Dirt Half Challenge

The Dirt Half Challenge takes place on 7 November 2026 at Linslade, in the UK. It is a single trail half marathon over 21.1 km, starting at 10am. The route sets off from Leighton Buzzard and follows the canal towpath north to Stoke Hammond, then climbs through the countryside to Great Brickhill, crosses Stockgrove Country Park and runs along the Greensand Ridge before returning to the start via the towpath.

The shape of the course is clear: a flat opening section beside the canal, a hilly block in the middle and a fast run back. That layout is a good reason not to get carried away over the very easy first kilometres, so as to keep something in reserve for the climb. Shoes suited to muddy ground are advisable at this time of year, as the towpath and ridge paths deteriorate quickly in autumn.