Butcombe Trail Ultra
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Event overview
The Butcombe Trail Ultra takes place on 25 April 2026 at Mendip Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ. The event uses the official Butcombe Trail route and runs mostly off-road across the Mendip Hills AONB, visiting six pubs on the trail and crossing the Mendips. Races run anti-clockwise from the race headquarters.
Distances
- 50 miles
- 50 kilometres
Both races are self-navigation ultramarathons. Both events are qualifying index races for UTMB and sister races: the 50-mile is a 100 km index race and the 50 km is a 50 km index race.
Entry, rules and organisation
Entries open 8 June 2025 and close 11 April 2026. Entry fees are: 50 miles £72 (£82 from 14/01/2026) and 50 km £57 (£67 from 14/01/2026). There is a £2 discount for affiliated athletes. There were 114 participants entered at the time of listing. Minimum age is 20 or older.
The 50-mile race requires applicants to have run a trail marathon since 1 January 2025. The 50 km has no specific prior-race requirement but is self-navigated. A £5 increase in the fee is allocated to tracking devices for timing and safety.
Mandatory kit must be carried. Headphones are discouraged and both earpieces must be removed at checkpoints and marshalled road crossings. One pacer per runner is allowed from the final checkpoint. The event is organised by volunteer members of Town and Country Harriers and raises funds for the Mendip Hills Fund; previous donations total £18,800. Guide runners receive free entry and a finisher medal but are not eligible for prizes. New prize categories include Female (per England Athletics criteria) and an Open category. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
