.

Download

Route via Ordnance Survey maps

View

Download the route to your Garmin device

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Checkpoints

Where each checkpoint is, how far into the route, and what to expect when you get there.

Start

Start Dunstable Downs (National Trust) Google Maps

Start time
09:45
Distance
21.2km
Time limit
4 hours

Bib collection: Open from 08:30 on race morning
6.7km

Aid station 1 6.7km · Cut-off n/a

See the runner's guide

Into route
6.7km

To next CP
7km

To finish
14.5km

First runner
10:10

Cut-off
n/a

Toilet
No

Crew & spectators: Yes, supporters are very welcome at this aid station. It is a short walk from the visitor centre and cafe.
13.7km

Aid station 2 13.7km · Cut-off n/a

See the runner's guide

Into route
13.7km

To next CP
n/a

To finish
7.4km

First runner
10:40

Cut-off
n/a

Toilet
No

Crew & spectators: Yes, supporters are very welcome at this aid station. It is a short walk from the visitor centre and cafe.
Finish

Finish Dunstable Downs (National Trust) Google Maps

Distance
21.2km
Time limit
4 hours
Course closes
13:45

What's at each checkpoint

There are two checkpoints located along the race route. The following items will be available at this location:

Drinks

Water
Coke

Fuel

Precision Fuel & Hydration - PF 30 Gels
Precision Fuel & Hydration - PF 30 Chews
Jelly babies
Selection of crisps and sweets

Use Precision Fuel & Hydration's planner to tune up your race nutrition.

Launch Planner

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

Mandatory Kit

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

Entry is open to all runners aged 17 years or older, there are no qualifying requirements. Your entry includes:

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

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 where 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 facilities 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).

Do I need to qualify?

No, there are no qualifying standards required to enter this race. Entry is open to all runners aged 17 or over.

What is the time limit?

There is a 4-hour time limit for this race.

I'm worried about getting lost?

The route is fully marked with our orange arrow markers and ribbons, with marshals at sharp turns and busier areas. We recommend carrying the route on your watch or phone as a backup.

Where can I park?

Car parking is available on site at Dunstable Downs (£3.50, or free for National Trust members). On arrival, follow the signs and marshal instructions to the event car park.

Is there a bag drop?

Yes, there is a bag drop at the event base.

Are there aid stations on the route?

There are two aid stations, at 6.7km and 13.7km, stocking water, Coke, Precision Fuel & Hydration gels and jelly babies. This is a cupless race, so please bring a soft cup or bottle if you would like to take on fluids at the aid stations.

Is there any mandatory kit?

There is no mandatory kit for this race, but we recommend wearing trail running shoes, carrying your mobile phone and loading the route onto your watch or phone for peace of mind.

Can I run with my dog?

Is there food at the finish?

Yes, the National Trust cafe on site opens at 10am and serves hot and cold food after the race.

What are the course records?

The men's course record is 01:24:55, set by James Davis in 2026. The women's course record is 01:40:44, set by Freya Weddell in 2025.

Where can I find results and photos?

Live results are available immediately after the race on our website, and a selection of race photos will be available to download for free 24-48 hours after the event.

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%

Credits are only redeemable once, and can be used on future race entries, any time during the following 12 months.

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

Manage Booking