Stanhope Trail Races

Event overview

The Stanhope Trail Races take place on 11 April 2026 and are organised by Greener Miles Running in partnership with the North Pennines AONB. The event starts and finishes at Stanhope Showground, Unthank Park, Stanhope, County Durham, DL13 2PQ. Entry is open to people aged 16 or older. Entries open 21 February 2026 and close 8 April 2026.

• 10k (7 miles, 1200 ft)
• Half-marathon (14.6 miles, 1887 ft)

The organiser describes the event as trail races across Weardale and the North Pennines AONB, with an emphasis on environmental responsibility.

Course, logistics and kit

The routes leave the showground and run onto open moorland, fields and single-track woodland paths, including steep climbs and descents and a section that passes a waterfall. Terrain includes hard-packed gravel shooting tracks, sheep trods and muddy woodland trails; trail shoes are recommended.

The event is fully waymarked and marshalled, with medical cover and feed stations (listed at about 4.5 miles and 9 miles offering water, sweets and fruit). Parking is planned at the showground with additional parking in Stanhope town centre if needed. Race finish and post-race food and hot drinks are at the showground; a bespoke memento and wildflower seeds are provided to participants.

Mandatory kit includes a foil blanket/emergency blanket and a mobile phone. Half-marathon entrants are required to carry additional warm clothing, a waterproof and an emergency snack; organisers advise full body cover appropriate to moorland conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.