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.

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Half Marathon

£32 unaffiliated / £30 affiliated

 

Key Information

Date
Sunday 16th July 2023
Start Time
1015
Event base
Dunstable Downs, LU6 2GY
Distance / Elevation
21.2km / 450m+
Public Transport
Tring Train Station - 15 min drive to event base
Runners
200
Time Limit
4 hours
Navigation
Arrow markers and orange ribbons
Terrain
Trail
UTMB Index
UTMB World Series Index Race
Price
£30 affialiated / £32 unaffialiated
Minimum Age
17
License
TRA Permit No. 5476. Race held under UKA rules.

Please scroll down to find a list of resources, such as GPX files, maps, videos and more.

View resources

Latest Updates

Info doc uploaded
1st June 23

Everything you need to know ahead of race day, in one handy document - Click the image to view.

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.

CP 1 - Kensworth Quarry
10.7km

Event resources

Last updated - 1st June - 2023 updates

GPX File
OS Maps
Garmin
Google Maps
Printable map (PDF)
Info document
A downloadable PDF with all key race information.

Route Map

Previous editions

Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 2021
Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 2022

Keep scrolling for more event info

Race Navigation
Race checkpoints

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

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 or free for National Trust members), along with toilets and a bag drop facility for runners.

View on Google Maps

Required Gear

Required gear

All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:

  • Mobile phone (recommended)
  • 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
  • Timing with live results
  • One on-route aid stations
  • Course wide medical support
  • Bag drop at the event base

Entry details

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.

Withdrawal date
Race Credits
More than 12 weeks before race day
75%
4-12 weeks before race day
50%
2-4 weeks before race day
25%
Less than two weeks to race day
0%

To make a withdrawal request, please follow the button below and fill in the form.

Withdraw from race
Event withdrawal

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

Event partners

National Trust
Trail Running Assocation
She Races
Mountain Fuel
Ugoku Projects

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