Forest of Dean 55km Ultra Marathon

The Forest of Dean Ultra Marathon is a 55 km self-navigated trail ultra through the very best of the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, starting and finishing at Beechenhurst.

The circular route takes in technical single track, wide forest roads and open stretches beside the River Wye. From Beechenhurst it heads out to Symonds Yat Rock and its trig point, drops to the river, then climbs to the Buck Stone, the highest point at 279 m. The second half runs through deep forest past Cannop Ponds, Wenchford and around Mallards Pike lake, before heading downhill all the way home. In total there is just under 1,300 metres of climbing.

Four well-stocked aid stations – Symonds Yat, Berry Hill Hut, Wenchford and Mallards Pike – offer water, electrolytes, snacks and real food, including vegan options, with proper toilets at every one. New for 2027, the halfway checkpoint at Berry Hill Hut has full indoor facilities and hot food and drinks. Support crews are welcome at every checkpoint.

Runners have 10 hours to finish, from the 8 am start to the 6 pm cut-off. The route is followed using a GPX file on a phone or watch, and there are male, female and canicross categories – runners with dogs have their own start at 7:55 am.

Entry includes qualified race and medical staff on the course, free race photos from event photographer Alun Richardson and team, a unique finisher's medal, race merchandise and a runner's speed cup. Sports massages are available after the finish.

Beechenhurst makes a great race HQ, with a big car park, toilets, a café open from 6 am and plenty for family and friends to do while they wait, including the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.

Race day: registration on Friday 8 October from 4 to 6 pm or on race morning from 6 to 7:20 am, race briefing 7:40 am, start 8 am, finish cut-off 6 pm.

Entry is £90 (£75 + VAT). 230 runners took part in 2026, and runners regularly praise the organisation, aid stations and atmosphere. Parking at Beechenhurst is £9 for the day.

The race is organised by Dave Talbot – Adventure Events in partnership with Forestry England, and a percentage of every entry goes to Forestry England to help look after the forest.