Hamsterley Canicross 10k and Half Marathon

Event details

A canicross 10k and Half Marathon takes place at Hamsterley Forest Park, Bishop Auckland DL13 3NL on Saturday, 10 January 2026. Distances offered:

• 10 km Canicross
• Half Marathon

Maximum entrants are 70. Entries close 04/01/2026. Entry fees are £23.00 for each distance. Entrants must be at least 16 years old. Dogs must be over 1 year - 18 months on the date of the event. The Half Marathon is limited to one-dog teams because parts of the route are narrow. Entries are non-refundable; transfers or deferrals may be allowed before the entry cut-off date.

Course, facilities and rules

The route starts and finishes at the visitor centre in the main car park and follows marked footpaths, forest trails and woodland tracks. Terrain includes hard packed gravel tracks, single twisting dirt tracks and occasional muddy bridleway. The route will be fully waymarked. Race HQ will have toilets and there is medical cover provided by Rapid Reaction NE Ltd on the course. Times are recorded by two independent timekeepers.

Participants receive event items including a bespoke event mug, hot soup and a roll, free downloadable photos and a packet of mixed wild flower seeds. The organiser does not use disposable plastic cups and does not provide standard T shirts; pre-loved running kit is collected for up-cycling. A mandatory kit list will be issued in pre-event communications because low temperatures are likely at this time of year. Parking is available with discounted charges; car sharing is encouraged. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.