Hamsterley Forest Winter Trail Races
Hamsterley, United Kingdom • 10 Jan 2026
Event overview
The Hamsterley Forest Winter Trail Races take place on 10 January 2026 at Hamsterley Forest Park, Bishop Auckland DL13 3NL. The event offers two race distances:
- Half Marathon
- 10k
Entry fees are listed separately for affiliated and unaffiliated runners: Half Marathon £30 / £32, 10k £23 / £25. The event organiser is Greener Miles Running. Minimum entry age is 16. Hamsterley Forest covers about 4,900 acres.
Course, facilities and race services
Both courses start and finish at the visitor centre near the main car park and follow well marked footpaths, forest trails and woodland tracks. The terrain is a mixture of hard packed gravel tracks, single twisting dirt tracks and occasional muddy bridleway; the route is described as undulating. There will be a race HQ with toilets, car parking (discounted charges apply) and medical support on course. Aid stations will be available around mid-race, later on the course and at the finish with water, snacks and fruit. Organisers note that cold conditions are possible and a mandatory kit list will be issued; recommended items include full body cover, hat and gloves, waterproof jacket and trousers, and an emergency blanket. Entries include event items such as a bespoke mug, hot soup and roll, and a packet of wild flower seeds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.