Please find below some links to high quality original of our race day photos with thanks to Andy Grant and Lawrence Pitman
Blackdown:
https://1drv.ms/f/c/22ae055ad55167f9/EhQc1UKAEJNJq0uuMixjX90BbVotLNMWBDyQARgliqefNQ?e=9wnHoP
Crooks Peak:
https://1drv.ms/f/c/22ae055ad55167f9/Eu4_FhqB06BMhe9OOnnbx1oBf6iCHw6YGsbBuUXuW5KANQ?e=cOdnRn
Finish Line:
https://lpitman-photography.pixieset.com/butcombetrailultra25/
Race Directors Report:
It was on Saturday 26th April that 192 runners assembled to enjoy the wonderful Mendip scenery running the eighth annual Butcombe Trail Ultramarathon races over 50 miles and, new this year, 50km, organised by Bristol Town and Country Harriers.
We had a record number of starters, including 51 female runners which is also higher than we have ever had. It would be great to have even more in 2026, including in the 50 miles. And having so many successfully completing the races was also a thrill given that it was a first ultramarathon for many.
It was brilliant to see that many entrants reaching the start line, let alone the finish. We know how much time and effort it takes during those long winter months to get fit and ready, with sacrifices made by all along the way. Hopefully we also played a part in getting everyone round with good checkpoint food, including our famous salted potatoes, and encouragement from our experienced race marshals. An example of this team work is a certain runner who took several attempts to leave Checkpoint 7 and when they finally summoned up the courage to continue not only finished but went on to take home a trophy! It really is the case that if you can just keep moving forward you’ll be amazed what you can achieve.
And special congratulations to these people who won a prize:
50km male
| First | Robert | Eaton | Team Bath AC | 4:21 |
| Second | Edward | King | 4:53 | |
| Third | Sam | Pilgrim | Town & Country Harriers | 4:58 |
| MV40 | Rob | Thompson | 5:25 | |
| MV50 | Peter | Major | Vegan Runners UK | 5:09 |
| MV60 | Tom | Leader | 5:42 |
50km female
| First | Fiona | Slevin-Brown | Marlborough Running Club | 5:20 |
| Second | Rachel | White | 5:25 | |
| Third | Hannah | Large | Westbury Harriers | 5:37 |
| FV40 | Michelle | Claydon | Town & Country Harriers | 5:40 |
| FV50 | Emma | Turner | Town & Country Harriers | 5:56 |
| FV60 | Jan | Mojsa | Westbury Running Group | 8:49 |
50 miles male
| First | Tim | Martin | 7:52 | |
| Second | George | Kinkead | 8:27 | |
| Third | Martin | Hurst | Corsham Running Club | 8:34 |
| MV40 | Antony | Croxford | 9:27 | |
| MV50 | Steve | Peters | 9:11 | |
| MV60 | Thomas | Morgan | RNAC | 10:58 |
50 miles female
| First | Kate | Perry | 10:02 | |
| Second | Teresa | King | Street Striders | 11:09 |
| Third | Melissa | Shapcott | Weston Athletic Club | 11:28 |
| FV50 | Andrea | Herbert | Westbury Harriers | 11:32 |
(NOTE our policy is to award a maximum of one prize per runner, so it may be that someone winning their age group category prize has the second fastest time if someone faster was first, second or third)
That time of 4:21 by Robert Eaton in the 50km may prove pretty hard to beat in future running of the 50km – we’d love you to try!
On the day we woke to a forecast of moderate temperatures and the odd shower, with trails still firm underfoot after the previous dry spell. In the end we only had a few spots of rain pre-race, and the cloud lifted to afford the views we were looking forward to. It did start to get pretty warm as the sun climbed but a breeze kept things to a manageable level.
One such view was from the fort on top of Dolebury Warren across to race HQ. We hope it provided a boost during the drop and climb back up to the finish, and judging from the smiles on show it did just that. With cowbells and cheers to welcome runners and good food and beer to have while swapping stories, plenty of people stayed until after dark to celebrate the final finishers.
Thanks to the race committee for their year round efforts, to the 50+ marshals for helping with setting up on Friday afternoon right through race day and to packing up on Sunday morning: all volunteers, mostly from TACH but also a selfless group of family members and friends. Thanks also to Mendip Activity Center for hosting the Race HQ, to Wrington Vale Osteopaths for providing runners with well-deserved massages, and to Butcombe Breweries for providing finishers’ goody-bags and age group prizes and bringing their pop-up bar to Race HQ. What a team!
Our final thanks go to all the runners who replied to our post race survey, giving an overall rating 4.85/5 with such a lot of positive comments and brilliant ideas to improve things. At TACH we are not a commercial race company so it is very rewarding to know that so many of you had such a good time.
Then last but not least we are delighted to announce that the surplus from the races reached £3000 again, and will be donated to the Mendip Hills Fund as usual. Jim Hardcastle Manager at MHF said: “TACH donations make a real difference to conservation and community projects across the Mendip Hills. Recently the fund helped scout groups, art projects and opportunities for isolated people to help with conservation, helping to create strong community networks.”
So sign up for the 2026 race to have fun and contribute to a good cause. If you want to challenge yourself we are here to help 😊
Butcombe Trail Ultra 