The Shortest Day

The Shortest Day

The Shortest Day is a dawn to dusk winter trail challenge taking place at Box Hill in Dorking on 19 December 2026. The event uses a looped trail format: participants run a 10-mile trail loop with approximately 2,400 ft of elevation gain per lap and may stop after any completed loop. The event runs between sunrise and sunset on the event date.

Entry is open from 12 March 2026 and closes on 12 December 2026. Minimum age for entry is 18. Entry fees are tiered and change on set dates: an initial fee of £85, increasing to £105 from 22 June 2026 and to £125 from 19 November 2026. Entry includes full insurance, on-course medical cover, aid stations, and finishers medals. There is an option to purchase XCover for potential refund protection in certain unforeseen circumstances.

The event is organised by The Trail Run Collective and is based at Box Hill Main Car Park. Event information notes that terms and conditions, and a cancellation and refund policy, apply. The format emphasises continuous daylight running along a marked trail route and the ability for each runner to determine how many laps they complete within the available daylight. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.