Solstice at the Lakes 2026

Timed Trail Races: 6HR | 12HR | 24HR | Team Relay
Saturday 20th June – Sunday 21st June 2026
Leybourne Lakes Country Park, Kent

Ever Wondered How Far You Can Go?

Now’s your chance to find out. Set against the backdrop of the summer solstice, Solstice at the Lakes invites you to test your limits on the longest day of the year. As the sun sets over Leybourne Lakes and the stars rise, you’ll discover what you're truly capable of.

This is pure timed trail racing — you versus the clock. There are no hourly cut-offs, no instructions to keep moving at a certain pace, and no one dictating your destiny. This isn’t a backyard ultra — it's your race, your way. Go as far as you can in the time you choose: 6, 12, or 24 hours.

For teams, it’s all about collaboration and strategy. Only one team member is allowed on the course at any time, with your cumulative team distance tracked across the full 24 hours. Hand over the baton and keep the momentum alive — every lap counts.

The Race Formats

24-Hour Race

• Start: 12:00 PM Saturday – Finish: 12:00 PM Sunday

• Format: Solo or Team Relay (up to 4 people)

• Entry Fee: £105 (affiliated) / £107 (unaffiliated)

• Team Entry: £360 per team (max 4 runners)

12-Hour Race

• Start: 6:00 PM Saturday – Finish: 6:00 AM Sunday

• Format: Solo only

• Entry Fee: £65 (affiliated) / £67 (unaffiliated)

6-Hour Races (Two race options)

• Day Race: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Saturday

• Night Race: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM Sunday

• Format: Solo only

• Entry Fee: £40 (affiliated) / £42 (unaffiliated)

£2 from every entry goes to our chosen charity.

What to Expect

The Course

• 2.5km fully marked loop

• Flat, fast, and scenic route

• Mix of well-maintained trail and tarmac

Race Village

• Central hub with food and drink for runners (hot food 6pm / 10pm / 2pm / 6am)

• Toilets, changing areas and rest zones

• Tables and chairs available for rest/support crew

Support & Services

• Official race timing and live lap updates

• Medical team on site throughout the event

• Medal for all runners completing at least one lap

• Podium awards for top 3 Male / Female / Teams - note: podium awards for the 6hrs will be given to the overall winners of the combined events

Parking & Spectators

• Car parking is available in Leybourne Country Park for £5 per 24 hours. If the car park is full, there is residential parking available in Leybourne, just a short distance walk to the start

• Spectators welcome (cafe on-site during opening hours)

Final Distance

• Your final distance is calculated based on your last full lap completed before the end of your chosen race time.

Who Is This For?

• Runners stepping up to their first ultra

• Experienced endurance athletes

• Teams and friends taking on the challenge together

• Night runners and daylight chasers

Be one of the first to take on this exciting new addition to the UK trail running calendar. Whether you’re in it for 6 hours or 24, solo or with a team, Solstice at the Lakes 2026 is your chance to go beyond your limits and become part of something from the very beginning.

Event Rules

• Minimum age to enter is 20 years on race day.

• All runners must check in at registration and wear their bib visibly on the front.

• The course must be completed on foot; no external assistance (including poles) or alternative transportation permitted.

• Runners may be crewed / supported only at the designated support area. No crewing is allowed on the course.

• Runners must not be paced by another runner at any point.

• Runners may rest between laps but must complete at least 1 lap within their race time to be recorded as a finisher and receive a medal.

• Teams may consist of up to 4 people. Only one runner may be on the course at any time.

• Team distance is measured by the total number of completed laps across 24 hours.

• The last lap completed before the official end time counts toward your final distance.

• No littering. This is a cupless event—please bring a reusable cup.

• Runners participating overnight must have a headtorch with sufficient batteries to last the duration of night.

• Respect all park users and follow the marked course.

• Music is allowed with headphones, but please remain aware of your surroundings.

• Any runner withdrawing must inform race control and return their timing chip.

• The race will go ahead in all weather unless deemed unsafe by the organisers.

Register Now

The first edition of Solstice at the Lakes will be one to remember. Be part of the legacy from year one.