Dunstable Downs Trail Half Marathon

Whipsnade, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Choose your distance

Half Marathon

Distance

21.2km

Climb

Hilly·450m

Start Time

09:45

Cutoff

4 hours

Terrain

Trail

Difficulty

Beginner

Max Runners

250

Overview

The Dunstable Downs Trail Half on 21 June 2026 is a rugged half marathon along the chalk ridge trails at National Trust's Dunstable Downs Estate. Hosted from the National Trust visitor centre, the course follows a stunning trail route around the Downs and out to Kensworth Quarry.

Chalk ridge trails
Dunstable Downs Estate
Kensworth Quarry
National Trust landscape
Tree Cathedral
Bison Hill
Five Knoles

Course map

View the route on explore.osmaps.com

Opens on explore.osmaps.com, outside Finndu

The practical side

Start / Finish

Start

National Trust Centre, Dunstable Downs

Finish

National Trust Centre, Dunstable Downs (likely same as start)

Terrain

Rugged trail along chalk ridge trails. Off-road/trail terrain.

Route

The course follows a stunning trail route around the Downs and out to Kensworth Quarry. Hosted from the National Trust visitor centre at Dunstable Downs, the route runs along the chalk ridge trails at National Trust's Dunstable Downs Estate. 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.

Getting There

Tring or Luton Station are the closest stations. Tring train station is a 15 minute taxi journey away.

Good to know

What you get

Finisher medal

Chip timing

Race photos

Event licenced by the Trail Running Association

Live results

Course wide medical support

Food after the finishHot and cold food available at on-site cafe from 10am

PrizesThere 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.

On the day

Bag drop

Marshals on course

First aid on course

Water on course

Parking · £3.50 (free for National Trust members)Specific parking information should be checked on the official event website, as the National Trust Centre at Dunstable Downs likely has parking facilities.

Public transportTring or Luton Station are the closest stations. Tring train station is a 15 minute taxi journey away.

ToiletsThere 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.

Changing facilitiesNo, unfortunately we cannot provide changing facilities at Dunstable Downs.

Aid stations6.7km · Water, Coke, Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Gels, Jelly babies · 13.7km · Water, Coke, Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Gels, Jelly babies

Recommended

Before you enter

DeferralsWithdrawal more than 4 weeks before race day: 90% credits issued for future race entries within 12 months. Withdrawal requests must be completed online via manage booking functionality.

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Race finished

Dunstable Downs Trail Half Marathon

Overview

Course map

The practical side

Good to know

When is the Dunstable Downs Trail Half Marathon?

What type of race is this?

Who organises the Dunstable Downs Trail Half Marathon?

Where can I find course maps and start line information?

Is this event suitable for walkers?

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