Hamsterley Forest Winter Trail Races

Event details

Hamsterley Winter Trails 1/2 and 10k takes place on Saturday 10 January 2026 at Hamsterley Forest Cafe, Hamsterley Forest Park, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 3NL. The event is organised by Greener Miles Running and is in its sixth year. The minimum age to enter is 16 or older. The event has run in previous years and sold out in the last three.

Distances

• Half Marathon
• 10k

Course and facilities

Both routes start and finish at the visitor centre in the main car park and follow well marked footpaths, forest trails and woodland tracks. Terrain includes hard packed gravel tracks, single twisting dirt tracks and occasional muddy bridleway. Hamsterley Forest covers about 4900 acres and the course offers views of the valley and forest; local wildlife such as deer, badgers and squirrels may be present. There will be a race HQ with toilets, medical support on course, water, gels and sweets at mile 4, mile 9 and the finish area, and downloadable event pictures.

Entry, kit and event features

Entry fees are listed as Half Marathon £30 affiliated / £32 unaffiliated and 10k £23 affiliated / £25 unaffiliated. The event is run with an eco-friendly approach: no disposable plastic cups, a pre-loved running kit collection for up-cycling, and a packet of mixed wild flower seeds included with race goodies. Participants are advised that temperatures may fall below freezing and a mandatory kit list applies; suggested items include full body cover, hat and gloves, waterproof jacket and trousers and an emergency blanket. Car parking is available and car sharing is encouraged. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.