The Highwayman

The Highwayman Trail Marathon is a unique narrative trail race held around the villages of Thaxted, Great Sampford, and Hempstead, areas linked to the early life of Dick Turpin. The 26.2-mile course is approximately 95% off-road, featuring diverse terrain without marshals or directional arrows; runners navigate using written instructions. The race starts and finishes at Thaxted Church Hall and includes five well-stocked checkpoints along the route.

It is a cupless event, promoting sustainability. Participants must carry a mobile phone for safety and wear a visible race number with chip timing. Finishers receive a medal and hot food, creating a rewarding atmosphere for trail running enthusiasts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.