Dark Skies Surrey Hills (night time 10 mile, 10k, 5k, canix and kid's trail races)

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From Wild Running Ltd

  • Date Sat 10th January 2026
  • Time 16:30
  • Location Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley Lane, Dorking. RH5 6AA
  • Price £8.70 - £29.93
  • Races 7 races
  • Distances 5km, 10km, 10 Mile

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Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of adventure at the Dark Skies Surrey Hills event, hosted by Wild Running Ltd on Saturday, January 10, 2026. This exciting night trail run takes place in the stunning Surrey Hills, where participants can choose from a variety of race distances including a challenging 10-mile, a spirited 10K, and a fun 5K, along with Canix races and a kid's trail race for ages 3 to 11. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting woodlands, runners will navigate winding trails illuminated by their headlamps, creating a magical atmosphere under the stars.

Join us in Dorking for this thrilling yomp through muddy, rolling hills, all while supporting a great cause—entrants will contribute to the Dorking Area Food Bank. With registration opening at 4 PM at the picturesque Denbies Estate, the event promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with food, refreshments, and community spirit. Don't miss out on this spectacular night of running, camaraderie, and scenic beauty in one of England's most breathtaking landscapes!

Dark Skies Surrey Hills (night time 10 mile, 10k, 5k, canix and kid's trail races)

Sat 10th January 2026

A group of people running in a field at night, illuminated by headlamps and surrounding lights. A man in a neon shirt and cap stands in the foreground, looking at a device. The sky is dark with hints of clouds.

Organiser's Description

**You can access the event brorchure here **

Experience the excitement of a night trail run in the Surrey Hills! Navigate through the woodlands under the stars, with your path lit by your headlamp. The fresh night air and winding trails provide a unique and invigorating challenge.

Join us for an unforgettable run through one of England's most beautiful landscapes.

The Dark Skies returns for an undulating yomp through Surrey’s muddy, rolling hills in Dorking. Passing through the Denbies Estate in the Surrey Hills it’s a thrilling night trail 10 miles, 10K, and 5K race (with Canix races), as well as a 1K/2K kid’s race for 3-11 year-olds. This year, entrants will contribute to the Dorking Area Food Bank.

This is the second race in the Wild Night Run Series spanning Devon, Somerset and Surrey.

Itinerary

Event timing

4.00 pm - 5.40 pm: Registration at Denbies (event marquee/gazebo)

4:30 pm - Start of kid’s races

4.50 pm - Finish of kid’s races followed by the presentation

5.30 pm - Start of 5k, 10k races

5.50 pm - Start of 10-mile race

7.15 pm - Presentation 5k and 10k

7.45 pm - Presentation 10 miles

8.00-8.30 pm - Catering closes

Food and refreshments

Cake, teas, coffees and chilli/stew will be available from the catering Hath at Denbies.

This is scheduled to close at 8 pm, although we have asked for it to be kept open until 8.30 pm.

Toilets

Toilets are available inside the front entrance to Denbies Hall.

Parking

Parking is available for at least 200 cars in the main car park. However, we encourage people to come by bike or share a lift for the benefit of the environment.

Kit List

Functional running wear and appropriate off-road running shoes are presupposed for all races.
The course will be muddy, so grippy fell-type shoes would be the best option. Road shoes will not be appropriate.

A head torch is required, as well as spare batteries and a long-sleeved water resistant top, plus a collapsible cup as we are a cup free event. 

Anyone running with a dog, MUST keep their dog on a harness at all times.

Kit List for the 5k, 10k and 10 miles

• A head torch + spare batteries

• Long-sleaved top.

• Collapsable cup/speed cup or drinking container 

• Mobile phone

• Waterproof jacket 

It should all fit in a bumbag, camelbak or mini-rucksack. 

NB: Please note To reduce single-use plastic we will not be providing cups, so please bring your own if you want to make full use of the feed stations.

Registration 

**Please download the One Time App before you arrive**

You will collect your race number and the race tag before assigning yourself the tag ID on the One Time race app. 

Timing tags

We are using One Time RFID tags for this event. You will be sent instructions on how to download the (free) app, so you can assign yourself a tag ID. You will collect your race number and shoe tag at check-in, which you will attach to your shoe at registration. The tags are designed to be carbon-friendly/reusable and will be automatically scanned when crossing the finishing mat.

Cut-off Times

8.30 pm for all races

The organisers do reserve the right to pull runners out or ask runners to switch to a shorter distance if necessary, although we have never had to do this!

Course Marking 

All races will be well marked out with reflective arrows, bamboo canes with reflective stickers, flashing red lights, yellow squares and triangles.

However, we still recommend that you familiarise yourself with the main features of the routes by looking at the maps and profiles on the relevant web pages.

Baggage

You can leave bags in the main marquee next to registration using the tear-off tag on your race number.

Navigation Back-up

We recommend you install the OS map or the Outdoor Active map to your phone and download your race route for all distances.

