Harrold-Odell Country Park - 25km & 50km Trail Races

5.0 · 2 reviews
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From Thunder Races - Where the adventure begins

  • Date Sat 7th March 2026
  • Time 08:30
  • Location Bedford, Bedfordshire
  • Price £48.00 - £72.00
  • Races 2 races
  • Distances Half Marathon, Ultra

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A group of runners in athletic gear approach the finish line during a race. They are outdoors on a grassy field beneath an archway that reads "FINISH." The sky is clear and trees are visible in the background.

Harrold-Odell Country Park - 25km & 50km Trail Races

Sat 7th March 2026

5.0 · 2 reviews
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Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating day of trail running at the Harrold-Odell Country Park on Saturday, March 7, 2026! Organised by Thunder Races - Where the adventure begins, this event offers an incredible opportunity to experience the beauty of Bedfordshire's countryside while testing your endurance. Participants can choose between two exciting race distances: a challenging 25km or an inspiring 50km trail race, both qualifying for the prestigious UTMB index.

Located just 40 minutes by train from London and Milton Keynes, Harrold-Odell Country Park provides the perfect backdrop for runners of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a novice eager to embrace the trails, our fully supported routes feature fast, undulating paths that are sure to leave you invigorated. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure—mark your calendar and prepare to run wild with Thunder Races!

Harrold-Odell Country Park - 25km & 50km Trail Races

Sat 7th March 2026

A group of runners in athletic gear approach the finish line during a race. They are outdoors on a grassy field beneath an archway that reads "FINISH." The sky is clear and trees are visible in the background. A person in a blue running vest triumphantly crosses a race finish line with arms outstretched. Other runners and spectators are visible in the background, on a grassy area with trees. The sun casts shadows on the ground. A person wearing a black athletic outfit and cap smiles and holds a medal and a can. They have a race number on their shirt and are outside on a sunny day with a green field in the background. A table displays numerous silver medals with yellow ribbons. Each medal features a blue and green graphic and the text "SOKM" on the ribbon. They are arranged in straight rows under bright lighting. A white flag with the logo for "Thunder Races." The logo features a mountain, trees, and birds with the tagline "Where the Adventure Begins." The flag is outdoors, with green grass and a blurred background. A tranquil river scene with a lush canopy of overhanging trees. A small building with a slanted roof is partially visible among the greenery. The water reflects the surrounding vegetation under a cloudy sky. A scenic landscape with a wide field featuring a dirt path leading through grassy terrain. Trees border the field under an expansive, cloudy sky. The setting is tranquil and open. A narrow, moss-covered wooden plank bridge crosses a small ditch in a lush, green woodland. The bridge connects to a path leading through dense foliage with large trees and leafy undergrowth. Sunlight filters through the leaves. A tranquil forest scene with a dirt path covered in fallen leaves. Tall trees with lush green foliage arch over the pathway, creating a peaceful, shaded canopy. The ground is dotted with patches of green undergrowth, adding to the serene atmosphere. A grassy path extends through a rural landscape, flanked by dense green hedges and a large, leafy tree on the left. The sky above is filled with gray clouds, suggesting an overcast day. Fields and distant trees are visible in the background.

Organiser's Description

Experience an unforgettable trail running experience with Thunder Races Harrold-Odell trail running events in Bedfordshire.

Join us on Saturday 7 March for either a 25km or 50km UTMB index qualifying trail race through the stunning Bedfordshire countryside.

Conveniently located just 40 minutes by train from London and Milton Keynes, our fully supported routes offer runners and hikers fast, undulating trails which are perfect for both novice and experienced participants.

Races

  • Harrold-Odell 25km Trail Run

    £48.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Harrold-Odell 50km Trail Run

    £72.00

    Booking for more than 1?

Book

  • Harrold-Odell 25km Trail Run

    £48.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Harrold-Odell 50km Trail Run

    £72.00

    Booking for more than 1?

Course Details

Set in the heart of North Bedfordshire and only 40 minutes from London, our flat and fast trails are perfect for new trail runners and/or experienced athletes looking to set a quick time.

Each of our 25km, and 50km routes has been carefully chosen to take in the picturesque landscape, characterised by gently rolling hills, woodland trails, valleys with winding rivers and wide open spaces for traffic free running. Our North Bedfordshire trail routes follow some of the best known trails in the area, including Three Shires Way, Ouse Valley Way, the John Bunyan trail and the Stevington Country Way

All of our races start and end on Harrold-Odell Country park, with two attractive lakes, cafe, toilets and public parking.

What's Included

All distances are fully supported and include aid stations with fuel and hydration, as well as fully marked and marshalled trails.

