Sign up now for FREE and take advantage of our Super Early Bird offer (ends January)!
Registration fee – £0
Minimum sponsorship – £100 (at least £50 to be raised by 1st April)
Take on the challenge and be part of Team DENS – proud Charity of the Year of the event for the second year running!
The Hemel Hempstead 10k & 5k brings together hundreds of runners for an unforgettable race experience. With full road closures and chip timing, this exciting undulating course offers the perfect opportunity to achieve a personal best while raising vital funds to support local people facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.
Whether you’re lacing up for your very first 10k/5k or returning for your 50th, runners of all abilities are welcome.

Why take on the Hemel Hempstead 10k for DENS?
At DENS, we really appreciate everyone who chooses to fundraise for us. As part of our fantastic team of runners, you will receive:
👕 Limited-edition DENS Hemel Hempstead 10k & 5k running tee
🏅 Unique Hemel Hempstead 10k & 5k finisher’s medal
📷 Free race photos
🛍️ Goodie bag
💪 Fundraising pack and training plan
💛 Dedicated fundraiser from our team to help with any queries you have, including full support with your fundraising
📢 In addition, you will receive updates of DENS’ work throughout to keep you motivated to reach your target
Pricing
Super Early Bird:
Registration fee – £0
Minimum sponsorship – £100 (at least £50 to be raised by 1st April)
Offer window – Registration opening to 31st December 2026
Early Bird:
Registration fee – £15
Minimum sponsorship – £100 (at least £50 to be raised by 1st April)
Offer window – 1st January to 31st March 2027
Regular Price:
Registration fee – £25
Minimum sponsorship – £100
Offer window – 1st April to registration closing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance of the run and what time does it start?
You can choose between a 10k or 5k run, on Sunday 23rd May 2027.
5k – 9am
10k – 9.10am
What is the terrain like on the routes?
The 10k is two laps of the 5k route.
Elevation – 137m (10k), 62m (5k)
The course is set on closed roads with undulating tarmac paths.
Click here for full Strava route.
How much does it cost to book and what’s included?
Super Early Bird:
Registration fee – £0
Minimum sponsorship – £100 (at least £50 to be raised by 1st April)
Offer window – Registration opening to 31st December 2026
Early Bird:
Registration fee – £15
Minimum sponsorship – £100 (at least £50 to be raised by 1st April)
Offer window – 1st January to 31st March 2027
Regular Price:
Registration fee – £25
Minimum sponsorship – £100
Offer window – 1st April to registration closing
All DENS places include:
- Unique themed medal
- Chip-timed results
- Free race photos
- Post-race goodies
- DENS t-shirt (limited to first 50 spaces)
- Results will be available online immediately after the race
What does my registration fee pay for and how do I fundraise?
We are delighted to offer a free Early Bird registration period until January. After this date, a small registration fee will apply to help cover event administration, logistics and other associated costs.
Importantly, all sponsorship raised goes directly to DENS, helping us support local people facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.
We ask all participants to commit to raising a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Once you have registered for the event, please click here and follow the instructions to set up your JustGiving fundraising page. You can then share your page with friends, family and colleagues to start collecting sponsorship.
Every pound you raise will help DENS continue supporting vulnerable people in our local community.
Where is the venue and is there parking?
The event starts and finishes outside Riverside Shopping Centre, where there is a paid car park.
There are also several paid car parks nearby, which can be seen at www.parkopedia.com.
The nearest train station is Hemel Hempstead, which is a 20-minute walk to the start.
Who can participate in the event?
Runners aged 15 and over.
Spectators of all ages are more than welcome. We advise staying in the event village where you will be able to catch the start and finish.
Is the event wheelchair/buggy friendly?
We welcome buggy runners and wheelchair athletes, and simply ask that you remain mindful of the runners around you and make yourself known should you need to overtake them.
Can I bring my dog?
While we adore our four-legged friends, we regret to inform you that dogs aren’t allowed for both runners and spectators at this event. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Are there water stations and toilets available?
There will be portable toilets in the event village and water provided at roughly the 2k and 7k points of the race. There will also be water available at the finish along with your post-race goodies and medal.
Will there be somewhere I can securely store my belongings or a bag drop?
There will be an informal bag drop within the event village for you to leave any belongings during the race. Please ensure your label is attached to your bag before dropping it off with our marshals. Anything left within the bag drop is left at your own risk.
Where can I find the DENS terms and conditions?
Please click here for the DENS terms and conditions.
Where can I find further information?
How can I ask a question that’s not covered here?
Send an email to fundraising@dens.org.uk or call us on 01442 800268, and our friendly team will be happy to help.
