10 and 5 mile trail races
10am Sunday 19th July 2026
Aymestrey, Herefordshire HR6.
After a successful first event in 2025 The Hillfort Hustle is back. We’ve made a few small changes, nothing major, just tweaks to make the Hustle better. The 10 mile and 5 Mile races will start 30 minutes apart to make the first mile or so less busy. Also, we learnt that watching other runners finish is very much a part of the pleasure – so the start and finish will be right next to where you can get a cold beer and some food.
The courses will be as challenging as ever, with the reward of running through beautiful North Herefordshire countryside including a climb up to the Iron Age Hillfort at Croft Ambrey. Starting opposite the Riverside Inn at Aymestrey, the run takes in the pretty village of Leinthall Earls before entering the private Gatley Estate which again has given special permission for the race to enjoy their wonderful grounds.
Shortly after the climb is on – up to the Hillfort and some glorious views before starting the descent to home. It might just be the one of the most beautiful and rewarding races in the country. There’s the Half Hustle offering a shorter, 5 mile route, but don’t worry, the runners still get to tackle the climb up to the Hillfort!
Race Day Information
Directions & Parking
The race starts and finishes in the village of Aymestrey, 7 miles North of Leominster on the A4110. The race field is across the road from The Riverside Inn (postcode HR6 9ST). The What 3 Words location for the field is: ///alternate.niece.seat
If you’re travelling south from Wigmore the event field is on the left just before The Riverside Inn. If you’re travelling north from Leominster it will be on your right.
There’s plenty of parking close to the race start. Please follow instructions from the parking marshals.
RACE NUMBER PICK UP
Please pick your timing chip and race number up from the registration tent. You can leave bags here if you want – although your car will be close by. Registration opens at 8:30am. The latest time you can pick your number is 9:45am for the 10 Mile Hustle and 10:15am for the Half Hustle.
CHANGING DISTANCE
If you want to change distance you can do this on the day. There’s no charge to change from the 10 mile to the 5 mile distance. If you want to change from the 5 mile Half Hustle race to full 10 mile Hustle the cost is £5. Cash only please. If you are changing distance please do this before 9:30am
ON THE DAY ENTRIES
If we have capacity, we will offer entries on the day. The cost will be £25 for the 10 mile Hustle and £20 for the Half Hustle. Cash only. On the day entries will close at 9:30am
TOILETS
There are toilets at the start/finish but no changing facilities.
RACE ROUTES AND WATER.
Both the 5 and 10 mile Hustle routes are a mix of country lane, tracks and trails. There’s around 1,000 feet of climb on the 5 mile route and 1,800 on the 10 mile course.
Important: The Hillfort Hustle is a cup-free race. On the 5 mile course there is one water station at 2.5 miles where you can fill your cup or bottle. On the 10 mile route there will be a water station at 2.5 and 7.5 miles.
The routes are fully marked and marshalled. There will be tail-runners on both the courses.
JUNIORS’ RACE – Time TBC (around lunchtime)
There will be a race for Juniors (15 years of age or younger). £3 entry on the day (cash only please). The 2km course is fully marked and parents / carers are welcome to run alongside their child. All Juniors should be under the supervision of an adult. There’s a Hillfort Hustle medal for all finishers.
FOOD & REFRESHMENTS
At the finish of your race, reward yourself with a drink from the bar, a BBQ burger or maybe an ice cream. All sales benefit the Aymestrey Village Hall and Church restoration funds.
Entry Prices:
10 Mile Hustle – £20 (£18 for affiliated runners).
5 Mile Half Hustle – £16 (£14 for affiliated runners).
Enter online here with entry central:
