Stanhope Trail Races

Event overview

Stanhope Trail Races take place on 11 April 2026 with start and finish at Stanhope Showground, Unthank Park, Stanhope, County Durham, DL13 2PQ. The event is organised by Greener Miles Running and is set within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark. Minimum age for entry is 16.

Distances and course

• 10k (about 7 miles, 1,200 ft)
• Half marathon (about 14.6 miles, 1,887 ft)

Both routes start near the showground and run onto open moorland. The course description includes fields below Ashes Quarry, a climb up East Lane, moorland sections with ups and downs to Collier Law, the Stanhope fell race route, single-track woodland paths passing a waterfall, and sections near Parkhead Station and the old winding station at Bolt's Law. The half marathon follows additional moorland and re-joins the 10k route for the return to Stanhope.

Logistics, kit and services

Routes are fully waymarked and marshalled. There is medical cover and feed stations providing water, sweets and fruit (noted at approximately 4.5 and 9 miles). Event parking is at the showground with additional town parking if needed. Mandatory kit includes an emergency foil blanket and a mobile phone; half marathon entrants must also carry additional warm clothing, a waterproof, hat and gloves, and an emergency snack or food. Terrain includes hard-packed gravel tracks, sheep trods and muddy woodland trails; trail shoes are recommended.

Extras and prizes

Runners receive a memento and wildflower seeds. Hot food and snacks are available at the finish. Prize categories include senior male and female places and veteran age-group winners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.