King Offa's Dyke Race
August 28th 2026
and The Mercian Challenge
Offa's Dyke is Britain's longest historic monument
Offa's Dyke is an impressive historical defence earthwork. Constructed with hand tools at the command of King Offa, it separated the ancient kingdom of Mercia from Wales. Today much of the Dyke still sits on the border of England and Wales.
Race History
In 2016, Beyond Marathon Ltd created the iconic biennial races. 2026 will be the 6th edition
Toss a coin to your runner.....
180 miles
Offa's Dyke Race
Starting near Chepstow, at the cliff-edge of the South Coast of Wales, a rock marks the start of the national trail. It's twin, lies in Prestatyn on the North Coast. At Chepstow you'll be given a King Offa coin which you must keep safe, to exchange it for your 180-mile award in Prestatyn. If you lose the coin, you'll lack the means of payment for your award. Keep it safe
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or the epic Mercian
100 Miles
The Mercian Challenge
Also starting near Chepstow, at the cliff-edge of the South Coast of Wales, a rock marks the start of the national trail. You'll be given a King Offa Coin where you must keep it sage to exchange it for your 100-mile award in Montgomery. If you lose the coin, you'll lack the means of payment for your award. Keep it safe
Registration
100
Participants (limit)
You arrive on Friday afternoon at registration in Sedburgh. After passing mandatory kit-check you will receive you bib, and your Track Trail® GPS Tracker. There is a little time to get to know the other participants before the formal race briefing is delivered. Then you'll gather your pack, as well as your thoughts, as you walk to the cliffs as Sedburgh.
The Journey begins..
On the cliffs at Sedbury, overlooking the Severn Bridge, collect your coin, touch the stone that marks the start of the trail and begin
Chepstow, Monmouth, Wern Gifford
You will soon pass Chepstow castle. The path then follows the River Wye, much of it through forest, for 18 miles to reach Monmouth and our indoor checkpoint just after crossing the famous Monnow Bridge. You then strike West then North West for 17 miles, passing Whitecastle which will be lit up at night as you pass, onward to the village of Wern Gifford and indoor checkpoint 2.
The first day and (k)night
Though you'll first have to take on the Black Mountain. An 8-mile ridge, tackled through the early hours and morning towards, up to the highest point on the route, Twyn Llech (704m), before a welcomed descent into the famous town of books, Hay on Wye. There you'll enjoy a hot breakfast, cereal, tea and coffee and perhaps forty winks.
Dawn Breaks..and breakfast served
It's flat, but not for long...
Departing from Mongomery soon brings a climb to Beacon Hill ring, before a descent and then 10 miles in the flat plain between Welshpool and next CP Llanymynech. It is straight back to hills as you leave Llanymynech and head on to Chirk, through the grounds of the famous castle, then onto Froncysyllte, where you can opt to cross the world heritage pontcysyllte aqueduct. Next are some spectacular skree landscapes as you skirt Llangollen, and head through the popular mountain bike forest into our campsite checkpoint near Llandegla