The Hopper Trail Race
Hamsterley Forest, United Kingdom • 20 Jun 2026
Event overview
The Hopper is a looped trail race held on 20 June 2026 at Hamsterley Forest (The Nest area), Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 3LN. The event offers timed formats of 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours, with solo and relay options. Relay teams may include up to five runners and use the combined team lap total for results. Minimum age is 16. Entry fees vary by category and team size (prices shown from £50 to £340 depending on choice).
Course, rules and facilities
The course is a loop of about 4.1 miles, with roughly 660 ft of elevation gain per lap. Only complete laps are counted; ties are decided by the fastest final lap. The route is fully waymarked and marshalled. Terrain includes hard-packed gravel tracks, occasional muddy singletrack, and a bridge/stream crossing. Head torches are recommended for running in the late hours.
Facilities listed for participants and support crews include toilets, first aid cover, water, hot drinks and snacks (including vegan options), and free camping for the night of 20 June. Participants receive a bespoke memento and prizes are awarded for the greatest distance covered in each timed category. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.