Join us at the Castles Trail 30km in 2026!
Launching in 2026 as part of the Three Castles 50km Ultra weekend, the Castle Trail 30km offers runners a chance to soak up the atmosphere of Kents premier trail event, without tackling the full ultra distance.
This point-to-point race is perfect for those building towards an ultra, looking to test themselves in the shorter format, or simply wanting a beautiful day out on the trails. With stunning riverside paths, idyllic locks, views of the impressive Tonbridge castle and that epic track finish, it’s every bit as rewarding as the full ultra experience.
Course Description
The Castle Trail 30km route picks up the second half of the Three Castles 50km course, following the River Medway from Little Fant Farm in East Farleigh to Tonbridge.
After a short trail section out of the farm, runners will soon reach the river and the stone bridge at East Farleigh (one of the oldest in the county). The course then takes you through beauty spots such as Teston Country Park, Wateringbury & Yalding, where runners will be met with both tranquil river trails and bustling watersport activities. Upon reaching Tonbridge, runners will be greeted with views of the historic Tonbridge Castle, before completing the final 5km and the grand finale around the athletics track.
It’s a flat, scenic and very runnable route, ideal for pushing your pace or just enjoying the views.
Included in Entry Fee
- Fully marked 30km trail route
- 2 fully stocked checkpoints + 1 water only stop
- GPS tracking & live race timing
- Finisher medal (for finishers within the 8hr race cut off)
- Medical support throughout the event
- Bag transfer from start to finish
- Showers, changing rooms and hot/cold food & drink at the finish line
- Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male & Female
- Optional shuttle bus from Tonbridge to the start (see details below)
Time & Location
Start Time: 10:30 AM, Saturday 30th May 2026
Cut-Off Time: 18:30 PM (8hrs time limit)
Start Location: Little Fant Farm, Farleigh Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9LY
Finish Location: Tonbridge School Centre, London Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 3AD
Race Registration
Race registration will open from 08:30am and close at 10:00am. At registration you will be issued your race number, GPS tracker and drop bag luggage label. You must ensure your personal details are written on the back of the race number and leave your drop bag (with attached label) in the designated luggage area. There will be no race registration packs posted before the event.
At registration you will have access to water, toilets and changing facilities. Little Fant Farm also has an onsite coffee shop which will be open to runners and spectators.
The race director will give a final race briefing at 10:15am. There will not be an option to start late.
Shuttle Bus and Parking
Pre-Purchased Shuttle Bus: Runners have the option to purchase a shuttle bus ticket to transport them from the finish line to the start. Tickets cost £12 and are available to runners only. The coach will leave the Tonbridge School Centre no later than 09:00am. Runners must be ready to leave at this time. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be deferred. Full details will be provided closer to the event.
Parking at Little Fant Farm: Free parking is available for those runners or spectators staying only for the race start. If a runner wishes to park and leave their car at the site for the duration of the race, there is a £2 charge (which will be donated to support the farm). Paid parking option can be purchased at the checkout. All cars must be collected by 18:30PM on race day.
Checkpoints
- Checkpoint 1 (4km) - Barming Bridge
- Checkpoint 2 (15km) - Hop Farm
- Water Station (25km) – Racecourse Park, Tonbridge (this will have water only)
Our amazing and friendly volunteers will welcome you into our checkpoints, which will have plenty of food, drinks, and goodies to keep you moving.
Due to the locations and agreed permissions with landowners, spectators are not permitted at checkpoint 1 or 2. We will notify runners of suitable spectator locations prior to the race, but it is your responsibility to ensure they do not attend these official aid stations.
Event Rules
- To participate in this event, runners must be at least 18 years old on race day.
- Bibs must be visible and secure on the front of your body throughout the entire race.
- Stay on course - any intentional shortcuts will result in disqualification from this and future events.
- The challenge is to complete the race on foot - any use of other transportation will result in disqualification from current and future events.
- No storage of supplies or kit is permitted along the race route.
- Only registered runners are allowed to participate. Pacers / buddy runners are not permitted in this race.
- Crewing is permitted at spectator locations only. Locations will be provided in advance
- Runners must check in at all checkpoints. Any missed checkpoints will result in disqualification.
- The race operates a strict 8hr cut off time. If a runner crosses the finish line after this time, they will not be eligible for an official result and will not receive a finishers medal.
- Each checkpoint will have a strict cut off time. If a runner has not departed by the cut off time they must hand their race bib to a checkpoint volunteer and will no longer eligible for an official time or medal.
- Participants must inform the race director via the official phone number if they decide to withdraw from the race.
- Runners who withdraw from the race must check in at the closest aid station, return their race number and tracker as soon as possible.
Dogs are not allowed to run with participants on the course. Breaking this rule will result in disqualification.
- This race has a zero tolerance policy for littering. Any runner found breaking this rule will be disqualified from the race.
- For your safety and enjoyment throughout, please comply with instructions given by the race director, management team and volunteers.
Mandatory Kit
- Fully charged mobile phone with the race directors number saved
- Drinks bottle with capacity to hold 500ml of fluids.
Please remember that this is a long distance event and whilst you will never be far from help, we highly recommend that runners suitably prepare for the race ahead. The great British weather can be very unpredictable in June, so to help you prepare, we would recommend you carry the following non mandatory items:
- Waterproof jacket
- Cap or head buff
- Sun cream
- Cash / card
- Food for between aid stations
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This is also a cup less event. Runners may choose to carry a reusable plastic cup for aid stations in addition to their mandatory drink bottle.
Race Permit
The race is permitted by the Trail Running Association. Permit Number: TBC. The TRA is an associate member of UK Athletics (UKA). The TRA supports UKA in the management and regulation of trail running, and through this association with UKA, the TRA is able to issue permits to race organisers on behalf of UKA.
Other Information
- The route is mainly on shared towpath and trails. Runners must be considerate of other users of the path.
- There are some sections of the course that cross busy roads or follows country lanes. Runners must stay vigilant to traffic and only cross when it is safe to do so.
- There will be a drop bag service available. Runners must clearly label their bags and place them in the drop bag area of the registration hall. Bags will be transferred to the finish line.
- At the finish line runners will have access to toilet, shower and changing facilities. There will also be food and drink available.
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