Dunstable Downs Trail Half
Race details
An off-road half marathon on the stunning trails of the Dunstable Downs.
The 3rd edition of the Dunstable Downs Trail Half will take place on Sunday 16th July 2023.
Hosted from the National Trust visitor centre at Dunstable Downs, our half marathon follows a stunning trail route around the Downs and out to Kensworth Quarry.
Key Information
Please scroll down to find a list of resources, such as GPX files, maps, videos and more.
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Route Description
Our half marathon route begins at the National Trust centre within Dunstable Downs.
The first quarter of the race takes runners out to the Tree Cathedral, Bison Hill and back past the centre.
Runners then complete a full loop of Kensworth Quarry, passing our aid station at 10KM.
Upon rejoining the Downs the runners complete an out and back to Five Knoles and then back onto the lower Downs trails to run what was the first 5km, now in reverse.
Event resources
Last updated - 29th Sept 2022 - Briefing video uploaded
Route Map
Keep scrolling for more event info
Aid stations
There is one checkpoint located at 10KM. The following items will be available at this location:
- Water
- Coke
- Mountain fuel energy gels
- Selection of sweets
Event base
The race is held at the National Trust Countryside Center at Dunstable Downs.
There is an on-site cafe open from 10am, serving hot and cold food after the race.
Car parking is available on site (£3.50), along with toilets and a bag drop facility for runners.
Required gear
All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:
- Mobile phone (charged & emergency number saved)
- Digital route map on watch/phone (recommended)
- Reusable cup/bottle for aid station
Entry details
Registration is £32 (or £30 to affiliated runners), runners must be aged 17 years or older.
- Entry to the half marathon race
- Event permitted by the TRA
- Finishers medal
- Chip timing with live results
- One on-route aid stations
- Course wide medical support
- Bag drop at the event base
Event FAQs
We've answered some common questions below. Please contact us if you have any further queries.
How difficult is this race?
The half marathon route is set on hilly terrain and this race will test your leg strength and climbing ability. The majority of the elevation is concentrated in the first and last 5km, with a much flatter mid-section around the quarry. We advise runners to take the uphills easier and hike were required in order to preserve energy and speed for the flat and downhill sections.
Where can toilets be found at this event?
There are permanent male/female toilet facilities available at Dunstable Downs, situated next to the registration and start/finish.
There are no toilets directly on the route, however you do run very close to the main toilets at ~5km and ~12km into the race.
Are there changing facilities available?
No, unfortunately we cannot provide changing facilties at Dunstable Downs.
How can I attend this event without a car?
Tring train station is the closest station to Dunstable Downs and is a 15 minute taxi journey away.
Coming soon - We are launching a ride sharing feature to allow other participants to offer lifts to others.
What footwear should I wear at this race?
Please wear trail running shoes for this race. The footpaths are uneven and steep in places.
What prizes are awarded at this event?
There are awards for the top three male and female finishers overall, along with age category awards for FV40, MV40, FV50, MV50, FV60, MV60, FV70, MV70.
How do I follow the route using my phone or watch?
Most GPS watches allow you to upload a GPX file of the route for you to follow whilst running. Typically this is done via by loading the GPX file into the app (i.e Garmin Connect), and then syncing your phone/watch together.
If you don't have a GPS watch we would recommend using OS Maps (£20/year) or Strava Premium (£48/year).
Withdrawal options
By entering our race, you agree to the following withdrawal policy. This policy applies to all runners with the exception of women of cannot compete due to pregnancy.
To make a withdrawal request, please follow the button below and fill in the form.
Withdraw from race
Thank you soooo much for such a fantastic event! It was a great race - so friendly and well organised!
Carolyn
Dunstable Downs Half, 2021
Another classic race from you guys. What an event...the weather, the views, the hills, the rivers, the puddles and the amazing marshalls. Thank you
Simon
Dunstable Downs Half, 2021
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