Butcombe Trail Ultra
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Event details
The Butcombe Trail Ultra is scheduled for 25 April 2026 at Mendip Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ. It comprises self-navigation trail ultramarathons that follow the official Butcombe Trail route through the Mendip Hills AONB. The route is mostly off-road and crosses the Mendips, using the established trail that circles six pubs. Races run anti-clockwise from the race HQ.
Distances
- 50 miles
- 50 kilometres
Both races are qualifying index races for UTMB and sister races: the 50 miles is a 100 km index race and the 50 km is a 50 km index race.
Organisation, entry and rules
The event is organised by volunteer members of Town & Country Harriers and raises funds for the Mendip Hills Fund. Previous race proceeds donated £18,800 to the fund. Entry fees include a £5 increase from 2025 to cover the cost of tracking devices. Tracking is used to improve timing accuracy, help spectators follow competitors and assist locating a runner if injured.
Minimum age is 20 on the event date. For the 50 mile race, applicants must have run a trail marathon since 1 January 2025. The 50 km race has no such requirement but is self-navigated. 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. Guide runners may register for free, receive a finisher medal, and are not eligible for prizes. New prize categories for 2026 include a Female category (subject to England Athletics criteria) and an Open category available to all competitors. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.