Tough Enough?

A cross-country half marathon from Dorking to the top of the highest point in south-eastern England - Leith Hill - and back.

Included in the entry price are the following:

• The chance to see the UK Wife Carrying Race before you start
• 4 water stations (at 2, 5, 8 and 11 miles)
• Friendly and supportive marshals
• Prizes – Denbies sparkling wine for male and female winners, Denbies wine for second and third place
• Personalised runner’s race number
• Commemorative reusable medal
• Bottle of local low alcohol beer to quench your thirst
• Full cooked English breakfast (veggie option available) to replace those lost carbs

You also have the option to purchase a branded ‘Finisher’ running T-shirt with your name on the back, until 3 weeks in advance of race day. This keeps the entry cost down for those who do not want one. Please note that race entry fees are not refundable (all profits go to charity) but runners are able to pass on their place to another runner.

Don't Take Our Word For It

'A runner’s race run by runners!' (Mat Johnson, 2020)
‘The Leith Hill Half was, as always, beautiful and evil in equal measures! The fry up and beer at the end were a godsend’. (Matt Home, 2024)
‘Brilliantly put together, great atmosphere and a super challenging, unforgettable course!’ (Nick Wright, 2024)

More About The Race

The Leith Hill Half Marathon is a beautiful, hilly trail run, which Leith Hill Trail Runners have recently taken over from Rob McCaffrey at Trionium. Voted by Runner’s World as the Best Race in Britain in 2015 and now in its 17th year of running, the Leith Hill Half Marathon 2025 remains one of the ultimate challenges of the off-road running events calendar. It may not be the toughest race out there, but - at 13.1 miles of trails and 1,800 feet of overall elevation - it’s tough enough! Have a look at the route map which you can download as a gpx file.

If you are looking for something challenging and memorable, come and sample the delights of running in the Surrey Hills. First-time trail half-marathoners are welcome, as well as those who return year after year to find out if they are still tough enough to take on ‘the hill’. (If it is your first time, make sure to look out for our free guided training runs in the lead up to race day.)

The run begins on the Nower at the western edge of Dorking, with a climb right from the start, then proceeds along footpaths and bridleways past picturesque Westcott. It turns left to climb the rural byway of Wolvens Lane to the Plough Pub at Coldharbour and then makes a sharp right-hand turn up hill to scale the last mile or so of ascent to the Leith Hill Tower, the highest point in south eastern England. The tower has views of distant London and the South Downs on a clear day and apparently there is no higher ground between Leith Hill and the Urals. The route returns along the same track, giving you a chance to cheer on (and be cheered by) your fellow runners, back to the finish on the Nower.

Using a local school as Race HQ, local suppliers of merchandise and encouraging everyone to car share or take public transport where they can, we are committed to minimising our carbon footprint. We also donate any profits to a local charity, Mid Surrey Community Fridges. They work tirelessly to rescue good, surplus food from supermarkets and stores so it can be shared with our local community.

Is this the next running challenge you’ve been looking for?

Course Records

• Men: 1:18:52 Lee Kemp (36) Totley AC (2018)
• Women: 1:30:33 Georgie Bruinvels (28) Aldershot, Farnham & District AC (2017)

Note that the new route in 2025 will result in new course records being set! (And new PBs)

The Leith Hill Half Marathon is permitted by the Association of Running Clubs (Permit Number ARC/25/0058)

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