The Hard Yard

The Hard Yard

The Hard Yard is a 10-mile trail race held at Chilton Manor Farm in the Candover Valley near Alresford (SO24 9TX). The route uses private trails and records about 240 m of elevation. The start and finish are on an 800-year-old Yew tree-lined avenue that provides a long, straight finishing stretch and wide views across the estate.

The route mixes wide gravel tracks, shale paths, field sidings and compact rural paths. It passes a canopy-covered section, runs north toward Breach Farm, includes single-track through Furzedown Wood with views to Winchester and the South Downs, a downhill into Brown Candover, sections of the Oxdrove Way and contours around Juniper Hill. Strava distance records show 10 miles (16.09 km). The route may be changed if required by landowner access, farming activity, or weather.

Event services include two on-course water stations plus water at the start and finish, on-course marshals, medic services, toilets and race photography. Entries receive a bespoke finisher medal. On-site food and drink are available from a pop-up event cafe and The Yard Cafe; parking is available at the venue for a fee. The event has sustainability measures such as cupless water stations, sustainable medals and a shoe recycling scheme. The event holds a Silver award from Racecheck. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.