Now the dust has settled on our second Hillfort Hustle it’s worth looking back on how it all went and look forward to next year as we start planning for our third Hillfort Hustle.
The numbers
We had 226 entries for the Hustle this year; 74 in the 5 mile race,133 for the 10 mile and 19 Juniors for the 1 Mile Fun Run. This was down on 2025 when we had 275 entries. It’s likely that this was due to the very hot weather in the run up to the race. The average high in the two weeks before the Hustle was 28 degrees! This inevitably dampened those all-important last entries.
For our inaugural race we were supported by Kingspan with a grant of £750 to help set the race up. After donating £250 to the Aymestrey Commons Association we were able to add £685 to club funds this year. This compared to £1,585 in 2025 (including the £750 grant). Overall the race definitely has capacity to grow.
What we changed this year
We made a few changes from the 2025 race which improved the overall experience. Having the start and finish next to the food and drink and prize giving area helped create the friendly, social atmosphere we always wanted. Also, having the full and Half Hustle start 30 minutes apart reduced congestion at a couple of early pinch points.
One thing we didn’t account for was that the change to the start would push the 10 Mile course to 11 miles and the 5 miles close to 6 Miles. They were always ‘generous’ distances, but we’ll more accurately describe each one next year. It’s likely that the full Hillfort Hustle will be 11 miles.
Other changes under consideration
- Changing the age categories from 5 year to 10 year age groups. Although 5 years is great we currently have 56 winners including 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female in each race. 10 year age groups would give us 40 winners.
- We didn’t have team prizes this year but we’re likely to bring them back next you to help encourage more club entries.
- Increasing the number of prizes for Juniors. We have youngsters from 4 years upwards and need to find a way to of rewarding all ages if we can.
Inevitably there’s also a lot of slightly dull but essential stuff to be done around signage and communications and where things are located around the start/finish. Fine-tuned it all goes to help create a great race experience.
We’re hoping to not increase the entry price for the Hustle next year. Increasing the number of runners will make a far bigger impact financially than a modest increase in the entry cost.
We’ll start promoting the 2027 Hillfort Hustle in December. If you have any thoughts or suggestions about how we might improve or promote the race please have a word with Huw, Ali or Anna.
