Midwinter Mortimer Trail 2026

The MMT Ultra, a 30-mile mixed trail/field/road run, invites runners and walkers into the heart of England's Marches region. Nestled between Ludlow and Kington, this route winds through extensive forests, limestone tops, and gentle pastures, offering stunning views of an area steeped in medieval history dominated by the influential Mortimer family.
The course weaves across valleys carved by rivers like the Teme, Lugg, and Arrow, passing through picturesque villages such as Aymestrey. It includes challenging climbs up hills and ridges, including visits to landmarks like Croft Ambrey hill fort and Wapley hill fort, providing a blend of historical intrigue with natural beauty.
Runners start at Ludlow Castle’s entrance archway amid the bustling market town of Ludlow before heading towards Kington. The event offers an estimated walking time of 8-12 hours or running time of 5-9 hours, making it suitable for both newcomers to ultra distances and seasoned athletes looking for a demanding yet relatively fast course.
Registration begins at Chapter66 cafe inside Ludlow Castle from 0730, allowing participants to fuel up with coffee and cake before the start. The race kicks off promptly at 0800 AM. For those parking in Kington, transportation back to Ludlow is available for £15 per person via minibus leaving Kington car park at 0700.
A shorter version of this adventure, the MMT Croft 15, spans approximately 16 miles and follows a similar route through parts of the Marches. Starting from Aymestrey’s Riverside Inn, it offers an estimated walking time of 5-8 hours or running time of 2-6 hours.
Registration for the shorter distance opens at the Riverside Inn in Aymestrey starting at 0830 AM with a race start just after at 0900. Participants are advised to park in Kington and make their way to the starting point, with transport from there costing £15 per person departing promptly at 0700.
This year marks an exciting collaboration among Andali Events, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, and Runningmonk Trail Events for a new series called the Wild Shropshire Ultra Series. The MMT Ultra serves as the kickoff event of this three-part challenge, followed by the Shropshire Way 80K in April and culminating with the Rollin’ 100 in July.
Completing all three events earns participants a unique medal and special recognition for the fastest combined time. Interested athletes can sign up through the Midwinter Mortimer Trail Race, indicating their interest via an online tick box without additional fees.
Both distances provide a beautiful introduction to longer trail running or walking adventures while showcasing this charming corner of England. For those seeking guidance on preparation, contact information is available at [email protected]. Additionally, participants can purchase XCover insurance for peace of mind should unforeseen circumstances prevent attendance.