Dunstable Downs Half Marathon

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.

Once past our aid station (5.8km), runners complete a full loop of the Kensworth Quarry.

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.

Route Navigation

This race will be fully marked, with our orange arrow markers and ribbons.

Additionally, marshals are positioned on the route, in locations we deem difficult to manoeuvre yourself.

We do ask all runners to carry a digital version of the route, either on a watch or phone, just in case you find yourself off course.

Zoom

Fully marked course
Car Parking on-site (free to National Trust Members)
Pre-race briefing video
Pre-race flythrough video
Route provided via GPX, Garmin
Medical Support
Aid Station with Mountain Fuel Gels, Coke and other snacks

• Unique finisher medal
• Instant results
• Free photos
• Cafe on-site

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.

10:30 Race start

14:30 Finish line cut-off

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

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

All runners will receive a unique finishers medal.

The top 3 male and female runners will receive a prize, along with the first V40 and V50 male and female finishers.

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).

Overview
This race is permitted by the Trail Running Association (permit pending) and will operate under UK Athletics competition rules.

You can view these rules on the UK Athletics website.

Countryside code
All runners must adhere to the countryside code at all times. A copy of this is written below.

Fasten all gates.
Keep to public paths across farmland.
Guard against all fire risks.
Use gates and stiles to cross fences hedges and walls.
Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.
Take your litter home.
Help keep water clean.
Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
Take special care on country roads.
Make no unnecessary noise.
You can read the full Countryside Code by clicking here.

General rules
1. Competitors must be 17 years or over.

2. Runners must follow the marked route at all times.

3. Runners run this race completely at their own risk & agree to this when registering for the run.

4. Dogs are not permitted for this race.

5. If you are unable to finish the race you must inform a marshal or contact the event staff using the phone number provided.

6. Runners must carry the mandatory equipment with them at all times.

7. Runners must disclose any existing medical conditions at registration and take full responsibility for their ability to run the race.

8. Runners are permitted to carry poles.

9. Assistance may only be provided at aid stations.

10. Runners must recognise they have equal rights to be on the route and be courteous to other users.

11. Competitors should not jostle at stiles and other obstacles. Nor should they push past slower runners on narrow paths.

12. If a runner comes across another competitor who is ill or hurt they MUST offer assistance.

13. A runner must retire immediately if asked to do so by a race official.