Offa's Dyke 15: Event Description
Offa's Dyke 15 is a point-to-point trail race on the Offa's Dyke footpath between Hay-on-Wye and Kington on the Welsh/English border, scheduled for 13 June 2026. The main distance is 15 miles, following mixed trails, fields and short open-road sections. The route passes landmarks and climbs including Bettws Dingle, Disgwylfa Hill and Hergest Ridge, then finishes at the high school in Kington. There is a significant downhill section of about 2 miles before the finish.
Three water stations are located at approximately 4.5 miles, 7 miles and 10 miles; water will also be available at the finish. Runners must reach the 7 mile and 10 mile points by the published cut-off times or they will be transported to the finish. Participants are asked not to drop gel wrappers or bottles except at water stations.
A relay option is available with handover points at the 7 mile and 10 mile stations. Teams may be two or three people; each team member receives a full entry and a medal. Relay teams are responsible for their own transport between handover points. A baggage drop is provided at the start and finish with limited space.
Registration is online or on the day if the entry limit has not been reached. Race packs with bibs and timing chips are posted to entrants unless they register within the final two weeks, in which case packs must be collected at registration outside The Granary Cafe opposite the Clock Tower in Hay-on-Wye. Parking and main toilets are near Oxford Road HR3 5EQ; local toilet charges apply. Bone conduction headphones are the only permitted audio devices under the event rules. Prizes include trophies and age-group awards in ten-year bands starting at age 35. Refunds, transfers and cancellation policies follow the event terms. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Course Information
The race starts by the Clock Tower in Hay-on-Wye at 11am. Crossing the Wye the race heads uphill along the B4361 road before turning right and heading through the campsite and up to the village of Bronydd. There is a major road crossing hear and it especially important to listen to the instructions from the marshals. A left turn see’s runners tackle the first major climb of the day, up Bettws Dingle. Crossing various fields and roads the route drops down to the village of Newchurch where a water station and the first cut off is based. The next climb is up Disgwylfa Hill where is very common to have Red Kite flying above you. Another descent takes you down to the second water and cut off station at Gladstry before the final (and largest) climb tackling Hergest Ridge. This will give you an amazing panorama of the surrounding countryside (if the weather is fair). Once at the top there is an epic 2 mile descent downhill to the finish in Kington at the High School.
Relay Option & Cut Off Times
In 2023 we added a Relay option which will continue this year. So if you feel you might not be able to make the cut off times, or just want to split the miles then maybe this is for you. The official handover points will be where the cut offs are – at the 7 mile water station in Newchurch, and at the 10 mile water station in Gladestry. (Parking will be signed). You can choose if you run as a team of two or three – ie one of you can complete two legs, and the other run one; or you can split it three ways – it’s up to you. You will all have a full entry and everyone will get a medal. You will be responsible for organising your own transport at handover points (that’s all part of the fun) but obviously you can book the coaches at the start and end of the day.
There are two cut off points on the 15 mile route. This is because the course cannot stay open indefinitely (some of the course goes via farmers fields).