Rucking (also known as yomping or tabbing) is essentially racing, jogging or walking with a weighted backpack. The sport has its origins in military-style training and is an incredible way to build real-life strength, endurance and functional fitness!

Do I have to be an experienced athlete to enter the Mendips Epic Trail?

No, this event is open to newcomers as well as more seasoned runners! Our Pro Ruck & Pro Trail categories are our competitive categories where you'll get the chance to race against others. We also have our just for fun Open Ruck & Open Trail categories where you can focus on your own race and completing the route at your own pace.

What's the difference between the Pro & Open Categories?

Simply, our Pro categories (in both the ruck & trail run) are our competitive categories. So if you fancy racing others, select the Pro categories. Our Open Categories (in both the the ruck & trail run) are just for fun! Also - specifically for the Ruck categories, the weights are also slightly heavier for the Pro Ruck compared to the Open Ruck.

Are there age groups in the Pro Categories?

Yes, the Pro Ruck & Pro Trail categories will be sub-divided into the following age groups: Open (35 or below), Masters (36-42) and Vets (43+) and you will be able to see where you finished within your age group as well as overall. However, currently, there are only prizes for the top 3 overall men and women in the Pro Ruck & Pro Trail categories.

Can I use my own ruck (backpack) on the day?

No, you are not permitted to use your own on the day. We will provide you with a GORUCK Rucker 4.0 backpack to use on the day with the correct weight already added.

When will we find out our heat times?

We will send out an athlete pack which will include exact heat times on the week of the event. This pack will also include important information including parking etc. Typically all heats start between 11-11.30am.

What categories are there?

As with all of our events in our Epic Trail Series, there are 4 ways you can take on every distance on offer: The Pro Ruck Category - i.e. take on the route in a race format against others, with the addition of a weighted backpack that we will provide you with on the day (25lbs/11.3kg for men, 15lbs/6.8kg for women). The Pro Trail Category - take on the route of your choice in a race format but with no additional weight. The Open Ruck Category - take on the same route in a just for fun format (i.e. not in a race format) with the addition of a lighter backpack that we will provide you with on the day (15lbs/6.8kg for men, 10lbs/4.5kg for women). The Open Trail Category - i.e. take on the same route just for fun (i.e. not in a race format) & with no additional weight.

What other amenities will there at each event?

A bag drop area, toilets, food and drink vendors and also some extra special fitness apparel & merch!

Will there be a photographer at the events?

Of course - we'll have several throughout the route!

Will there be water stations on the course?

Yes, depending on the distance, there will always be 1-2 water stations at every event.

What will finishers receive?

All finishers will receive a finisher's patch or medal (depending on what you prefer) & some extra special goodies & discounts from our sponsors GORUCK & Vivo Life. There will also be prizes for the top 3 men and women in the Pro Ruck & Pro Trail categories.

Are there prizes for winners?

There will be prizes for the overall top 3 men and women in the Pro Ruck & Pro Trail Categories.

When will we find out the exact route?

This will depend on the event but you will receive the route within your race day pack at the latest a week out from the event.

Mendips Epic Trail Sponsored By GORUCK

From Superhuman Sports

4.8 · 2 reviews

Saturday 6th June 2026 Past event

11:00

Winscombe

£30.00–£50.00 · 8 races

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Mendips Epic Trail, sponsored by GORUCK, happening on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, in the stunning landscape of Winscombe, Avon! Organised by Superhuman Sports, this exciting new event invites participants to choose between two incredible race distances: an 8k route and a challenging 14k adventure. Both routes kick off at Winscombe Rugby Club and take you along the picturesque Strawberry Line, weaving through the enchanting King’s Wood and up to the breathtaking heights of Crook Peak.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just looking for a fun day out, the Mendips Epic Trail has something for everyone. The 8k route features a mix of woodland trails, exhilarating climbs, and stunning views, while the 14k route pushes further, offering an epic journey through rolling ridges and lung-busting ascents. Participants can tackle the trails through competitive rucking or trail running, with options for both pros and casual adventurers alike. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Mendip Hills while challenging yourself in a way that's sure to be both rewarding and memorable!

This event has taken place

Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.

Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.

