Date: Monday 28 December 2026
Location: Meon Valley, Hampshire
Event Type: Trail Race / Ultra
Distance(s): 10K, 30K, 50K & 70K

Winter X is a classic mid-winter trail challenge through the scenic Meon Valley in Hampshire. Inspired by the legendary Winter Cross, the event offers four distances ranging from a relatively accessible 10K trail run to a demanding 70K ultra.

The routes use a mixture of well-established public trails, sections of the South Downs Way and quieter road sections connecting the trails. With a winter setting, varied terrain and the potential for challenging weather conditions, Winter X is an ideal way to round off the year with something a little different.

About the Event

Starting and finishing at Meonstoke Village Hall, Winter X is designed around a series of out-and-back legs through the Meon Valley. Rather than a traditional mass-start race, participants can take advantage of staggered start times, making the event feel more like a personal winter adventure than a conventional road race.

The 10K route heads north along the old railway line towards West Meon before returning to Meonstoke. The longer distances progressively add further sections of the surrounding countryside, including the South Downs Way and routes towards the Sustainability Centre, Holden Farm and Wickham.

The full 70K course combines all four legs, taking runners on a substantial tour of the Meon Valley with approximately 935m of elevation. The 50K and 70K routes both have a 10-hour cut-off.

Distance & Start Times

All distances start and finish at Meonstoke Village Hall, Pound Lane, Southampton, SO32 3NP.

There is no mass start. Start times are staggered between 8:00am and 10:00am, with the 70K runners starting from 8:00am. Participants should wait for a marshal to officially set them off.

• 10K: 10.12km | 77m elevation | 1 checkpoint | £25
• 30K: 32.1km | 499m elevation | 3 checkpoints | £35
• 50K: 52.1km | 832m elevation | 5 checkpoints | 10-hour cut-off | £55
• 70K: 73.3km | 935m elevation | 7 checkpoints | 10-hour cut-off | £55

Walkers are welcome on the 10K and 30K distances.

The Routes

Each distance builds on the previous section of the course:

10K – North Leg
A relatively flat and steady out-and-back along the old railway line towards West Meon.

30K – North & East Legs
Adds the eastern section of the course, following the South Downs Way towards the Sustainability Centre.

50K – North, East & West Legs
Continues further into the South Downs, with the western section following the South Downs Way towards Holden Farm via Beacon Hill.

70K – Full Winter X Course
The ultimate Winter X challenge, combining all four legs and continuing south towards Wickham before returning to Meonstoke.

Included with Entry

• Event merchandise
• Event timing
• Marked course
• Marshal support
• Stocked checkpoints
• Water, snacks and vegan/dairy-free options at checkpoints
• Post-event hot food and drinks
• Homemade cake
• Hot showers at Meonstoke Village Hall
• Unique mini-Boris event memento

Rather than a traditional medal, every participant receives a small rock known as mini-Boris, inspired by the organiser's original 'Boris the Rock' companion from an 86-mile coast-to-coast hike.

Important Information

• Minimum age: 16 for 10K, 18 for 30K, 20 for 50K and 70K.
• The event operates under UKA rules.
• Dogs are not permitted on the course.
• The event is limited to 300 runners and walkers across all distances.
• Race numbers are collected from event HQ on the day.
• Bag drop facilities are available at the village hall.
• Parking is available away from the hall; 2026 arrangements are still to be confirmed.
• There are toilets and showers at Meonstoke Village Hall.
• The course will be marked with arrows and flags, with marshals at key points.
• Participants are encouraged to download the relevant GPX route and familiarise themselves with the course.
• A fully charged mobile phone is mandatory.
• A head torch is required if you expect to be out after 4pm.
• Suitable footwear for potentially muddy and wet winter trail conditions is recommended.
• Waterproofs, warm layers, gloves and additional personal nutrition may be advisable depending on the weather.
• Participants may encounter livestock on parts of the longer routes.

Entry Prices

• 10K: £25 UKA affiliated / £27 unattached
• 30K: £35 UKA affiliated / £37 unattached
• 50K: £55 UKA affiliated / £57 unattached
• 70K: £55 UKA affiliated / £57 unattached

Entries are due to close on Tuesday 22 December 2026, subject to availability.