Battle of the Brampton Valley Way

Event overview

Battle of the Brampton Valley Way takes place on Sunday 12 April 2026. The event is staged by Race Harborough along the traffic-free Brampton Valley Way and features a Leicestershire versus Northamptonshire team contest. Runners choose which end to start from, with 100 places available from each end (200 places total). Timing mats at both ends provide a halfway split, and a mathematical model will be used to compare performances between the two sides.

Distances

• 14 miles / 22.5 km one way
• 28 miles / 45 km round trip (classified as an ultra)

Course and on-course support

The two-way route is largely flat with about 280 m total elevation gain. The surface is hard packed track with occasional puddles and a small ford. The route passes through two dark tunnels of 294 m and 422 m; a head torch or small handheld torch is required. There are feed stations approximately every 4.5 miles (four in total: two mid-course and one at each end). Toilets are provided at both ends and at the turnaround point. Professional first aid is available at the start and finish with access to the course. Volunteers will staff each road crossing; the A508 crossing is busier.

Entry, kit and other information

Entry fee is £32. Minimum age is 18 on race day. Entries and entry transfers close seven days before the event. The race has a 7-hour cut-off. Runners must provide their own cup or hydration vest because the event is cupless. Top three male and female finishers receive prizes and all finishers receive an event medal. Free digital race photos will be available after the event. The 2026 charity beneficiaries are Jubilee Foodbank, Market Harborough, and Weston Favell Centre Foodbank, Northampton. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.