Reviews

4.8

2 reviews

James cook

Took part in the 2026 edition · 5 months ago

Really enjoyed this. Great course, lovely people.

Melissa Domaille

Took part in the 2026 edition · 5 months ago

Fantastic event! Great atmosphere, superb communication beforehand and excellent route markers. Would highly recommend and I’m looking forward to entering another event in the Epic Series.

Races

8k Pro Trail

Take on the 8k route in our competitive trail run category

£30.00

Entries closed
8k Pro Ruck

Take on the 8k route in our competitive rucking category with a weighted backpack (25lbs / 11.3kg for men, 15lbs / 6.8kg for women).

£40.00

Entries closed
8k Open Trail

Take on the 8k route in our non-competitive trail run category

£30.00

Entries closed
8k Open Ruck

Take on the 8k route in our non-competitive rucking category with a lighter weighted backpack (15lbs/6.8kg for men, 10lbs/4.5kg for women).

£40.00

Entries closed
14k Pro Ruck

Take on the 14k route in our competitive rucking category with a weighted backpack (25lbs / 11.3kg for men, 15lbs / 6.8kg for women).

£50.00

Entries closed
14k Pro Trail

Take on the 14k route in our competitive trail run category

£40.00

Entries closed
14k Open Ruck

Take on the 14k route in our non-competitive rucking category with a lighter weighted backpack (15lbs/6.8kg for men, 10lbs/4.5kg for women).

£50.00

Entries closed
14k Open Trail

Take on the 14k route in our non-competitive trail run category

£40.00

Entries closed

Organiser's description

New for 2026 — The Epic Trail Series heads to the unique and breathtaking landscape of the Mendip Hills in Somerset!

Choose your challenge: the shorter 8k route or the epic 14k adventure. Both start at Winscombe Rugby Club, following the scenic Strawberry Line before entering King’s Wood and heading towards Crook Peak.

8k Route: Tackle exposed ridges, woodland trails & a punchy ascent to Wavering Down before a speedy push towards the finish.

14k Route: Continuing on from Wavering Down and onto the neighbouring summit of Crook Peak. Both summits offer an epic mixture of rolling ridge lines, lung-busting climbs and big summit views before looping back towards King’s Wood.

Breathtaking views, epic climbs, and a huge variety of terrain - both routes deliver the full Mendip experience!

_____________________

GORUCK are our official partners for this series. Every participant in the Pro Ruck or Open Ruck categories will get to use their industry-leading Rucker 4.0 backpack at the event.

_____________________

Rucking or Trail Running?

As with all Epic Trail Series events, there are four ways to take on either Epic Mendips route:

1. Pro Ruck: Competitive rucking over either distance with our heaviest weighted option (25lbs / 11.3kg for men, 15lbs / 6.8kg for women - backpack & weight provided on the day).
2. Pro Trail: Competitive trail running over either distance - push the pace against fellow runners.
3. Open Ruck: Non-competitive rucking with a lighter backpack (15lbs / 6.8kg for men, 10lbs / 4.5kg for women - backpack & weight provided on the day).
4. Open Trail: Non-competitive trail running - just you versus the trail.

Please note: this event is subject to site permissions & licensing agreements being accepted.

Location

BS25 1AZ The Vinery, Winscombe, United Kingdom

Superhuman Sports

Creators of world class events and memorable experiences since 2013. We create outdoor fitness events and challenges for the everyday athlete, attracting thousands of participants from all over the world and hosted in some of the UK's most stunning locations! Obstacle Course Racing / Trail Running / Primal Fitness

On Find a Race

Since 2020

Events 10+

Avg. review 4.3

Mendips Epic Trail Sponsored By GORUCK

This event has taken place

Reviews

Races

8k Pro Trail

8k Pro Ruck

8k Open Trail

8k Open Ruck

14k Pro Ruck

14k Pro Trail

14k Open Ruck

14k Open Trail

Organiser's description

Location

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Mendips Epic Trail Sponsored By GORUCK

This event has taken place

Reviews

Races

8k Pro Trail

8k Pro Ruck

8k Open Trail

8k Open Ruck

14k Pro Ruck

14k Pro Trail

14k Open Ruck

14k Open Trail

Event information

Route and elevation

What's included

Parking

Where to go

How to get there

Organiser's description

Location

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