The Maverick Kielder Forest Gravel

The Maverick Kielder Forest Gravel 2026

The Maverick Kielder Forest Gravel 2026 takes place on Saturday 5 September 2026 at Kielder Castle, Kielder, Hexham, Northumberland (postcode NE48 1EP). The event marks the centenary of Kielder Forest and offers a selection of trail distances on mixed forest terrain.

Distances on offer include:

• Ultra: 52 km elevation +1409 m
• Marathon: 41 km elevation +950 m
• Half Marathon: 24 km elevation +568 m
• Middle: 12 km elevation +500 m
• Short: 5 km elevation +184 m

The course combines fast forest trails with steady inclines. Outposts will act as top ups with sweet and savoury snacks, gels and electrolyte drinks. Outposts will not provide pre filled cups; self serve water barrels are available so runners should bring a reusable cup or bottle. Organisers ask participants to use reusable cups as part of a plastic free initiative.

Ultra and Marathon routes require mandatory kit. Required items include a waterproof jacket, a mobile phone, at least 1 litre of water, approximately 800 calories of food, a foil blanket, a whistle and a reusable cup. The event is fully marked and timed and offers online results, event photography, a bag drop area and a metal finisher medal. Parking at the venue is pay and display and is managed by Forestry England; parking for the day is £6.50. Camping options are available at Kielder Campsite with pitches, campervan spaces, family pods and caravan facilities. Transfers are permitted once and cannot be processed for sold out events. Organisers strongly recommend not wearing headphones. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.