Thunder Races events are timed events, with results provide online following your race.

  • Race HQ / Supporter ares
  • Bespoke metal finishers medal
  • Fully marked and marshalled route
  • Aid stations
  • Race timing
  • 50km UTMB Index qualifying event

How to Get There

Harrold-Odell Country Park is located at Carlton Road, Harrold, MK43 7DS

By Car:

SatNav users can use the postcode MK43 7DS

Directions from Bedford
Follow the A6 north out of Bedford. Take the second turn on the left off the bypass following the signs for Oakley and Pavenham. Drive through Pavenham and take the right turn for Carlton. Pass through Carlton, crossing over a narrow bridge into Harrold. The Park is clearly marked on the right, just beyond the bridge.

Directions from Northampton
Follow the A428 south from Northampton to Lavendon. Pass through the village centre and turn left into Harrold Road. Follow this to Harrold, driving through the village. At the T-junction turn right towards Carlton. The Park is the next turn on your left and is clearly signposted.

Directions from the M1 coming south
Leave the motorway at Junction 14, taking the A509 towards Newport Pagnell. Take the third exit at the next roundabout (A509 Olney and Wellingborough). Take the second exit at the next roundabout. Drive straight through Olney. At the next roundabout take the third exit. At the T-junction turn right (A428 Carlton and Bedford). Enter Turvey and take the first left to Carlton. Pass through the village and at the T-junction turn left to Harrold. The Park is on the right shortly after the bridge over the River Ouse.

By Train:

There are regular train services from London, Leicester, Sheffield, Leeds and Milton Keynes that service Bedford Midland train station. There is a taxi rank located directly outside the train station. Harrold-Odell Country Park is approximately 11 miles from Bedford train station.

Parking

Parking is freely available at Harrold-Odell Country park. NOTE: The overflow car park is closed and locked at 17:00 each day.

Location

Harrold-Odell Country Park, Carlton Road, Harrold, MK43 7DS

FAQs

  • What is included?

    Our races are fully marked and marshalled, with aid stations providing hydration and nutrition. All finishers will receive a bespoke metal finishers medal.

  • Are the events timed?

    All events are timed with finish times available online after the events have concluded.

  • Can I run with my dog?

    Unfortunately we do not allow dogs to participate in our races.

  • How can i get to the start at Harrold Odell country park.

    Harrold-Odell country park is approximately 11 miles from Bedford and can be reached by car or taxi.

  • Is there an age limit for participants?

    All participants must be 18 or over on the day of the race.

  • Will there be a cut off time?

    We operate a generous cut off time of 8 hours for all participants

  • Can i get a refund?

    We are unable to offer refunds. If the event is cancelled or postponed, your entry will automatically be deferred to the new event date. If you are unable to take part in the event on the new date, you can transfer your entry to another participant or defer your entry to another of our events in the future.

  • Can i transfer my entry?

    You can transfer you entry to another participant by contacting info@thunderraces.co.uk. There will be a £10 fee to administer each transfer.

  • Where does the race start and finish?

    The 25km and 50km races start and finish in Harrold-Odell Country park. The address is: Harrold-Odell Country Park, Carlton Road, Harrold, MK43 7DS

  • Is parking available at Harrold-Odell Country Park?

    The main car park is located inside the main entrance at the Harrold entrance to the Park. In the event of this being full, there is an overflow car park that is accessible only from this same entrance. Please note that this car park closes at 5:00pm every day and is locked.

  • Is the course accurately distance marked?

    Each course will be as close to the advertised distance as possible, but will not be officially measured.

  • What time do the races start?

    50km & 25km - 08:30 start

Reviews

Verified Purchase

A 'verified' purchase review means that we've verified that the person writing the review purchased their entry to this race on findarace.com.

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

5.0

2 reviews

PR
Peter

·9 months ago

Great event which was organised. Although I thought the add stations could have been spaced out more evenly, which I understand can be a logical nightmare on trail runs. Signage was good, although got a little confusing where the route touch in places. Would I recommend this event, most definitely.
Thanks for the review Peter. It was great to have you with us 👍
Thunder Races - Where the adventure begins logo
Thunder Races - Where the adventure begins
JN
James

·9 months ago

My first ever trail event and what an amazing one to start with. Great organisation, well stocked aid stations and a beer at the end!
Glad you enjoyed it as much as we did James. Beer is back for our second edition and new route on 27 September. Come and join us
Thunder Races - Where the adventure begins logo
Thunder Races - Where the adventure begins

Location

Harrold Odell Country Park, Carlton Road, Bedford, MK43 7DS, United Kingdom

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Heather Hitchcock

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Seamus Kelly

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