Hemel Hempstead 10k May 2026

Join Us for the Hemel Hempstead 10K &5K In Support of DENS on Sunday 17th May 2026

We're delighted to have DENS as our 2026 Charity of the Year. Their aim is to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives.  To sign up to run for them, click here

Get ready for the second edition of the Hemel Hempstead 10K, a chip-timed road race through the heart of town! Taking place on Sunday 17th May 2026, this fully road-closed event starts and finishes at the Riverside Shopping Centre, attracting runners of all abilities for a thrilling challenge.

The 2026 Hemel Hempstead  5k & 10k will start and finish at Riverside Shopping Centre and follow an undulating route which takes in the pedestrianised areas of Hemel Hempstead town centre, through the High Street, the 5k will head back down Marlowes and the 10k head off down Old Town, and through Gadebridge Park back onto Marlowes. Each km will be accurately marked out with distance flags you can’t miss and there will be plenty of helpers along the course to keep you on track and encourage you all the way to the finish line.

Each kilometre will be clearly marked with flags, and enthusiastic marshals will be stationed throughout the course to cheer you on to the finish line.

Race Distance & Start Times

09:00 am - 5k

09:10 am - 10k

Whats' Included

Unique themed medal

Chip-timed results

Free race photos

Post-race goodies

Whether you're chasing a new personal best or taking on your first ever 10K & 5K, the Hemel Hempstead 10K & 5K is a spring race that delivers energy, excitement, and community spirit. Secure your place today!

Each kilometre is accurately marked with distance flags and our friendly marshals will guide and cheer you all the way to the finish. We cannot wait to welcome you to Hemel Hempstead!

With RunThrough you can expect a friendly team of marshals to help guide you round the course and cheer you on to the finish, a lively and well-serviced event village with plenty of food and drink options including free goodies from our partners at the finish line after your hard effort.

We have been extensively researching what runners consider important, and sustainability is fast becoming the top issue. Click here to see what RunThrough is doing for sustainability.

You can now grab your Hemel Hempstead 10K & 5K event t-shirt for more than 30% off when you buy it as part of your entry on checkout! With the event logo printed on the chest, it’s the perfect keepsake to celebrate your race and wear your achievement with pride!

We can do this with our partner RT Kit as part of a strategic decision to raise awareness about the quality of the product whilst reducing the overall cost of events for those who would prefer not to have a t-shirt included.

Come and enjoy the day with us. Once you enter you will receive a confirmation email. More information will be sent closer to the event.

We can’t wait to see you on the start line!

Free RunThrough Foundation 5K

Running without barriers Starting in Hemel

We’re excited to introduce a free RunThrough Foundation 5K as part of the Hemel Hempstead 5K and 10K, created to make running more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all.

This is your invitation to run No cost No pressure Just start

Whether it’s your first time running an event or your first time even considering it, this is your opportunity to step onto the start line.

The RunThrough Foundation is built on a simple belief that running should be for everyone, regardless of background, experience or ability.

This free 5K is designed to break down barriers to entry, encourage first time runners, and create a more diverse and representative start line.

How to enter

Due to high demand, entry will be via a ballot.

Ballot closes at 23:59 on 26th April 2026.
Successful applicants will be announced in the week commencing 27th April 2026.

If selected, you will receive a custom link to confirm and accept your place. Your entry is only confirmed once this has been completed.

We will be prioritising a proportion of places for first time runners and individuals from lower income areas.

Want to guarantee your place

If you would prefer to secure your place without entering the ballot, a limited number of paid entries are available for the 5K.

These places are expected to be very limited due to demand from the free ballot, so we recommend entering early if you would like to guarantee your spot on the start line.

If you’ve ever thought about giving running a go, this is your moment.