Winter Wanderlust Races

Event overview

The Winter Wanderlust is a 50 km trail ultramarathon on Sunday 21 December 2025, with approximately 1,000 m of elevation gain. The route runs from Detling Village Hall, Pilgrims Way, Detling, Kent, to Wye Village Hall, Bridge Street, Wye, Ashford, Kent. The event is held under a Trail Running Association permit and follows England Athletics rules. All participants must be at least 20 years old on race day.

Entry includes a finisher’s medal (for those who finish within the official cut-off), a tree planted via Ecologi, live GPS tracking, on-course medical support, a fully marked route, three staffed checkpoints (two indoors with hot food and drinks), podium awards, and hot food and drinks at the finish.

Course, checkpoints and logistics

The course follows the North Downs Way and passes Boxley Warren in the first 10 km, vineyards and woodlands, Thurnham Castle ruins, Lenham Cross, and the Wye Downs Nature Reserve. The final 8 km loop goes over the Wye Crown and through the Devil's Kneading Trough before returning to Wye Village Recreation Ground for the finish.

There are three checkpoints at about 9 km (indoor), 25 km (outdoor), and 39 km (indoor). Checkpoint and final cut-offs apply and failure to meet them will prevent continuation. Mandatory kit must be carried throughout the race and will be checked; required items include a charged mobile phone, minimum 1 L water capacity, waterproof jacket (10,000 mm), survival blanket, primary headtorch (min. 75 lumens), long-sleeved base layer, warm hat and gloves, and a reusable cup. An optional shuttle from Wye to Detling is available for a fee and parking is available at both locations with local restrictions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.