2026 Houghton Trail Event is open for registration

Hello and welcome to The Houghton Trail Event, an annual cross country running, canicross and cycling event that has been taking place each Spring in Houghton Hampshire UK for over twenty years.

All the proceeds raised by the event are donated to the Houghton All Saints Church, and the Houghton Village Hall. plus other local charities that support members of the community of Houghton & Bossington. The event attracts over 600 people turning up on the day come rain or shine!

Although rated as 'non-competitive' there are those who understandably like to cross the line first! We record and publish the times for all competitors and hand out mementos to all finishers. We like to make it as enjoyable for competitors as we can and welcome your feedback for improvement.

• The event is a fun community event. All marshals and organisers are volunteers, and we ask participants to respect this. Any abuse or poor behaviour towards marshals will not be tolerated.
• This year’s price increase is due to feedback from last year’s event, where entrants preferred medals. We are working to provide eco‑friendly medals where possible.
• It was brought to our attention last year that several cyclists undertook dangerous manoeuvres and failed to stop at junctions, nearly causing accidents. From this year onward, any entrant found not abiding by the Highway Code — including stopping at junctions — will be disqualified and refused entry to future events.

There are five events to choose from that are all mainly off-road and well marshaled. Water is on hand at the start and finish with drink stations at 5km and 9km along the 11K run. The routes are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs and all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The 11k Trail Run/11K Canicross Run

These events are situated in the beautiful Test valley, with a stunning section of bluebells at around 6km. It is mainly off-road reasonable terrain, with only a couple of areas where it is rutted. Being a little longer than the standard 10K run, this attracts middle and long distance runners as well as fun runners and walkers. The run joins the Test Way around 8/9Km and The Clarendon Way at around 10Km, crossing the River Test several times in the process.

There are two variants to choose from; the regular 11k and 11k Canicross for runner with dogs. Both take the same route but start at different times and the results for each are listed separately. Water is supplied for dogs and humans at drink stations throughout the trail and dogs can also drink at the river crossings.

The 14k and 32k Cycle Rides

The 4k Fun Run