The Chopwell Gambit
Chopwell Wood, United Kingdom • 10 May 2026
The Chopwell Gambit
The Chopwell Gambit is an inaugural 10 km trail race organized by TwistedTrails. The event takes place in the setting of Chopwell Woods in North-East England. Unlike traditional races with a fixed starting moment, this event features a strategic format where participants choose their own start time within a specific window.
The race utilizes a set finish time for all participants. Runners are permitted to begin their run at any point after the designated opening of the course but must complete the distance and cross the finish line before the fixed cutoff. The final standings are determined by how late a runner chooses to start; the individual who starts the latest and still finishes before the cutoff is declared the winner.
Participants must navigate the balance between starting early enough to ensure they finish before the time limit and starting late enough to remain competitive. Results do not count for participants who arrive after the specified cutoff.
The event is held under a license from the Trail Running Association (TRA), and the organizer is affiliated with England Athletics.
- 10 km trail race
Registration and a race briefing take place on-site prior to the start window. Ample car parking is available at Chopwell Woods, though car sharing is encouraged to reduce congestion. The minimum age for entry is 16 years old on the day of the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.