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🔊 Listen ⏹ Stop

We couldn’t be more excited about the 2026 Hobbit Trail Run approaching. Set to take place on the 25th and 26th of April, the stunning forests of Hogsback will welcome trail runners from all over to explore the true beauty of the great outdoors.

The weekend is designed to help you stage your own race, with an epic offer of 8 different routes and distances to participate in! Of course, the real and truest hobbit test goes out to athletes brave enough to compete in the 90km nonstop segment.

This epic challenge has attracted trail runners from all over, but this year, it just got tougher. Before you wander, no, the distance did not increase (we think 90kms out on the trails is more than enough to earn the bragging rights!), but this time around, athletes have the choice of skipping the bed, shower, and drink stop with friends, and continuing onward up the mountain until they reach that 90th km!

Whichever distance you end up choosing, just know that you’ll still be blessed with the breathtaking scenery of Hogsback’s forest and mountains. And, of course, for any trail running activity, you’ll need a combination of these three things: adequate training, gear that can hold up, and a solid recovery plan.

The Technicalities Behind Trail Running

1. Traction

Traction is not merely about grip; it’s about directional control, so that you can climb, descend, or manage any slide-sloping sections of the trail.

This is why trail running shoes require multidirectional lugs, as they help you press down into soft terrain and anchor your footing as you move.

2. Elevation Gain

You can often expect serious elevation changes on typical trail routes. This changes your muscle recruitment dramatically, as your body accommodates these drastically different strides.

For uphill running, increased engagement comes from your calves, glutes, and heart. Your stride length might also decrease. For downhill running, increased engagement is experienced in the quads and heels, and there is also a greater chance of missteps, as your ankles adjust to the speed and terrain.

Therefore, your trail shoes need to combat all these potential threats to keep you moving safely.

3. Cushioning

While cushioning on any shoe is a requirement, the cushioning on trail shoes differs drastically from that of others. For trail running, typically, firmer midsoles are used to accommodate the different, softer terrain that you might encounter on a trail.

A firmer midsole ensures better balance on uneven, soft surfaces, which decreases the risk of rolling an ankle.

4. Foot Protection

You never know what nature might throw at you mid-trail, so your trail shoes must be sturdy enough to protect your feet from sharp rocks and debris that could puncture the shoe.

Waterproofing and breathability also play an important role in protection. In icy conditions, waterproof shoes help keep your feet warm and dry, reducing the risk of cold-related injuries. Breathable materials allow moisture to escape, helping to prevent blisters caused by dampness.

5. Ankle Support

Your ankles are taking on a serious responsibility as they carry your body through unpredictable terrain and impressive speed. So your shoes need to support them as much as possible.

Merrell Trail Runners Built For Treacherous Terrain

Here are our top trail running choices that will move with you on any trail!

The MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx

Our Matryx range is the latest instalment of our MTL Long Sky series, and beautifully illustrates our focus on evolution rather than reinvention.

With a focus on keeping this shoe lightweight, we used a single-layer Matryx upper that combines multi-filament threads of Kevlar and high-tenacity polyamide, offering better breathability and abrasion resistance.

The MTL Adapt Matryx

For trail runners who love to push their limits, the underfoot cushion on our MTL Adapt Matryx is unmatched.

Featuring the same single-layer Matryx upper as the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx, this design also offers a padded collar, reflective details, and a lace keeper for maximum convenience.

The Cham Redux Storm GTX SE

Perhaps our most iconic series, the Chameleon, is reimagined from the ground up, providing trail runners with a modern design.

With GORE-TEX membranes, exceptional breathability, and a toggle lace closure and lace keeper, nothing is stopping you on the trails!

The Cham Redux Ghost SE

Also a part of the iconic Chameleon family, the Cham Redux Ghost SE offers synthetic and mesh uppers, and a FloatMax™ Foam midsole that enhances your underfoot experience on even the most treacherous terrain.

Ready To Hit Hogsback’s Hobbit Trails?

Trail running is never just about distance, and the selection of trails at this year's Hobbit Trail Run proves just that.

Whether you are tackling a shorter scenic route or committing to the full 90km Nonstop challenge, your preparation must match the terrain beneath you.

That means training with intention. Recovering strategically. And choosing trail runners built to handle elevation shifts, technical footing, and long hours on your feet without compromise.

Ready for the adventure? Let us know which route you’ll be taking on, and what gear will take you every step of the way!