Cardington Cracker Hill Race

37th Cardington Cracker Hill Race.

Sunday 6th December 2026.        11.00am start

No Entries on the day. 

Online Entries here 37th Cardington Cracker 

About the Cracker

The Cardington Cracker. It's an institution. 180 turn out on a cold December day to pay homage to this annual fell race as part of the traditional runners build up to Christmas. It's 9 miles and 2,600 feet of hell but well worth it for the carrot soup followed by a few pints of Shropshire Lad in the Royal Oak.

History Of The Cardington Cracker

See a complete list of past winners of the race in the library below.

A Tribute To The Cracker

Read the Mick Ward's pictorial tribute to the Cardington Cracker - see below in the library.

Parking

Please only park as directed and do not use the Royal Oak Pub or Village Hall Car Park or park on roads in the village. Please respect residents when driving through the village and only park in the official race car parks.

The Course – The route can be found on the O S Explorer 217 Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge Map 1:25,000. Some of the course is on private land, which we gain permission to use on race day. Please ensure that any training over the course is restricted to public areas. Please do not run with dogs, as several fields contain livestock. Most of the course is marked or obvious. 

Not suitable for inexperienced runners.

The race starts in Cardington, crossing open pasture leading gradually leading to Enchmarsh, it then follows a farm track before dropping steeply through a narrow section of woodland called Hoar Edge. The route then climbs the side of The Lawley (1236 feet), the first checkpoint. The fast, grassy descent is down the ridge to Comley Farm and through the fields towards Caer Caradoc. The route up Caer Caradoc follows the green lane along the base of the hill to the sheep pens, then takes a diagonal line directly to the summit (1506 feet), the second checkpoint. The descent follows the high ground to Three Fingers Rock, then a steep descent to the stream before climbing up the side of Helmeth Hill to Gaerstones Farm, the third checkpoint. The route climbs to The Gaerstones Hill then follows the Hope Bowdler ridge to Willstone Hill, the final checkpoint. After descending past the Battlestones the course climbs to cross the Cwms Road ( more of an unsurfaced lane ) and onto the Wilderness, before dropping down through a series of fields, stiles and gates to the finish field in Cardington.

Equipment – FRA Rules state that all runners must carry waterproof body cover, hat, gloves, map of the course area, compass, whistle and emergency food. All runners must carry this equipment, whatever the weather.

Records –   Rachel Parker ( Mercia ) 1.23.24   2018.     Tim Davies ( Mercia )   1.09.43      2006

Prizes – To the leading 3 men and 3 women and the first in each 5 year masters categories.

Over 40 to Over 75 plus Under 23 

Acknowledgements – Telford Athletic Club would like to thank the farmers and landowners, residents of Cardington, race officials and in particular Mick Boulton and Boultons Coaches in making this event possible.