Dunstable Downs Half Marathon

Dunstable Downs Half Marathon

The Dunstable Downs Half Marathon is a trail race held at the National Trust Countryside Centre on the Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire. The event is scheduled for 21st June 2026 and covers 21.2 km with over 450 m of total ascent. Entry is limited to 300 runners and the event enforces a 4 hour time limit.

The route begins at the National Trust centre and passes the Tree Cathedral and Bison Hill before completing a loop of Kensworth Quarry and an out and back to Five Knoles. Navigation is provided by orange arrow markers and ribbons, supported by marshals at sharp turns. A downloadable GPX file and Ordnance Survey route are available for runners who wish to load the course onto a watch or phone.

There is an aid checkpoint listed at 10.7 km and aid stations at roughly 6.7 km and 13.7 km. These locations provide water, cola, Precision Fuel & Hydration products and jelly babies. The race is held under TRA licence number 7442 and follows UKA rules. Minimum age for competitors is 17.

Onsite facilities at the event base include parking (a small fee or free for National Trust members), permanent toilets, a bag drop and a cafe that serves hot and cold food. Runners are asked to carry a mobile phone, a digital route map and a reusable cup or bottle. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.