One Castle. One River. Thirty Incredible Kilometres.

Experience one of the UK's newest and most exciting trail races.

The Castle Trail 30km returns for 2027 following a hugely successful debut, offering runners the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Three Castles race weekend without taking on the full ultra marathon distance.

Sharing the spectacular second half of the Three Castles 50km course, this scenic point-to-point trail race follows the beautiful River Medway from East Farleigh to Tonbridge, passing peaceful riverside trails, picturesque villages, historic landmarks and finishing with an unforgettable lap of the athletics track.

Whether you're preparing for your first ultra marathon, looking to step up from shorter trail races, or simply searching for an unforgettable 30km challenge, the Castle Trail delivers an incredible race-day experience from start to finish.

Why Choose the Castle Trail 30km?

The Castle Trail was created for runners who want everything that makes the Three Castles weekend so special in a more accessible distance.

You'll experience the same outstanding organisation, welcoming atmosphere, friendly volunteers and unforgettable finish that have helped establish Three Castles as one of the UK's most popular trail running events.

Fast, scenic and incredibly runnable, the Castle Trail is ideal whether you're chasing a personal best or simply enjoying an unforgettable day on the trails.

Why runners love the Castle Trail

• Beautiful point-to-point route following the River Medway

• Flat and fast course

• Ideal stepping stone towards ultra marathons

• Three fully stocked aid stations

• Fully marked course

• Live GPS tracking and timing

• Bag transfer included

• Epic athletics track finish

• Friendly volunteers and incredible atmosphere

• 8-hour official cut-off

Course Description

The Castle Trail 30km follows the spectacular second half of the Three Castles 50km course, taking runners on a beautiful riverside journey through the heart of Kent.

Starting at Little Fant Farm in East Farleigh, the route quickly reaches the River Medway before crossing the historic East Farleigh Bridge, one of the oldest surviving stone bridges in Kent.

From here, you'll follow peaceful riverside trails through Teston Country Park, Wateringbury and Yalding, passing picturesque locks, open countryside and some of the county's most scenic landscapes.

After reaching the Hop Farm and your second checkpoint, the route continues alongside the River Medway towards Tonbridge, where views of the magnificent Tonbridge Castle signal the final few kilometres.

One last push takes you onto the Tonbridge athletics track, where you'll complete a full lap before crossing the finish line to an unforgettable welcome from spectators, volunteers and fellow runners.

Fast, scenic and incredibly runnable, it's the perfect introduction to longer-distance trail running.

Included In Your Entry

Your race entry includes:

Fully marked 30km course

Professional chip timing and live GPS tracking

Finisher's medal (for runners finishing within the official cut-off)

Three fully stocked checkpoints

Medical support throughout the race

Bag transfer from start to finish

Finish village with showers, changing facilities and refreshments

Awards for the top three Male and Female finishers

Optional pre-paid shuttle bus from the finish to the start

Time & Location

Registration & Start

Little Fant Farm, Farleigh Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9LY

Registration opens at 08:30 and closes at 10:00.

During registration you'll receive your race bib, GPS tracker and drop bag label. Water and toilets will be available.

Little Fant Farm's onsite café will also be open for runners and spectators.

The mandatory race briefing will take place at 10:15 before the race starts.

The race starts at 10:30

Finish

Tonbridge School Centre, London Road, Tonbridge, TN10 3AD

Official race cut-off: 8 Hours

Every finisher completes one unforgettable lap of the athletics track before crossing the finish line.

Shuttle Bus & Parking

Shuttle Bus

An optional shuttle service is available for runners travelling from the finish back to the start.

£12 per person

Runner-only service

Departs Tonbridge School Centre at approximately 09:00

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable

Further information will be sent closer to race day.

Parking

Free parking is available at Little Fant Farm for runners and spectators attending the race start.

If you wish to leave your vehicle at the venue for the duration of the event, a £2 parking charge applies, with all proceeds supporting Little Fant Farm.

Parking can be purchased during checkout.

All vehicles must be collected by 18:30 on race day. The gates will be locked after this time and won't be opened until the following day.

Checkpoints

Our friendly volunteer team will welcome you into each checkpoint with plenty of encouragement and refreshments.

Checkpoint 1: Barming Bridge (4km)

Checkpoint 2: Branbridges Leisure (14km)

Checkpoint 3: Racecourse Park (25km)

Please note that spectators are not permitted at Checkpoints 1 due to landowner restrictions.

There are mandatory cut-offs at both checkpoint 2 and 3. Runners must leave the checkpoint by this cut-off time.

Event Rules

To participate in this event, runners must be at least 18 years old on race day.

Race bibs must be visible and securely attached to the front of your body throughout the event.

Stay on the official marked course at all times. Any intentional shortcut will result in disqualification from this and future Embrace Ultra events.

The challenge must be completed entirely on foot. The use of any other form of transport will result in disqualification.

No storage of supplies or equipment is permitted anywhere along the race route.

Only registered runners may participate. Pacers and buddy runners are not permitted.

Crewing is only permitted at designated spectator locations, which will be published before race day.

Runners must check in at every checkpoint. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

The event operates a strict 8-hour cut-off. Runners finishing outside the official cut-off will not receive an official result or finisher's medal.

Each checkpoint also has a mandatory cut-off. Runners who fail to leave before checkpoint closure must surrender their race bib and will no longer be eligible for an official finish.

If you withdraw from the race, you must contact the Race Director using the official event phone number and report to the nearest checkpoint as soon as possible.

Dogs are not permitted to accompany runners on the course.

The Castle Trail 30km operates a zero-tolerance litter policy. Any runner found littering will be disqualified.

For the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved, all participants must follow the instructions of the Race Director, event team, medical staff and volunteers throughout the event.

Mandatory Kit

All runners must carry:

Fully charged mobile phone with the Race Director's number saved

Minimum 500ml fluid carrying capacity

This is a cupless event. Runners may carry a reusable cup in addition to their mandatory drinks bottle for use at checkpoints.

We also strongly recommend carrying:

Waterproof jacket

Hat or buff

Sun cream

Food between checkpoints

Cash or bank card

Mandatory kit requirements may be updated depending on the weather forecast.

Description supplied by the event organiser.