Stanhope Trail Races
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Event overview
The Stanhope Trail Races take place on 11 April 2026 at Stanhope Showground, Unthank Park, Stanhope, County Durham, DL13 2PQ. The event offers two distances:
- 10k (listed as 7 miles, 1200 ft)
- Half marathon (listed as 14.6 miles, 1887 ft)
Entrants must be 16 or older. The organiser describes the event as taking place within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The organiser operates as an eco-friendly company and does not use disposable plastic cups; race entries include a packet of wildflower seeds or a bespoke memento.
Course, kit and facilities
Both routes start a short walk from the show ground and use fields, lanes and open moorland. Key route features include crossings below Ashes Quarry, climbs up East Lane and Collier Law, a tricky descent on the Stanhope fell race route, single-track woodland paths with a waterfall, and sections near Parkhead Station and the old winding station at Bolt's Law. The half marathon rejoins the 10k route before returning to Stanhope.
Terrain comprises hard-packed gravel shooting tracks, sheep trods and muddy woodland trails; trail shoes are recommended. Mandatory kit includes a foil blanket and mobile phone for all entrants, with the half marathon requiring additional warm layers, waterproofs, an emergency snack, hat and gloves. The event is fully waymarked and marshalled, has medical cover, feed stations (noted at 4.5 and 9 miles), and hot food and drinks at the finish. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.