Dirt Half Challenge
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Dirt Half Challenge
The Dirt Half Challenge is a trail running event in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026. Runners can choose between two official distances:
- Half Marathon 13.1 miles
- Metric Half Marathon 13.1 km
The course is mainly off road, using canal towpaths and woodland paths with mixed and uneven surfaces. Sections run along the Grand Union Canal and across the Greensand Ridge. Trail shoes or regular running shoes are recommended.
The event is chip timed using disposable timing chips attached to the reverse of the race number. There is a time limit of 3 hours 30 minutes for both distances. The race is held under UKA rules with permit TRA/8563. Late starters are not permitted.
Entry information includes separate prices for UKA affiliated and general entries, a minimum age of 17 on race day, and registration deadlines that affect personalised bib distribution. Entries made before a stated date can be collected from the Up & Running store in Milton Keynes ahead of the event; closed entries are collected at Race HQ.
Race headquarters are at Cedars Upper School, Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2AE (what3words windmills.thinking.factor). Limited free parking is available at the school and paid parking is available at the nearby train station, about a 10 minute walk.
Water stations, merchandise sales, sports massage for a fee, secure locker options, medals for all finishers, and awards for the first three men and first three ladies in each distance are provided. Spectators are welcome but must stay off the route; a small number of pubs along the course offer views. No dogs or pushchairs are allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
