The Hampshire Hoppit Marathon and Half Marathon took place under glorious sunshine, with blue skies, fluffy clouds, and Red Kites gliding overhead. Based at the summit of White Hill, just south of Kingsclere, the race village offered breathtaking views across the North Hampshire Downs.
With a crowd of over a hundred supporters, family and friends, and a buzzing festival atmosphere, the event was a real celebration of trail running.
The race was impressively organised, featuring a Bratwurst tent, a welcoming beer station, and even a massage tent, where HRR Chair Angela was on hand volunteering and helping tired legs recover.
🏃♀️ About the Hoppit
Now in its eighth year, the Hampshire Hoppit has grown into one of the South’s most popular trail events. It was originally created to celebrate the beauty of the North Wessex Downs and showcase a community-focused, trail-first experience for runners of all levels.
🌳 The Route & Terrain
Both the half (13.1 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles) routes take runners through the undulating trails of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Expect woodland paths, open farmland, chalky ridgelines, and plenty of hills.
Total elevation:
Half marathon: approx. 350 metres
Full marathon: approx. 800 metres
The route is scenic but challenging — and the infamous final hill just before the finish proved a test for everyone. Every runner walked it, but spirits remained high.
🍻 A Hoppit Tradition
True to its name, all finishers were rewarded with a Hoppit half or full pint glass, and a well-earned local ale from Loddon Brewery — the perfect refreshment after a tough run through the Hampshire hills.
🏅 HRR Results
We were proud to see strong performances from our members across both distances:
Marathon
Lynne Rashleigh – 2nd in age group 👏
James Rashleigh – 68th in age group
Half Marathon
James Russell – 5th in age group
Paul Knights – 27th in age group
Graham Knights – 28th in age group
Well done to all our runners for taking on such a scenic and demanding course with determination and smiles!
