Drone Valley Trail Half Marathon

Join us for the the second edition of the Drone Valley Trail Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile race through the stunning Derbyshire countryside. Starting and finishing at the Drone Valley Brewery in Unstone, this trail race takes you on a varied route of forests, fields, hills, and riverside paths — the perfect challenge for anyone training towards their first trail marathon or just looking for a fun challenge.

The race will start promptly at 10:00am.

Registration

Registration opens at 9:15am at the Brewery. 

All runners must sign in and collect their race number, which must be worn visibly on the front throughout the race.

Parking & Access

Please note:

• There is no parking available at the Brewery. 
• Parking is available in the layby a few hundred metres up the road. Click here for directions.

Safety & First Aid

The course is predominantly trail, but there are a number of busy road crossings. The most hazardous crossings will have marshals to guide you safely across, but runners must stay alert at all times.

There will be first aiders present at:

• The start/finish area
• The halfway aid station
• Out on the course

Please bring any medication or personal supplies you may need.

If you need to withdraw from the race, you must inform the Race Director so that all runners are accounted for.

In an emergency:

• Call 999 first.
• Then contact the Race Director, Charlie Knight, on 07905 657959.

Race Details

• The Drone Valley Trail Half Marathon will be run under UK Athletics rules.
• UKA affiliated runners receive a £2 discount on their entry fee.
• Entry costs (Early Bird – available until Sunday 3rd August) :
  • £23 for UKA affiliated runners
  • £25 for unaffiliated runners
• Standard entry (from Monday 4th August):
  • £27 for UKA affiliated runners
  • £29 for unaffiliated runners
• Minimum age: 18 years old
• No dogs permitted.
• Refunds will only be given if the event is cancelled.
• There will be a mass start for all runners at 10:00am.

What’s Included

• High-quality finisher’s medal
• Voucher for a free pint of beer (or non-alcoholic option).
  • Vouchers must be redeemed on race day at the Brewery.
• Light refreshments at the halfway aid station
• First aid cover at key points along the course
• Prizes for first female and male finishers. This year's prize is a runner's advent calendar from local sponsor Bimble and Bolt, packed with all kinds of running-related goodies from energy gels and bars to socks and sweat bands. Find out more here.

The Route

The course features:

• A mix of forest paths, fields, bridleways, and minor roads
• Approximately 1,700 feet of elevation

• Scenic and varied terrain with a few challenging climbs as well as plenty of easily runnable sections

There will be one aid station halfway round the course. Otherwise the route is self-navigated and largely unsupported. You are responsible for your own safety, navigation, and wellbeing.

Runners will receive:

• A GPX file of the route
• A PDF of written race instructions

📥 [Download Drone Valley Trail Half Marathon GPX File (FINAL - Updated 30/09/26)]
📥 [Download Written Race Instructions PDF (FINAL - Updated 30.09/2026)]

Please note:

• The GPX file and written race instructions linked above are now definitive and final as of 30th September 2026. Please note that there have been some route changes from last year, so make sure you are using the latest versions to navigate.

Essential Kit List

For safety reasons, the following kit is mandatory:

• Minimum 1 litre water capacity (bottle or hydration pack)
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm layers
• Emergency blanket
• Whistle
• Emergency snacks
• Charged mobile phone with the Race Director’s number saved (07905 657959) and what3words downloaded