A new distance has been announced for the 2026 Dirt Half Challenge, with organisers introducing a 13.1K Metric Half designed to bridge the gap between 10K and the traditional half marathon. The new race will take place on 7 November in Leighton Buzzard, starting alongside half marathon participants before heading out along the autumn canal towpath.

The traditional Dirt Half Challenge route remains unchanged, beginning in the historic market town before looping through Tiddenfoot Waterside Park and following the Grand Union Canal north through countryside towards Stoke Hammond and Great Brickhill. The course continues through woodland at Rushmere Country Park before returning to Leighton Buzzard for the finish.

Runners in the new metric distance event will follow part of the established course before completing a shorter loop and rejoining the main route later in the race, finishing alongside Dirt Half competitors.

Organisers told us: "The Metric Half is aimed at runners looking to step up in distance without committing to the full 21.1 kilometres, while still experiencing the atmosphere and scenery that have made our event a popular fixture in the regional trail running calendar."

You can also be assured that those taking part in the new metric distance will receive the same finisher’s medal and race rewards as those completing the full half marathon. The only questions is - which distance to choose!

If you'd like to know more, visit the Dirt Half Challenge website.

Image: Dirt Running