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The ‘New’ Route will be used again in 2026 staying mainly on the Longshaw estate
Distance = 7.1km (4.4miles) with 237m (777ft) of climb (BS)
The race takes place from within the Longshaw Sheepdog Trials event. Entry to the race grants entry to the event but any spectators not entered into the race will need to purchase a ticket either on the gate or in advance here. The majority of the route is on public access ground and there are plenty of places to watch from outside the sheepdog event.
The 2026 event will be held on Saturday 5th September at 10.30 am. Pre-entry, £7.50, limited to 200 runners. Entries are open to all runners over the age of 16 on the day of the race.
DPFR’s race privacy statement re entry information can be found here.
Registration opens at 9am.
This race is held under FRA Rules and runners must familiarize themselves with and comply with the FRA Rules for Runners (see below)
It is mandatory to wear fell or trail shoes. Road running shoes are not suitable for this race given the very rocky and boggy terrain. Entrants wearing road shoes will not be allowed to race.
Otherwise, the kit runners are required to carry is at the discretion of the Race Organiser, depending on the weather conditions. All runners should be prepared for the requirement to bring FRA Best Practice kit if the weather is bad. A decision will be made on the evening or possibly before. If the weather is good, there will be no mandatory kit requirement - as has been the case in recent years.
FRA Best Practice Kit is waterproof whole body cover (taped seams and attached hood) + hat + gloves + map + compass + whistle + emergency food.
If there is a kit requirement then mandatory kit inspections may be performed on race day and you will not be admitted to start the race unless you have passed this inspection. A further check may be undertaken on completion of the race – anyone completing the race without the required kit will be disqualified and reported to the FRA.
Your race number must not be folded or cut down and, at the start, all checkpoints and the finish, must be clearly visible on your chest.
Longshaw Sheepdog Trials is a fell race (not a trail race) and is run under FRA licence.
Please ensure you have read and understand the FRA Requirements for Runners 2024.
Whilst relatively straightforward, the route contains sections of challenging rocky and boggy terrain, and three small river crossings. Runners must be confident of their ability to navigate and complete the route safely. It is imperative that you know what you are letting yourself in for.
The FRA highlight that it is prohibited to race with someone else’s number and to use GPS (or equivalent) for navigation or fixing position. If you retire you must report to the Race Organiser.
The event could not happen without the support of the FRA who provide insurance for the event allowing it to go ahead. We anticipate many or our participants are members. but if you are not a member please consider joining. FRA members provide many events each year and it is only possible with the support of participants who are also members. Join the FRA here.
The 2026 route tours the best parts of the Longshaw Estate and Grindleford Valley with fewer road crossings. IT is very slightly shorter and less climb overall but some tricky descents and tough ascents.
