Merrell Cannock Chase Challenge 2027

Three Distances. One Incredible Location. Your Challenge Awaits.

10KM | HALF MARATHON | MARATHON | MARATHON RELAY

Welcome to the Merrell Cannock Chase Challenge 2027 — where stunning forest trails, challenging climbs and a proper sense of adventure come together for an unforgettable day of trail running.

Formerly known as the Cannock Chase Half Trail Marathon, the event has grown into something bigger and better, with the support of our headline sponsor, Merrell.

Set in the heart of the spectacular Cannock Chase National Landscape, we're offering four ways to take on the challenge. Whether you're stepping away from the road for your first trail race, chasing a new personal achievement or looking to test your limits over the full marathon distance, there's a challenge waiting for you.

This isn't just another run through the forest.

We've designed our courses to explore the very best of Cannock Chase. Forget endless miles of predictable fire roads. Expect twisting woodland singletrack, flowing descents, punchy climbs, open heathland and hidden trails that show off this incredible location at its very best.

It's challenging, it's rewarding and, most importantly, it's great fun.

Choose Your Challenge

10KM – The Perfect Introduction to Trail Racing

One Lap | 100% Off-Road | £17.50 (New lower price than 2026 price)

Don't be fooled by the distance. Our 10km course packs plenty of adventure into a single lap.

Combining winding woodland trails, hard-packed forest tracks and a healthy helping of climbs and descents, this is a course with very little flat running!

It's the perfect introduction for anyone looking to experience their first proper trail race, while offering more experienced runners the opportunity to push the pace on an exciting and varied course.

Short, sharp and seriously good fun.

Half Marathon – The Original Cannock Chase Challenge

13.1 Miles | One Lap | 100% Off-Road | £25

The distance that started it all.

Our Half Marathon is the heart of the Merrell Cannock Chase Challenge, offering a unique single-lap adventure through some of Cannock Chase's finest trails.

Over 13.1 miles, you'll tackle rolling forest tracks, twisting singletrack, long climbs and fast descents, with the landscape changing constantly as you explore the Chase.

There are no repeated laps and certainly no boring stretches of road. Just you, the trails and a course that will keep you working all the way to the finish.

One lap. Plenty of climbing. A real sense of achievement.

Marathon – The Ultimate Test

26.2 Miles | Two Laps | 100% Off-Road | £35 (New lower price than 2026 price)

Ready to go the distance?

Our full Marathon takes everything that makes the Half Marathon special and doubles it.

Two laps of our spectacular 13.1-mile route deliver 26.2 miles of challenging terrain, demanding climbs and rewarding trails.

This isn't a marathon designed for chasing a road PB. It's a proper off-road endurance challenge, where pacing, determination and a little mental toughness are just as important as fitness.

Crossing that finish line is going to feel pretty special.

A tough challenge. An incredible adventure. An achievement worth celebrating.

Marathon Relay – Share the Adventure

26.2 Miles | Teams of Two | £40 Per Team

Want the marathon experience without having to tackle all 26.2 miles yourself?

The Marathon Relay is back!

Grab a friend, family member or training partner and take on the challenge together. Each runner completes one 13.1-mile lap, with a changeover at the start/finish arena.

Teams can be made up of any combination of genders, making this a fantastic way to share the challenge and enjoy the atmosphere together.

Two runners. One marathon. Twice the encouragement.

What Makes This Event Special?

There's no shortage of places to run on Cannock Chase, but we believe a great trail race should offer something a little different.

Our courses have been carefully planned to take runners beyond the obvious routes, mixing accessible forest tracks with some of the area's best natural trails.

You'll experience everything from peaceful woodland and flowing singletrack to exposed heathland and challenging climbs. It's a constantly changing course that rewards effort and keeps things interesting from start to finish.

And while the running is undoubtedly challenging, the atmosphere is anything but intimidating.

We're proud of our friendly, inclusive approach to events. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner, taking on your first half marathon or simply giving yourself a new goal, you'll receive the same encouragement and support.

Big challenges. Great trails. Friendly faces. That's what the Merrell Cannock Chase Challenge is all about.

Event Information

Marathon Cut-Off: Runners must begin their second lap within 3 hours 30 minutes of the race start.

Entry Fees

On-the-day entries are subject to availability.

Places are strictly limited to 500 runners across the event.

We recommend entering early to secure your place and avoid disappointment.

Event Timetable

Late entries will only be available if the event has not sold out. Additional prize presentations will take place approximately 30 minutes after the relevant podium finishers have crossed the line.

Age Restrictions

Runners under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign on their behalf.

The Course – Not Your Average Trail Race

Expect climbs. Expect variety. Expect to earn that finish line.

Starting and finishing at Tackeroo Campsite, our Half Marathon course uses a figure-of-eight layout to explore some of the finest off-road terrain Cannock Chase has to offer.

