Hamsterley Forest Winter Trail Races

Hamsterley Winter Trails - event overview

The Hamsterley Winter Trails take place at Hamsterley Forest Park, Bishop Auckland, County Durham on 10 January 2026. The event offers two distances:

• Half Marathon
• 10k

Entries open 25 January 2025 and close 6 January 2026. The minimum age for entry is 16. Entry fees listed are: Half Marathon £30 (affiliated) / £32 (unaffiliated); 10k £23 (affiliated) / £25 (unaffiliated). The event is organised by Greener Miles Running and is in its sixth year; it was sold out in the last three years.

Course, facilities and requirements

Both routes start and finish at the visitor centre/main car park and follow waymarked forest footpaths, trails and woodland tracks with undulating terrain. Surface conditions include hard packed gravel, single twisting dirt tracks and occasional muddy bridleway. Facilities and provisions include a race HQ with toilets, medical support, car parking (discounted charges apply), and water, gels and sweets at mile 4, mile 9 and the finish area. Participants receive an event mug, hot soup and roll, free downloadable event photos and a packet of mixed wild flower seeds. The organiser does not use disposable plastic cups and collects pre-loved running kit for an up-cycling scheme.

Because temperatures can fall below freezing at this time of year, there is a mandatory kit list. Recommended or required items include full body cover, hat and gloves, waterproof jacket and trousers, and an emergency blanket. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.