Maverick Cotswolds Trail

The Maverick Cotswolds Trail 2026

The Maverick Cotswolds Trail takes place in the Cotswold Hills, departing from the Tudor-era Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe. Set within 1200 acres of estate land, the event utilizes multiple long-distance paths, including the Winchcombe Way, Gloucestershire Way, and Cotswold Way. The courses consist of hard-packed, established trails with steeper hills and undulating terrain that passes through local villages and ancient sites.

Participants can choose from five different distances:

• 51 km Ultra (+1387 m elevation gain)
• 43 km Marathon (+1069 m elevation gain)
• 23 km Half Marathon (+528 m elevation gain)
• 15 km Middle (+396 m elevation gain)
• 7 km Short (+97 m elevation gain)

The event is designed to be plastic-free; there are no pre-filled water cups at outposts, so runners must carry their own reusable cups or bottles. Outposts providing sweet and savoury snacks, gels, and electrolyte drinks are located at various intervals, though there is no outpost for the Short route. Mandatory kit for the Ultra and Marathon distances includes a waterproof jacket, mobile phone, 800 calories of food, at least 1 litre of water, a foil blanket, a whistle, and a self-adhering bandage.

Facilities at the venue include free parking, a bag drop area, and a start/finish area with food and drink available for purchase. All participants receive a metal finishers medal and a non-alcoholic beer. The event is fully timed with online results provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.