It's a challenging course, with very little easy running, but one that rewards your effort with fantastic scenery, exciting trails and plenty of variety.

What to Expect

The adventure begins as you leave the event arena and head straight into the forest.

After an opening loop, you'll return close to the arena before enjoying a brilliant mile-long singletrack descent into the valley. Of course, what goes down must come back up, and a steady climb brings you back towards the first feed station.

From here, the route heads out in the opposite direction, winding through dense woodland and following a mix of flowing trails and forest tracks.

A long climb takes you onto higher ground and towards the halfway point before the course opens up again.

The next section leads into Brindley Heath, where the landscape changes to a stunning mix of open heathland, woodland and streams.

As the miles tick by, you'll begin working your way back towards the event arena, passing the 10-mile point and another opportunity to hear some encouragement from the spectators.

There's still a final singletrack loop to tackle before the finish line comes into view.

And if you're racing the Marathon? You'll get to enjoy it all over again!

Terrain & Footwear

The entire event is off-road, with a combination of hard stone tracks, natural forest trails, singletrack and uneven ground.

Conditions can vary depending on the weather, with muddy and slippery sections possible.

We strongly recommend wearing proper trail running shoes with good grip.

Spectators – Bring Your Support Crew!

One of the best things about our course is how spectator-friendly it is.

Our figure-of-eight Half Marathon route regularly returns close to the event arena, so friends and family can see runners multiple times without having to trek miles through the forest.

There are great viewing opportunities at the start, around the 1-mile and 3-mile points, near 10 miles and, of course, at the finish.

That means plenty of opportunities for encouragement, photographs and perhaps a little friendly heckling!

Spectator entry and parking are completely free.

So bring your friends, family and biggest supporters along. The more encouragement on the course, the better the atmosphere for everyone.

Prizes, Medals & Finisher Goodies

Everybody who crosses the finish line deserves something to celebrate.

All finishers will receive an event medal and goodie bag, along with access to free downloadable photographs from our official event photographer.

Thanks to the fantastic support of Merrell and Run & Ride, we'll also have some great prizes up for grabs.

Our prize categories include 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female finishers, along with first Veteran Male and Female awards.

We'll also be giving away a selection of spot prizes, recognising some of the runners who really embrace the spirit of the event.

Because it's not always about being the fastest!

Event Merchandise

Want something extra to remember your challenge?

Official event merchandise will be available to pre-order when entering.

All merchandise orders will be shipped ahead of the event, so you can arrive ready to show off your race kit.

Getting Here & Race Day Arrival

Our event headquarters is based at Tackeroo Campsite, Cannock Chase, with free parking close to the start/finish arena.

On arrival, simply follow the event signs from Penkridge Bank towards the designated parking area. Our marshals will be on hand to direct you.

Parking is approximately 100 metres from the arena, making access easy for runners and spectators alike.

We recommend arriving at least one hour before your race start to allow plenty of time to park, collect your number, warm up and get ready.

Race Number Collection

Race numbers are collected on the day, with sign-on opening at 8:30am.

Simply find your details in the appropriate race category and sign to confirm your entry.

Runners under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf.

Bag Storage & Facilities

A bag storage area will be available for clothing, keys and personal belongings.

Toilets and catering facilities will also be available at the event arena.

Cannock Chase can be exposed in places, so please come prepared for the conditions. We recommend bringing warm clothing and a windproof jacket for before and after your run.

Camping

Want to make a weekend of it?

Camping is available at Tackeroo on both Friday and Saturday evenings, ideal for anyone travelling from further afield or wanting to enjoy a little more time exploring Cannock Chase.

Results & Event Photos

We'll be publishing full race results online from the Monday following the event.

Our official event photographer will be capturing the action throughout the day, with photographs available to download completely free of charge.

Links to results and event photos will be shared on our Facebook page.

Cancellations, Transfers & Entry Changes

We understand that plans can change, so we've tried to make managing your entry as straightforward as possible.

Cancellations can be processed up to two weeks before the event, subject to a £5 administration fee.

You can also manage your entry through your online account, including changing race categories or transferring your place to another runner.

Entry transfers are subject to a £1 administration charge.

Please note that no refunds, cancellations or entry changes can be processed within two weeks of the event.

Ready to Take on the Challenge?

Whether it's your first 10km trail race, your next half marathon, a full marathon adventure or a shared challenge with a teammate, the Merrell Cannock Chase Challenge 2027 promises fantastic trails, a brilliant atmosphere and a finish line you'll be proud to cross.

Come for the challenge. Stay for the atmosphere. Leave with a story worth telling.

500 places available. Four ways to take part. One unforgettable day on Cannock Chase.

ENTER NOW – TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE!