The Shropshire Way 80K Festival 2026 is a landmark trail running and walking festival set in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Organised by the charity Grow Cook Learn, based at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, the event offers multiple distance options including an 80 km ultra, a trail marathon, a half-marathon distance and a 10K fun run. The route takes in ancient hillforts, rugged ridgelines, woodland and river valleys — delivering an enduring off-road experience.

Key Details

• Date & Time
  Saturday, 18 April 2026 — festival day for all distances.

• Location
  Start and finish: Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, School Road, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9RS. 

• Event Types

  • 80 km ultra around the Shropshire Way (~2,000 m+ elevation) (24-hour limit)

  • Trail Marathon (“Mammothon”) ~42 km (12-hour limit)

  • Half-Mammothon ~21 km (6-hour limit)

  • Tusker 10K trail run/walk ~10 km (4-hour limit)

• Organiser / Charity
  Grow Cook Learn (charity operating the Discovery Centre) – the festival serves as a fundraiser for its educational work.

Race Description

The routes traverse some of the most dramatic terrain in the Shropshire Hills—taking in ridges such as Wenlock Edge, the Long Mynd, the jagged Stiperstones ridge, and woodland valleys, along sections of the historic Offa’s Dyke Path. Elevation is substantial and navigation demands are present, particularly for the longer distances. The atmosphere blends serious trail challenge with local food, community support and sweeping countryside views. 

What’s Included

• Check-point support, hot meals and refreshments at intervals and at the finish.

• Entry includes memento/finishers item (specifics vary by distance). 

• Clearly communicated kit list and route GPX for entrants; route marking limited, especially for ultra event.

Additional Information

• Minimum Age: Entrants must be aged 18 or over for all distances.

• Navigation & Kit: Especially for the 80 km ultra, navigation skills are required; for all events a kit list will be provided.

• Time Limits & Terrain: Ultra – 24 hours; Marathon – 12 hours; Half – 6 hours; 10K – 4 hours. Terrain is trail, hills and open moorland.

• Fundraising / Charity Aspect: Event supports Grow Cook Learn’s education programmes, connecting children and the public to the landscape and food-growth heritage of the area.

Sign Up Now

If you’re ready to test yourself in the hills and trails of Shropshire, the Shropshire Way 80K Festival 2026 on Saturday, 18 April offers distances for every ambition — from the full 80 km ultra to a 10 km trail run. Places are limited; register early and start your trail preparation.