Stanhope Trail Races

Stanhope Trail Races, 11 April 2026

Stanhope Trail Races are trail events that start and finish at Stanhope Showground in County Durham. The routes run into the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and take in open heather moors, upland rivers, woodland single tracks and waterfalls. The course description includes climbs to Collier Law, a section past Parkhead Station café, a winding station at Bolt’s Law and the Stanhope fell race route.

Distances

• 10k (approx 7 miles, 1200 ft ascent)
• Half marathon (about 14.6 miles, 1887 ft ascent)

The routes are fully waymarked and marshalled and include feed stations offering water and snacks. Medical cover is provided and a bespoke event memento is included for participants. The organiser operates with environmental measures such as avoiding disposable plastic cups and supplying wildflower seed packs as part of race goodies. The event also collects pre-loved running kit for an upcycling scheme.

Terrain consists of hard packed gravel shooting tracks, sheep trods and muddy woodland trails. Trail shoes are recommended. Mandatory kit guidance requires appropriate clothing for open moorland conditions; items listed for all runners include an emergency or foil blanket and a mobile phone. Half marathon entrants are also asked to carry additional warm layers, a waterproof jacket, emergency food and hat and gloves. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.