Few Half Marathons can offer a start line quite like Housesteads Roman Fort. On Sunday 11 October, runners will gather beside Hadrian's Wall for a 13.5 mile journey combining challenging trails, Roman history and a contrasting flat finish beside the River Tyne.

The Hadrian's Wall Half Marathon Run reaches its sixth edition in 2026, with Wild Deer Events staging the point to point race from Housesteads to Tyne Green Country Park in Hexham.

From the World Heritage setting of Housesteads Roman Fort, runners follow the Hadrian's Wall Trail Path for approximately six miles through the Northumberland landscape. The route then descends towards Newbrough, passes through woodland and eventually reaches the Tyne Riverside Trail Path.

Here the character of the race changes considerably. The final five miles are flat, allowing runners to find a stronger rhythm as they head towards Hexham and the finish at Tyne Green Country Park.

As an A to B race, participants can book a shuttle bus to Housesteads or arrange their own drop-off, while bags left at registration are transported to the finish. Staggered starts between 9.00am and 11.00am help reduce congestion and protect the historic surroundings.

Live chip timing is provided by Timing Up North, while finishers receive an event T shirt, medal and snack. The race is also cani-cross friendly, with one well-controlled dog permitted per runner.

Walkers get their opportunity to complete the same 13.5 mile journey on Saturday 10 October, before the runners take over on Sunday. The 2026 event will also support Heel and Toe Children's Charity.

For runners looking beyond a conventional road Half Marathon, the combination of Roman history, Northumberland scenery and a journey from Hadrian's Wall to the banks of the Tyne gives this race an identity all of its own.

Entries are still available via the runABC race hub here.

Image courtesy Pixabay.