🥳 The Concept
Celebrating 10 Years of Trail Running, Community Spirit, and a Well-Earned Pint
🌄 Trail Running in Hampshire
Back in 2015, Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club (BMHAC) decided to create something new: a pair of scenic, challenging trail races through the beautiful countryside of Hampshire. And so, the Hampshire Hoppit Marathon and Half Marathon were born.
At the time, the South of England had far fewer trail events than other parts of the UK — so we saw an opportunity to bring something special to the calendar. Something memorable, inclusive, and maybe just a little bit beer-flavoured.
🍻 It All Started in the Pub (Of Course!)
Like all great running adventures, the Hoppit began with a pint in hand. One evening, during a BMHAC social at The Plough in Little London, someone asked the question:
“Why don’t we organise a trail marathon?”
The original idea — the “Little London Marathon” — included mimicking the London Marathon logo and starting and finishing at the pub. But a few realities quickly emerged:
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Virgin probably wouldn’t be flattered by our branding.
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Little London couldn’t accommodate 500 runners and their cars.
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And, well… there weren’t actually any trails nearby.
So, we scrapped the pub plan — but not the ambition.
🗺️ Finding the Perfect Trail
Inspiration hit soon after: what about our favourite long runs around Watership Down?
The area between Basingstoke and Newbury is rich with trail-running potential, sitting on the edge of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It features two ancient, waymarked footpaths:
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The Wayfarers Walk — a 110km droveway stretching across Hampshire and into Berkshire
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The Harrow Way — one of Britain’s oldest roads, running east–west across southern England
After countless recce runs, feedback from club members, and some tweaks, we pieced together a stunning single-lap trail marathon that we’re still proud of today.
🥾 The Half Marathon & 10k
Initially, we planned only the full marathon — but quickly realised we’d be excluding a lot of runners. So we created a half marathon with the same principles:
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A single-lap trail
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Great scenery
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Sections of the Wayfarers Walk and Harrow Way
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And a proper challenge
After a few difficult conversations with landowners, we finalised a half marathon route that shares several miles with the full course — including many of the same hills and views.
Later, we introduced a 10k race for even broader appeal. It’s a shorter, punchy version of the Hoppit, ideal for newer trail runners or those looking to enjoy the atmosphere without the full distance. Same vibe, same reward at the finish.
🏁 The Race HQ
Our original base was the historic Kingsclere Stables, with generous support from the Balding family. But over time, as land was reclaimed for paddocks and the race grew, we moved operations to the top of White Hill, just a mile away.
This location gave us the space we needed — for up to 1,200 runners, ample parking, and a stunning backdrop for the start and finish line. From 500 runners to a sold-out field year after year, it’s been amazing to watch the event grow.
🍺 Why Is It Called “The Hampshire Hoppit”?
The name? That goes back to The Plough and a well-loved pint of Hoppit Ale, brewed by Loddon Brewery. We were discussing what would make our race stand out — and we thought, why not take inspiration from the Welsh trail races that reward runners with a beer?
A few phone calls later, Loddon Brewery was on board. We commissioned engraved pint and half-pint glasses, each proudly labelled “Hampshire Hoppit Finisher”, and the rest is history.
Oh, and yes — there’s a nod to hopping rabbits too, thanks to the race route running through the landscape made famous by Watership Down.
📅 What’s Next?
We held our first race in 2016 — and now, in 2025, we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary. From humble beginnings to a sold-out, multi-distance trail event, the Hoppit has become a staple of the UK trail running scene.
Whether you’re running the marathon, the half, or the 10k — you’ll be cheered on by our amazing marshals, treated to some of Hampshire’s finest views, and rewarded at the finish line with a bespoke medal and a celebratory drink served in a special 2025 anniversary finisher’s glass.
Haven’t entered yet? Spaces are limited and filling fast — register now at
👉 www.hampshiretrailmarathon.co.uk
BMHAC looks forward to welcoming you to the Hampshire Hoppit and giving you a fantastic day out on the trails.