Roly's Run 2026
Roly's Run is a trail running event based at Swanmore Village Hall in the Meon Valley, Hampshire. It offers multiple distance options on a mostly off-road course that uses sections of the South Downs Way and local paths. The event is held in memory of a friend and ultra-runner, Rich Walklate.
Distances Available:
- 15.5 mile course: 463 m ascent
- 21.5 mile course: 712 m ascent
- 40 mile course: 1266 m ascent and 10 hour cut off
All three courses follow a clockwise loop from Swanmore and pass Beacon Hill, Exton and Meonstoke. The 20 and 40 mile routes continue along the South Downs Way and visit Winchester Hill. The 40 mile course extends further to East Meon, Ramsdean and Butser Hill before returning to Winchester Hill and heading back via the old railway line through Droxford to Swanmore. The finish is at the village hall where hot drinks and food are provided.
The course is roughly 80 percent trail, includes notable climbing and can be tricky underfoot in wet conditions with loose stones, tree roots and slippery chalk descents. Routes will be marked with arrows, tape, flour and flags as needed and a current GPX file will be available before the event. Fully stocked checkpoints are provided throughout.
Walkers may enter the 15 and 20 mile options and participants may swap between those two distances on the day. The event is organised under UKA rules, no dogs are permitted, and age minimums apply. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Race HQ: Swanmore Village Hall, New Road, Swanmore, Hampshire, SO32 2PF.
Race start times: 40 mile participants starting at 8:00 am, the 15/20 mile participants are free to start between 08:00 and 09:30.