Welcome to the Winter Wanderlust Marathon & Ultra Races!

Experience the thrill of the Winter Wanderlust, a marathon or 50km trail adventure through the stunning Kent Downs. Starting in Detling and winding along the iconic North Downs Way to Wye, this December event promises picturesque landscapes, festive cheer, and a generous 10-hour cutoff for all levels of runners. From the solemn Lenham Cross to the dramatic Devil's Kneading Trough, every step offers a journey through history and nature's beauty. Join us for an unforgettable day of exploration, endurance, and the true spirit of adventure. Embrace the challenge and conquer the distance this winter.

Course Description

Get ready to embrace the winter wilderness in this marathon or 50km trail extravaganza, taking you through the stunning landscapes of Kent's North Downs. Starting in the quaint village of Detling, you'll embark on an epic journey along the iconic North Downs Way, winding your way through picturesque countryside and rolling hills to the idyllic village of Wye.

As you traverse the course, you'll encounter a variety of terrain, from rugged trails to scenic pathways, showcasing the beauty of the Kent Downs in all its glory. Keep an eye out for notable landmarks along the way, including the solemn Lenham Cross memorial, the dramatic Devil's Kneading Trough, and the historic ruins of Thurnham Castle.

With a loop through Boxley and the Wye Downs, this race offers a true taste of adventure for trail running enthusiasts. And with the event falling on 22nd December, you can expect a festive atmosphere, adding an extra touch of magic to your race experience.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a newcomer looking for a winter trail challenge, the Winter Wanderlust promises an unforgettable journey through some of Kent's most breathtaking landscapes. Join us for a day of exploration, endurance, and excitement as we embrace the spirit of adventure together.

Included in entry fee

• Finishers medal.

• Tree planted by Ecologi.

• Marked course.

• Live GPS tracking. 

• Medical support throughout the race.

• Two fully stocked aid stations (three for Ultra distance).

• Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male & Female.

Time & Location

The race start is located at the Detling Village Hall, Pilgrims Way, Detling, Kent, ME14 3EY

• Race Start: 09:00 AM (Ultra) | 09:15 AM (Marathon)

• Race Finish: 19:00 PM

Shuttle Bus Transfer Option

There will be a shuttle bus available for runners to transport them back to the start line at the end of the race. Shuttle bus tickets cost £10 per runner and can be purchased when entering the race. The shuttle bus will run at various points during the day and runners may have to wait until the bus is full before it departs. Note - you will not be able to purchase shuttle bus tickets on the day of the race.

Parking

Detling Village Hall does not have a car park for use during the race. Detling village has free street parking available. Please ensure you are considerate to local residents and do not block / obstruct roads or drives. Please also do not park in the car parking bays next to the Cock Horse Inn as these are for pub customers only.

Wye Village Hall has a car park available for runners to use. If the car park is full, please use parking in the surrounding roads. Please ensure you are considerate to local residents and do not block / obstruct roads or drives. Please also do not park in the car park of the Tickled Trout pub as this is for customers only. 

Race Registration

Race registration will open from 7:30am and close at 8:45am. At registration you will be issued your race number, tracker and drop bag luggage label. You must ensure your personal information is written on the back of your race number and leave your drop bag (with attached label) in the designated baggage area.

At the village hall you will have access to toilet and changing facilities, as well as the opportunity to fill your water bottles prior to race start.

The race director will give a final race briefing at 8:45am, before runners line up ready for race start. Please ensure you have registered and are ready to start by this time. There will not be the option to start late or register beyond this time.

Aid Stations

There will be two aid stations on the course approximately 15km apart (Ultra runners will also have access to Detling village hall after 9km). Our amazing and friendly volunteers will welcome you into our aid stations, which will have plenty of food, drinks, and goodies to keep you moving.

Event Rules

• To participate in this event, runners must be at least 18 years old on race day (Marathon) and 20 years old on race day (Ultra)

• Bibs must be visible and secure on the front of your body throughout the entire race.

• Stay on course - any intentional shortcuts will result in disqualification from this and future events.

• The challenge is to complete the race on foot - any use of other transportation will result in disqualification from current and future events.

• No storage of supplies or kit is permitted along the race route.

• Only registered runners are allowed to participate - support crew and pacers are not permitted in this race.

• Runners must check in at all aid stations. Any missed aid stations will result in disqualification.

• Each aid station has a cut off time limit. If a runner has not departed by the cut off time they must hand their race bib to the aid station volunteer and will no longer be eligible for an official time or medal.

• Participants must inform the race director via the official phone number if they decide to withdraw from the race. 

• Runners who withdraw from the race must check in at the closest aid station, return their race number and tracker as soon as possible.

• Dogs are not allowed to run with participants on the course. Breaking this rule will result in disqualification.

• This race has a zero tolerance policy for littering. Any runner found breaking this rule will be disqualified from the race.

• For your safety and enjoyment throughout, please comply with instructions given by the race director, management team and volunteers.

Mandatory Kit

Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times;

• Fully charged mobile phone with the number of the Race Director and Medic stored on it

• Water bottles with a minimum 1ltr capacity

• Waterproof Jacket (min 10,000mm+ and must have sealed seams)

• Survival blanket (1.4 x 2m minimum)

• Primary Headtorch (min 75 lumens)

• Long sleeved base layer

• Warm Hat (beanie or buff)

• Gloves

• Cup (this race is cup less)

There will be mandatory kit checks undertaken throughout the race.

Race Permit

 The race is permitted by the Trail Running Association. Permit Number: TBC. The TRA is an associate member of UK Athletics (UKA). The TRA supports UKA in the management and regulation of trail running, and through this association with UKA, the TRA is able to issue permits to race organisers on behalf of UKA. 

​Other Information

• The route is mainly on shared trails. Runners must be considerate of other users of the path.

• There are some sections of the course that cross busy roads or follows country lanes. Runners must stay vigilant to traffic and only cross when it is safe to do so.

• Runners will have the ability to leave belongings at the Race HQ but do so at their own risk. Baggage labels will be provided and must be always attached to bags.

• At the finish line, runners will have access to toilet, shower and changing facilities. There will also be food and drink available.

• Crews and pacers are not permitted at this race