Then, in the unlikely event you go off course, you will be able to see (at a glance) where you are on the map. 

The courses will be well-marked but we can’t entirely prevent course tampering. The Outdoor Active routes are linked from the bottom of the map pages below.  If you wish to upload the GPXs to a watch it is best to download the GPXs from our shared Google Docs link. If you want to put the Outdoor Active GPX into a Garmin device or OS Maps, you can filter it through Bike Hike here http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php and then re-upload. 

T shirts and souvenirs

There will be a collection of organic WR Series running vests and t-shirts for sale, as well as a limited number of long-sleeved tops. We do have a card reader but please also bring cash just in case!

Medals, Prizes and Results 

This year we will be donating a Clives Pie to Dorking Area Food Bank. To reduce the cost of entry, we are making our handmade wooden medals an optional extra.

Results will be posted live at Webscorer. You can download the free Webscorer app (for iPhone or Android) to your phone and view the results immediately (if the mobile signal allows). Otherwise, we will publish them on our website on Monday. 

Prizes will be for the first three men and women overall in each race. Please stay for the presentation if you think you may have won something. We will not be posting prizes. 

Food and Drink Stations 

There will be one feed station on the race course with water Vats, some sweet things and something from our event partners

The location of the feed station is in the public car park in Ranmore Common Rd, opposite the Rectory, by MP 10.

Medical Support 

First Aid is provided. There will be a First Aid Tent at the start/finish area but in the field adjacent to Denbies' main building, where Park Run starts. We will also send out first aiders to the course if needed.

Results 

These will be live on the day and can be found here https://events.kronosports.uk/event/874/results

Races

  • 2K Kids Run

    Sat 10th January 2026 (16:30)

    £10.82

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Kids Race (Under 8)

    Sat 10th January 2026 (16:30)

    £8.70

    Booking for more than 1?
  • 5k

    Sat 10th January 2026 (17:25)

    £20.38

    Booking for more than 1?
  • 10k

    Sat 10th January 2026 (17:30)

    £25.68

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Canix 10K

    Sat 10th January 2026 (17:30)

    £25.68

    Booking for more than 1?
  • 10 Miles

    Sat 10th January 2026 (17:50)

    £29.93

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Canix 10 Miles

    Sat 10th January 2026 (17:50)

    £29.93

    Booking for more than 1?

Reviews

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

4.0

4 reviews

PC
Paula

·6 months ago

Prior to the run, the customer service was excellent. I decided to reduce my 10 mile race to the 10K and it was done quickly and easily. The pack pick up was quick and easy. Unfortunately there was a bit of a delay to start the race, and it was very cold out so we were all gagging to get going. The first half of the race there were a couple of long and steep hills, and an area which was single file and meant you had to walk a bit. There were a few gates to go through, which slowed you down a bit. So if you’re looking for PBs, this might not be the race for you. The second half of the race though was where the legs really got going. I was nice and warm by this point, the ground was solid (with the exception of a few muddy areas) and it was lovely and flat or a slight downhill which meant I was able to keep running for the final 5K. It was really cool doing a race in the dark, and I was a bit worried about getting lost but there were reflective arrows and ribbons that made sure you were on the right track with marshals at places that could get confusing. Overall, it was a great race and I might even feel good enough to give the 10 miler a go next year!! One thing that I would say that would improve it is if we got a free hot drink after as there was a refreshments stall (part of the wine estate). Even if an extra £3 was added to the entry price, I think it would be nice to get a hot drink at the end as a well done.
FP
Freya

·a year ago

This was a real feel-good event. No need to stress about a time, you’re there for the joy. The course is a good mix of hills and more hills with some forest trails thrown in for good measure. A bright head torch is essential as is downloading the GPX file to your watch or buddy up with someone who has or knows the course as spotting the markers was sometimes tricky and getting lost would have spoilt the fun. Thanks for putting on a great event!
Thanks Freya. All good points! Ceri
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Wild Running Ltd
ED
Esme

·3 years ago

I hadn't done a trail race before, but felt like this one was slightly disorganised. 15 minutes delayed start to the race followed by queuing and at some points literally standing still waiting to get through gates (I don't know if this is normal for a trail race) really didn't let me get into my race pace. Confusion over the route for the last 500m (there was no signage) of the race also was very annoying as I initially went the wrong way. Also to note, my running app only clocked 9k when I was down to run the 10k race. I believe this all can be understood as race planning growing pains, and hopefully will be sorted out by next year.
JL
James

·3 years ago

Really lovely race. Great atmosphere, the location was awesome... A great mix of terrains. Only missing 1* because with about 1km to go the signage all but disappeared and basically everyone I spoke to got lost. The group I was in wandered through the car park and to the finish line which was a disappointing end to an otherwise flawless race. I would still race again.

Location

Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley Lane, Dorking, RH5 6, United Kingdom

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10 Jan 2026

£8.70 - £29.93