Leith Hill Half Marathon

Dorking, United Kingdom • 8 Mar 2026

Event overview

The Leith Hill Half Marathon is a cross-country race from Dorking to Leith Hill Tower and back. The route covers 13.1 miles with about 1,800 feet of overall elevation. The course starts on the Nower at the western edge of Dorking, follows footpaths and bridleways past Westcott, climbs Wolvens Lane toward Coldharbour, includes the final ascent to Leith Hill Tower, and returns along the same track to finish on the Nower. The Leith Hill Tower is the highest point in south-eastern England.

New course records for the current course distance (13.1 miles) are 1:23:28 for men and 1:43:36 for women (2025). The event is permitted by the Association of Running Clubs (Permit Number ARC/25/0058).

Practical information

Race HQ is at The Priory School, West Bank, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 3DG. The event provides four water stations at approximately miles 2, 5, 8 and 11. Included with entry are a personalised race number, a commemorative reusable medal that can be used as a coaster, a bottle of local beer, and a full cooked English breakfast with a vegetarian option. A branded finisher T-shirt with a name on the back is available to purchase until three weeks before race day. Entry fees are not refundable but places may be transferred to another runner. The organisers encourage car sharing, cycling or using public transport and state they aim to minimise the event carbon footprint and donate profits to a local food rescue charity. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

13 mi
Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

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Explore the woods around Slindon with South Downs Orienteers on Saturday 15 November, with multiple courses to suit all abilities. Juniors can enter free with a special code; contact the organiser if you need one.

Explore runnable forest at Shoreham Woods with courses for all abilities and a one hour score challenge. Online entry only; trails are shared with walkers, riders and bikers and have some steep slippery slopes.

Join the Smurf Run, a friendly 7 hour challenge along the Thames at Wraysbury. Finish 3 km to earn a Smurf themed medal and keep going to collect distance pins for half marathon, marathon and ultra achievements.