The Maverick Cotswolds Trail 2026
Saturday 16 May 2026 | Sudeley Castle
This event has sold out. On the day entries will NOT be accepted.
Back for the 11th year in the Cotswold Hills, Britain’s biggest AONB, as well as the most quintessentially English place we’ve ever seen. Leaving from the grand Sudeley Castle in the heart of the Cotswold Hills and set in 1200 acres of estate land, this won’t be a walk in the park.
All routes start at the Tudor Castle and take you straight out onto the trails. The routes join multiple different Long Distance Paths, including the Winchcombe, Gloucestershire and Cotswold Way. All courses will take you on a rolling adventure showcasing the hidden gems of the northern Cotswolds.
Whichever route you choose, you will be sure to experience undulating terrain through picturesque villages, breathtaking countryside and even past famous ancient sites. Whether you are an experienced trail runner or just starting out, these routes will challenge, excite and reward you. Whilst you may have to slow to a power hike up some of the hills, you will have more time to take in the surrounding scenery. We even encourage you to stop and catch your breath as you look out across the green pastures of the Cotswold valleys.
This event has sold out. On the day entries will NOT be accepted.
LOCATION
Sudeley Castle,
Castle Street, Winchcombe,
Gloucestershire,
GL54 5LP
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ROUTES
50k Ultra: 51 km
Marathon: 43 km
Half Marathon: 22 km
Middle: 15 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.
More Info
The Route
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 Marathon. There is no flexibility on cut off times. If you arrive at the outpost after the cut off time, you will be taken back to the finish venue, this is a non-negotiable. You must leave the outpost before the cut off time.
The cut off time for each outpost (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 - 11:00
OP2 - 16km - 12:10
OP3 - Snowshill - 27.5km - 14:05
OP4 - Stanton Village Club - 33km - 15:45
FINISH - Sudeley Castle - 43km - 17:30
OUTPOSTS
There will be no outpost on the Short route. There will be 1 outpost on the Middle route (at approx 9km). There will be 2 outposts on the Half Marathon route (at approx 9km and 16km). There will be 4 outposts on the 50k Ultra & Marathon route (see above). 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 drinks.
Please note all outposts are NOT suitable for spectators, except OP4 on the Ultra & Marathon routes.
There will be toilets at the start/finish area and at OP4 on the Ultra & Long routes.
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.
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Essential Items
PLEASE 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 reusable cup
GPX of the route (on watch or phone (IOS / Andriod)
Getting to the Race
By Car
Free parking at the venue. If you're looking to share transport you can message other runners here.
Free parking at the venue. If you're looking to share transport you can message other runners here.
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
