The Otmoor Challenge 2026  - Half Marathon and 10k

The Otmoor Challenge has been running for over 40 years and raises funds for local charities, organisations and causes such as the village church, Beckley C of E School, local interest groups,youth groups and village hall.

The half-marathon route consists of 6 miles of quiet country roads and just over 7 miles of off-road sections including stiles, fields,  uneven footpaths and bridleways, and one demanding hill at the 10 mile point at Beckley. The route circumnavigates Otmoor, a large RSPB conservation area, via 7 villages - historically described as "The Seven Towns of Otmoor".

The 10k route starts and finishes alongside the Half and goes through the village and then joins the 5 mile walk route across fields and the back of the shooting range before joining the Half route at the infamous hill to Beckley. This will be muddy and boggy if the course is wet. The route takes in livestock fields so will be rutted and uneven. 

WALKERS - no pre registration - sign up on the day - start from 8.30

Livestock has been request to be moved for the event but farmers are very busy so this is not always possible. 

General Info and conditions

Subject to change - Run Start Half 10am,  10k - 10.30  Registration will close at 9.30am for Half and 10am for the 10k.  Please allow plenty of time to collect bib on the day. Walkers can start from 8.30 (no need to wait)

Bib Collection on day - no race packs will be sent out in advance. 

Medals - All finishers of the 10k and Half Marathon receive a medal

Location - Millennium Village Hall, Straight Mile, Horton-cum-Studley, OX33 1AD.

Please be careful turning - cars accelerate when leaving the village and are faster than they appear.

Parking, toilets and changing facilities are available. 

There is no bag drop - belongings can be left in the hall but no liability is accepted by the organisers. We would suggest leaving anything valuable at home or taking it with you.

Cut off - Strict 3hr cut off , due to logistics and volunteer timing we will be enforcing this in 2026

Entries may be available on the day but this is subject to availability and no guarantee of this. Entry numbers are limited.

Age - Minimum Age for runners  is 17+ for Half Marathon and 15+ for 10k - this inline with UKA rules. No exceptions

Refunds - we do not normally offer refunds after entrance is paid - see below

Distance - this is a multi-terrain race of Half Marathon and 10k, route is as near to the distance as possible in line with UKA guidance. 

Race awards are awarded from the Gun Time. see website for previous year categories under results

Runners must obey marshals at all times, the run does take place on open roads and the highway code applies and runners are expected to follow this and marshals as a condition of entry. Any runners not adhering to instruction by marshals or the highway code may be disqualified. 

The run also takes place on public footpaths - there maybe walkers on the route. Please be courteous and give a friendly shout if you are approaching and need to get past. Walkers will be briefed that runners are on course.

Race is being run in accordance with UKA Rules - Licence ID: TBC

We will send a confirmation email the week before the run confirming details.

Entries cannot be exchanged or refunded. 

Personal arrangements including travel, accommodation or hospitality relating to the Event which have been arranged by you are at your own risk. Liability for the cancellation or rescheduling of an Event will be limited to the refund as set out in these terms and conditions. We will not be responsible for any loss, theft or damage of your personal belongings, other than caused as a result of our negligence or other breach of statutory duty.

otmoorchallenge.com