Dunstable Downs Half Marathon

Dunstable Downs Half Marathon : race overview

The Dunstable Downs Half Marathon is a trail race held at the National Trust Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate in Bedfordshire on 21 June 2026. The advertised distance is 21.2 km with over 450 m of elevation gain. The route uses trail terrain and includes ridge sections, descents, and climbs.

The route starts at the National Trust centre. The early section runs out to the Tree Cathedral and Bison Hill before returning past the centre. Runners then complete a loop around Kensworth Quarry, rejoin the Downs for an out and back to Five Knoles, and finish by running the lower Downs trails along what was the first 5 km in reverse. Navigation is provided with arrow markers and orange ribbons. A GPX file and a downloadable runner's guide are available for the route, and Ordnance Survey and Garmin course files are provided.

There are aid stations listed at 6.7 km and 13.7 km. Precision Fuel & Hydration products are available at the event aid stations. The race is limited to 250 runners and has a four hour time limit. It is licensed by the Trail Running Association (license number 8210) and held under UK Athletics rules. The minimum age to enter is 17 and dogs are not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.