FAQs

Runners must be at least 17 years old on the day of the event to take part in either the Half-marathon or Metric Half.

You can make changes to your entry until 31st October at midnight by logging into your Account 

Yes, you can change from the Half marathon to the Metric half and visa versa by logging into your Account 

Yes, you can transfer your place to someone else until 31st October at midnight. You can make the change [ HERE ]. Once the new runner has registered, signed the waiver, and paid the entry price the original entrant will receive a refund minus the booking fee. After this date, the Runner Numbers will be prepared and posted and no further changes nor refunds can be made by us.

Of course, you are also welcome to raise money for a charity of your choice by asking people to sponsor you for the race, in which case you will need to contact your chosen charity for a sponsor form or to set up an online sponsorship page.

Yes, this event is suitable for beginners.

No. Any runner found running with a number in another runner’s name or without a valid entry will be disqualified and may be banned from future events. This is in accordance with UKA guidelines.

Half Marathon Route

There will be water stops at approximately Mile 3, 7 and 10 and at the finish. Water will be given in biodegradable paper cups. They are manufactured from recycled materials, which makes them a better option for the environment ♻️

Metric Half Marathon

There will be a water stop at approximately Mile 5 and at the finish. Water will be given in biodegradable paper cups. They are manufactured from recycled materials, which makes them a better option for the environment ♻️

The time limit to complete the race will be 3 hours and 30 minutes.

A Metric Half Marathon is 13.1 kilometres (approximately 8.1 miles). It’s shorter than a traditional half marathon but longer than a 10K, making it a great step up for runners wanting to go further without committing to 13.1 miles.

At the Dirt Half Challenge, the Metric Half starts alongside the half marathon and shares parts of the same beautiful trail course.

Yes. All finishers — whether completing the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) or the Metric Half Marathon (13.1km) — receive the same medal and race goodies.

The top three Men and Women from both the Half Marathon and Metric Half Marathon will be presented with awards at the following times:

Metric Half Marathon

First three Men: from 10:50

First three Ladies: from 11:00

Half Marathon

First three Men: from 11:45

First three Ladies: from 12:00

Certificates for the first male and female Senior, Vet40, Vet50, Vet60, Vet70, and Vet80 will be posted after the event. Runners may win more than one award.

Your iTab will automatically be posted to you after the event. You do not need to do anything.

The course is multi-terrain, mostly on canal towpaths, woodland trails with some grass and we recommend you wear your running trainers or trail shoes. Runners should expect some uneven paths.

The race is being run under UKA rules and have permits from the Trail Running Association. The course is approximately the distance stated or slightly longer. This also assumes that the runner is following the race line at all times.

Bib numbers will not be posted.

Entries made before 18 October can be collected from the Up & Running store, Central Retail Park, Patriot Drive, Milton Keynes, MK13 8PU, from Friday 30 October to Friday 6 November.

Entries made after this date must collect their bib number from Race HQ at Cedars Upper School, Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2AE.

Yes. Both the Half Marathon and Metric Half are chip-timed using state-of-the-art disposable timing chips attached to the reverse of your running number. Sorry, no late starters.

We often welcome runners from overseas to our races. You may enter online, however, you must give a UK address for your race pack, alternatively, you may collect your number and chip from the Race HQ from 08:00 on the day of the race.

We do not recommend the use of personal MP3 players on the course as you need to be aware of other runners and to hear marshals' instructions. If you do wear headphones then it’s at your own risk.

Yes, subject to availability, check the event page for details closer to race day.

Safety pins will be available from the Race HQ.

Yes, you will be able to buy bobble hats, t-shirts, and hoodies at the Race HQ.

Yes, we highly recommend taking out Refundable Booking Insurance when you enter.