The Maverick Cotswolds Trail 2027
Saturday 22 May 2027 | Sudeley Castle
Experience the ultimate off-road trail running adventure in the Cotswolds with the Maverick Cotswolds X-Trail - set within Britain’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This is trail running at its most classically British. Rolling green hills, honey-stone villages, ancient woodland, and timeless countryside trails come together to create a course that feels as iconic as it is rewarding. Starting from the historic grounds of Sudeley Castle, this event delivers a true journey through the heart of the northern Cotswolds.
With five carefully crafted route options, there’s a challenge for every runner. From a demanding 50km Ultra for those ready to test full endurance, through a full Marathon and Half Marathon, down to shorter 11km and 7km routes that still capture the spirit of the terrain—each distance is designed to showcase the very best of the region while keeping things unmistakably Maverick.
The routes weave across the Cotswold Way and Winchcombe Way, linking together a rich mix of terrain: flowing bridleways, punchy climbs, ancient woodland trails, and open ridge lines that reveal sweeping views across patchwork farmland and hidden valleys. It’s a landscape that constantly shifts between runnable rhythm and honest effort, rewarding those who embrace the ups and downs.
Expect steep ascents that demand power-hiking, fast descents that open up into long flowing sections, and quiet stretches through villages and countryside that feel untouched by time. Every mile delivers something different—sometimes challenging, always beautiful.
Whether you’re chasing a competitive finish, building early-season strength, or simply immersing yourself in one of the UK’s most picturesque running regions, the Cotswolds X-Trail offers a raw and authentic off-road experience far from the road and pavement.
This is the Cotswolds the Maverick way - timeless landscapes, honest trails, and a properly rewarding day out in the hills.
LOCATION
Sudeley Castle,
Castle Street, Winchcombe,
Gloucestershire,
GL54 5LP
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ROUTES
50k Ultra: 50 km
Marathon: 42 km
Half Marathon: 23 km
Middle: 11 km
Short: 7 km
See Route Info
DETAILS
Registration:
Ultra: 07:30 - 08:45am
Marathon: 08:30 - 09:15am
Half Marathon: 09:00 - 09:45am
Middle & Short: 09:30 - 10:15am
Start time:
Ultra route: 09:00
Marathon route: 09:30am
Half Marathon route: 10:00am
Middle & Short route: 10:30am
DIFFICULTY
Hard-packed well, established trails with some steeper hills. Suitable for all levels.
About our ratings
Entry Price
Enter any 3 races from any series, or 3 entries into this event, and get 20% off
50k Ultra
- $122.91/pp
Marathon
- $109.10/pp
Half Marathon
- $67.67/pp
Middle
- $53.86/pp
Short
- $40.05/pp
Online entry closes on Wednesday 19th May 2027 at 11:00am.
The Routes
Choose your route carefully. The distance and elevation gain should give you some indication as to how easy/hard each route is, as well as showing you where the tougher climbs are.
Official Retail Partner of Maverick Race
Pro:Direct Running and Maverick Race are collaboratively working together to bring a curated and guided range of the best Trail running products to Maverick runners. With Trail races varying in distances from 5 km up to 102 km, whether you are new to Trail or an experienced Ultra runner, Pro:Direct Running has a substantial selection of footwear, clothing, accessories and nutrition for whatever your needs across these distances and trail terrains.
What you get
More Information
As a guide you should always:
• Follow the on course signage
• Listen to on course marshals
• Take care when crossing roads
• Be considerate to others
• Please close all gates, DO NOT litter!
CUTOFF TIMES
The Cotswolds cut off time for the Ultra & Marathon route is 17:30 , which results in a finish time of 8hrs30 for the Ultra and 8hrs for the Long. The cut off time for each water/food stop is given below:
50k ULTRA Cut Off Times:
START - Sudeley Castle - 09:00
OP1 - 9km - 10:30
OP2 - 16km - 11:40
OP3 - Snowshill - 27.5km - 13:35
OP4 - Stanton Village Club - 41km - 15:45
FINISH - Sudeley Castle - 51km - 17:30
MARATHON Cut Off Times:
START - Sudeley Castle - 09:30
OP1 - 9km - 11:10
OP2 - 16km - 12:25
OP3 - Snowshill - 27.5km - 13:35
OP4 - Stanton Village Club - 33km - 14:35
FINISH - Sudeley Castle - 43km - 17:30
OUTPOSTS
The outposts are designed to act as a top up for what you are already carrying. There will be a range of sweet & savoury snacks (fruit, cake, crisps) as well as gels and electrolyte drink.
PLASTIC FREE
In an effort to keep our trails clean and preserve the nature around us, we’re aiming to keep our outposts cup-free. Please bring a cup or bottle to refill. Speed Cups are available to purchase at each event and online.
HEADPHONES
We strongly recommend not wearing headphones at this event, but if you do want to listen to your tunes whilst on the trials, we recommend bone conduction headphones.
TRANSFERS
If you need to transfer out from this event, you can do this via your Let's Do This account. You can't transfer if the event has sold out. The last day to transfer out of an event is the Monday before event day (5 days before the event). Please refer to our Terms & Conditions to read more about Transfers.
Essential Items
TRY TO PACK:
We strongly recommend that ALL runners, regardless of route, carry at least 1 litre of water, a raincoat, a foil blanket & a mobile phone.
These items are mandatory for the Half Marathon route:
Minimum of 1 Litre of water
These items are mandatory for the 50k Ultra and Marathon routes:
Waterproof jacket
Mobile phone (in case of emergency)
800 Calories (equivalent of 2 bars and 2 gels)
Minimum of 1 litre of water
Foil blanket
Whistle
Self adhering elastic bandage
Cap or buff
A re-usable cup
GPX of the route (on watch or phone (IOS / Andriod)
Getting to the Race
By Car
Free parking at the venue.
Free parking at the venue.
By Train
Nearest Train Station: Cheltenham Spa (25 min drive from start venue)
Southern Railway: London Paddington - Cheltenham Spa
Journey Time: Approx 2hr 15mins
Nearest Train Station: Cheltenham Spa (25 min drive from start venue)
Southern Railway: London Paddington - Cheltenham Spa
Journey Time: Approx 2hr 15mins
By Taxi
Dial a Cab
01242 242424
Dial a Cab
01242 242424
