May the Fourth be with you (original)

The May the Fourth Be With You (Original) is a themed endurance trail race scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, England. Organized by the "How Hard Can It Be" events team, this race utilizes a lap-based format starting from the scenic Carding Mill Valley. The event is characterized by its small-scale, friendly atmosphere, with registration strictly limited to 200 participants for the main in-person event.

The geography of the course takes runners over the Long Mynd, a massive heath-and-moorland plateau known for its steep ascents and expansive views of the Shropshire landscape. Each lap involves significant climbing through valleys and along high ridges, requiring runners to navigate technical footing and shifting gradients. In early May, the Shropshire Hills typically experience cool, changeable spring weather; while average highs are around 14°C (57°F), the exposed nature of the Long Mynd means that conditions can be considerably windier and colder on the summits. Runners in the full marathon distance must adhere to a strict halfway cutoff, needing to complete their first lap by 11:30 AM to be permitted to continue.

Logistically, the Race HQ is located at the National Trust site in Carding Mill Valley, just outside Church Stretton. The event is well-supported with stocked aid stations and marshals positioned along the hill trails. All finishers are presented with a commemorative "blingtastic" medal upon crossing the line. For those unable to attend the physical race, a virtual version is held during the week of May 4th. Registration for the 2026 event is currently open, with entry tiers based on affiliation status. Participants are encouraged to book early due to the limited field size and high ratings from previous years.