Trail Blazer Dam Busters 2026

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Trail Blazer Dam Busters 2026
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About

Trail Blazer: The Dam Busters Edition – Blackton Grange Estate
Set in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the legendary Pennine Way, this brand-new race from Heart & Soul Racing brings our signature community, energy, and wild trails to one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes.
Choose between a 10K or Half Marathon, both starting from the stunning Blackton Grange Estate near Barnard Castle. Expect moors, dams, and rugged trails that showcase everything we love about running in nature.
You don’t need to be a Spine Race veteran to take this on, just bring your sense of adventure and join the HSR community for a day of pure trail joy.
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Trail Blazer Dam Busters 10K and Trail Blazer Dam Busters Half Marathon
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Calendar
Sat, Apr 18, 2026
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LocationPin
Barnard Castle, United Kingdom
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Where and when

Location
Balderhead, Barnard Castle DL12 9UX, UK
Start times
Saturday, Apr 18, 2026
Trail Blazer Dam Busters 10K: 10:00 AMTrail Blazer Dam Busters Half Marathon: 10:00 AM

Event summary

Here are the distances available for Trail Blazer Dam Busters 2026
Trail Blazer Dam Busters 10K
Distance
10km
£27
Trail Blazer Dam Busters Half Marathon
Distance
13.1mi
£36

Route information

Trail Blazer: Dam Busters Edition (New for 2026)
Trail Blazer: Dam Busters Edition is quite simply our most beautiful trail run yet.
Set in the heart of the North Pennines at the stunning Blackton Grange Estate, this is your chance to run in the footsteps of Spine legends like Damian Hall, Sarah Perry, and Jasmin Paris, along the same wild, rugged terrain used in the legendary Spine Race.
But don’t worry. You don’t need to be an ultra runner. You don’t need to be fast. You just need to fancy one of the most jaw-dropping trail runs you’ll ever do.
As always: no cut-offs, no pressure, just vibes.
About the Event
Starting and finishing at the beautiful Blackton Grange Estate, you’ll head out into open moorland, reservoirs, rolling hills, and endless big-sky views.
This is proper North East trail running. Remote. Wild. Peaceful. And absolutely unreal.
It’s the kind of route that makes you forget you’re racing and just soak it all in.
Honestly, you have to see this one to believe it.
The Route
We’re offering two distances for Dam Busters.
10 to 12 kilometre Trail Run. The classic Trail Blazer distance, taking in reservoirs, moorland paths, gravel tracks, and flowing trails. Runnable, scenic, and perfect for all abilities.
Half Marathon Trail Run. For those wanting more of a challenge, the half marathon route adds extra elevation, bigger views, and some proper North Pennines adventure. You’ll head higher onto the hills, tag the trig point, and loop further around the reservoirs before heading back to the estate.
Both routes showcase the very best of Upper Teesdale and deliver non-stop scenery from start to finish.
Distances are trail miles, so expect a little bonus here and there.
Why You’ll Love It
One of the most scenic routes we’ve ever put on. Run on iconic Spine Race terrain. Choice of 10 to 12 kilometre or Half Marathon. Half Marathon includes trig point and extra elevation. Friendly, relaxed HSR atmosphere. No cut-offs. Go at your pace. Perfect for beginners and experienced runners. Epic finish at the estate. Food and drinks available at the end.
Whether you’re chasing a PB, building fitness, training for something bigger, or just fancy an unforgettable day out on the trails, Dam Busters delivers.
If Coastal is about vibes and sea air, Dam Busters is about big hills, big views, and big wow moments.

What's included

  • Fully marked course (GPX also provided)
  • Support at key points on the route
  • Water station
  • Finisher's patch and race goodies
  • Post-race refreshments available to purchase at Blackton Grange
  • Professional photography
  • Free parking on site
Train

How to get there

Balderhead, Barnard Castle DL12 9UX, UK
Get full directions
Getting There
Blackton Grange Estate is in a remote location in Upper Teesdale and is best accessed by car. Due to limited parking and narrow approach roads, car sharing is strongly recommended where possible. Full travel and parking details will be sent to all registered participants ahead of race day.

Hotels and Accommodation

Heart and Soul Racing has partnered with Let's Do This to bring you some of the best hotel rates close to the startline.
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Event day logistics

Race starts at 10am
Registration opens at 8am
Join us for a some food and drinks.
Parking is free

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33 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DQ

Reg number 10083277

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