The Shortest Day
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The Shortest Day - Box Hill, Dorking
The Shortest Day is a dawn to dusk winter trail challenge held at Box Hill, Dorking, Surrey. The event uses a roughly 10-mile trail loop with approximately 2,400 ft of elevation gain per lap. Participants may stop after any completed loop, so total distance depends on how many laps each runner completes during daylight.
The course is fully marked and supported with aid stations, bag drop, timing, and online results. Entry includes event insurance, medical cover, and a finisher medal. Registration for the event opens on 11 March 2026 and closes on 11 December 2026; entry fee is listed from £85.
The event base is Box Hill Main Car Park, Dorking KT20 7LB. The nearest rail access is Box Hill & Westhumble station, which involves a walk to the start. The course description and required kit are provided by the organiser.
The format frames the challenge around daylight hours rather than a fixed distance target, allowing participants to choose how far to go on the day. The setting is the Box Hill area and the route is described as a scenic trail loop with significant climb per lap. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
