The Duergar Nightcrawler
The Duergar Nightcrawler is a 10 mile trail run that takes place at night in the Simonside Hills near Rothbury, Northumberland. The event is named after the mythical "Duergar" or dwarfs of Simonside, who are fabled to lead travelers astray in the dark. This run is part of the Shadowlands Winter Trail Series, with points contributing toward an overall series standing.
The course consists of a single loop starting from Haugh Car Park in Rothbury. The terrain involves a significant uphill section during the first half of the race, climbing to the top of Simonside Crag, followed by a descent back into Rothbury. The trails feature a mixture of gravel, trail paths, and rocky sections. To assist with navigation in the dark, the route is marked with directional arrows and reflective flags, and a safety team is stationed throughout the hills. One water station is located on the course, accessible at both the 3 mile and 8 mile marks.
Participants are required to adhere to a mandatory kit list due to the winter conditions and nighttime setting. Essential items include a high-quality head torch, trail-specific running shoes, a mobile phone, an emergency foil space blanket, a whistle, and waterproof clothing. Registration occurs at the Newcastle House Hotel, where participants collect race numbers and a neck gaiter.
Distances available:
- 10 miles
Upon completion, all participants receive a non-alcoholic mulled wine or hot chocolate. While prizes are awarded for various age categories from V40 to V70, there are no cut-off times for the event. Free parking is available at Haugh Car Park, located approximately 300 meters from the registration area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Event Info
When Saturday 6th Feb 2027
Where Newcastle House, Rothbury, Northumberland, NE65 7UT
What is the distance? 10 miles. The terrain makes it feel further. It’s very much a case of the first part being a tough uphill and the second back down again.
There will be a large safety team out in the hills to make sure you are looked after no matter what the weather.
How much? Standard Entry: £28 if UKA affiliated. £30 if not. Plus processing fees.
Entry includes a free non-alcoholic mulled wine and/or hot chocolate. There are also prizes on offer as this is part of the Shadowlands Winter Trail Series.
There are no refunds or deferrals available for this event.
Event Schedule
16:00 – Registration opens outside Newcastle House Hotel
17:30 – Registration closes
17:50 – Compulsory Safety Briefing (start line)
18:00 – Start of The Duergar Run
Parking
Free parking is available across the river at Haugh Car Park, which is a 300m walk to Registration.
Haugh Car Park, Whitton Bank Rd, Rothbury, NE65 7SH.
Registration
Please come to Newcastle House Hotel between 4.00pm – 5.30pm to register and collect your race number and your event neck gaiter. If you withdraw from the event at any point after you have registered, please be sure to come and check-out with us before you depart from the event.
What you will need to bring
One of your most important pieces of kit for a nighttime trail run will be a high-quality head torch. Please wear clothing that you are comfortable running in but also suitable for the weather conditions and the significant climatic changes that can take place over the duration of the event at this time of year.
- Off-road trainers/trail shoes.
- Headtorch (check this is fully charged)
- Full body cover (either worn or carried) including waterproof jacket
- Mobile phone. It can be a vital lifeline in an emergency.
- Emergency foil space blanket
- Emergency whistle
- Enough fluid/nutrition for a 10 mile run