Why we support it
A classic early-season half marathon, now with a 10K option. It’s an excellent community event from Baildon Runners, well worth a Sunday in April, and one we’re proud to support.
The route
The route links lots of excellent terrain: footpath trails, muddy forest sections, canal towpath, and the climb up Shipley Glen onto Baildon Moor. It’s a full menu to keep you entertained.
It’s one undulating lap, fully marked and marshalled. The 10K starts downhill, runs through woodland, road and trails, then climbs back to the finish.
Watch out for
- Firm ground. The towpath and the first sections are firm underfoot. If your knees need cushioning, don’t go all out on uncushioned mud shoes.
- The climb. Save something for Shipley Glen and the moor.
- Half marathon cut-off. You need to reach 8.7 miles within 2 hours 30 minutes.
- A cup. Bring a reusable folding cup, as the event has no single-use plastic.
Our shoe picks
Go for a moderate to heavy trail shoe with cushioning. There’s a lot of firm ground, especially if it’s been dry, and only a few genuinely muddy sections, which aren’t worth the compromise of mud shoes on the rest of the course.
Hoka Speedgoat 7
Cushioned all-rounder with deep lugs.
Altra Experience Wild 3+
Cushioned trail shoe with a roomy toe box.
Hoka Mafate 5
Big cushioning with an aggressive grip.
VJ MAXx 2
Cushioned, with VJ grip for the muddy patches.
Saucony Xodus Ultra 4
Well-cushioned trail shoe for longer distances.
Saucony Ride TR3
Comfortable, cushioned trail shoe for mixed ground.
Men's and women's in store in Otley
In a dry year, a lighter road-to-trail shoe works well. If you’re into zero drop, the Lone Peak is the one:
Hoka Challenger 8
Road-to-trail shoe. Ideal in a dry year.
Brooks Ghost Trail
Smooth and cushioned. Best when it is dry.
Altra Lone Peak 9+
Zero drop with a wide toe box.
Not sure which suits you? Come into the shop in Otley and we’ll help you choose.
Race day
- Race HQ: Baildon Rugby & Cricket Sports Club, Heygate Lane, off Jenny Lane, Baildon BD17 6RS. Toilets, changing rooms and showers, with food and drink afterwards.
- Entry: half £25 affiliated, £27 unaffiliated; 10K £21 or £23. Ages 17 and over, limited to 500 places. No entries on the day; entries close at 15:00 on 3 April.
- Extras: a T-shirt if you enter by 31 January 2027, and a memento for every finisher.
Details from the organiser’s entry page. Always check it for the latest information before you travel.
← Back to the race calendar
