Leith Hill Half Marathon
The Leith Hill Half Marathon is an out-and-back trail race based at Race HQ, The Priory School in Dorking, Surrey. The course covers 13.1 miles on footpaths and bridleways with approximately 1,800 feet of total ascent, reaching Leith Hill Tower at the summit before returning to the start. The route begins on the Nower at the western edge of Dorking, climbs immediately and passes Westcott, then follows Wolvens Lane to Coldharbour and the Plough Pub before the final ascent to the tower. The return is along the same track. A route map and a downloadable GPX file are available.
Event services included in the entry price are four water stations (at miles 2, 5, 8 and 11), marshal support, a personalised race number, a reusable medal that doubles as a coaster, a bottle of local beer and a full cooked English breakfast with a vegetarian option. Race winners receive Denbies sparkling wine; second and third places receive Denbies wine. There is an optional branded finisher T-shirt available until three weeks before race day. Entry fees are non-refundable but places may be transferred. Any event profits are donated to the local charity Mid Surrey Community Fridges. The event is permitted by the Association of Running Clubs (Permit Number ARC/27/0011).
New Course Records (13.1 miles)
- Men: 1:18:42 Thomas Davies (30) (2026)
- Women: 1:31:08 Sarah Forbes-Smith (31) (2026)
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.
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