Crikey its the Christmas Cracker Day 1 SOLD OUT DAY 2 PLACES AVAILABLE

It's Grim up North running

From It's Grim up North running

Saturday 12th December 2026
08:30
Leeds
£18.00–£54.00 · 7 races
5km, 10km, 10 Mile, Half Marathon, Marathon

67 already signed up

Event summary

Get ready to embrace the festive spirit at the Christmas Cracker Run, taking place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, in the picturesque Kirkstall, Leeds! Organized by It's Grim Up North Running, this fun and friendly trail running event caters to all abilities, making it the perfect holiday outing for everyone from seasoned runners to those looking for a joyful experience. With race distances including 5K, 10K, 10 miles, half marathon, and even a marathon option, there's a challenge for every level.

The course is flat and scenic, winding along the beautiful Leeds & Liverpool Canal, ensuring you enjoy the festive atmosphere while you run. Expect a lively ambiance at Race HQ, complete with music, delicious food, and seasonal treats to keep your spirits high. Each finisher will receive a bespoke Christmas medal and delightful festive goodies. Don't miss out on this exciting event that marks Day 1 of the 'Christmas Cracker Weekend'—you can participate in one or both days! Join us for an unforgettable day of running and celebration, and let's make this Christmas one to remember!

Races

  • 20 Miles

    08:30

    £39.00

    Entries closed
  • Marathon

    08:30

    £43.00

    Entries closed
  • Ultra

    08:30

    £54.00

    Entries closed
  • Half Marathon

    09:00

    £34.00

    Entries closed
  • 10 Miles

    09:30

    £30.00

    Entries closed
  • 10k

    10:00

    £29.00

    Entries closed
  • 5k

    10:15

    £18.00

    Entries closed

Organiser's description

Christmas Cracker Run – Rodley, Leeds | It's Grim Up North Running

All races are Trail Running Associated licensed under UKA Rules.

Kick off Christmas with a cracking run along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal!

Get into the festive spirit with the Christmas Cracker Run in Rodley Leeds, a fun and friendly trail running event with distances for all abilities.

Whether you’re chasing a new PB, stepping up to a longer distance, running with friends or simply fancy a festive run before Christmas, there’s something for everyone.

The route follows the scenic Leeds & Liverpool Canal, giving you a largely flat, runnable course that’s ideal for both newcomers and experienced runners.

Back at Race HQ, expect the usual Grim Up North welcome, with music, food, festive treats and plenty of Christmas cheer!

This is Day 1 of our Christmas Cracker Weekend. Join us for one day or make a weekend of it and run both. The choice is yours!

What’s Included?

✅ Distances from 5K to Marathon

✅ Flat(ish), scenic canal-side route

✅ Fully marshalled and signed course

✅ Feed and drink stations approximately every 3 miles

✅ Bespoke Christmas finisher medal

✅ Festive treats for all finishers

✅ Friendly, welcoming atmosphere

✅ Plenty of Grim Christmas cheer!

Our booking system will close when full or 5 days prior to the event

Race Brief:

Will be emailed out 5 days prior to the event and put onto our FB page 'Grim up North Chat'

Registration/start/finish/toilet Location:

Rodley Cricket Club, Canal Bank Sports Ground, Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds, LS13 1RL

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Parking:

If weather permits, vehicles can be parked in the Cricket Clubs field. A charge of £5 cash will be made and donated towards the Cricket Club.

Vehicles can also be parked in the surrounding streets. If parking in the streets, please park considerately.

Bag Drop:

Bags can be left in the Grim Van or in the Club House.

Race registration and start times:

Registration Start time

Ultra/Marathon/20 Miler: 07:40 08:30

Half Marathon 08:20 09:00

10 Miler 09:00 09:30

10k 09:30 10:00

5k 09:50 10:15

Race Bibs

Are picked up at race registration on the morning of the event.

Race bibs must be worn on the front of your person and must be clearly visible

We supply Safety pins

Laps:

Ultra Marathon 2 x laps plus 1 10K

Marathon 2 x laps

20 Miler 2 x laps

10 Miler 1 x lap

10k 1 x lap

5k 1 x lap

Water & Feed Stations:

Approx every 3 miles and may include Water, coke, juice, biscuits, sweets, crisps, cake & fruit. Please bring your own runnders squashable cup, to save on plastic cup waste.

Results

Results may take up to 24 hours to show on our website. www.itsgrimupnorthrunning.co.uk

If you have any questions about your final results, please email [email protected]

Headphones:

Over the ear headphones are not permitted. You must be able to hear marshals instructions. You can use bone conduction or a single ear bud.

Road Crossings:

There ma be some unmarshalled road crossings along the route. Please stay alert, take responsibility when crossing roads and always follow any instructions given by our marshals.

Transfers/upping or downing distances:

You can manage your entry, including eligible transfers and changing distances, through the It's Grim Up North Running website. www.itsgrimupnorthrunning.co.uk

Retiring or Injured

If you need to retire from the race or become injured, please tell the nearest marshal immediately.

This is important so that we know you are safe and can account for everyone on the course.

Stay Connected

For the latest updates, FAQs and community support, join our "Grim Up North Chat" Facebook group. Most race imformation is available online.

Reviews

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Location

Rodley Cricket Club, Canal Bank Sports Ground, Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds, LS13 1RL

It's Grim up North running

It's Grim up North running

Grim Up North Running is an established race company that offers multi distance events on both trail and road. With several years of experience we are able to offer a wide variety of races and with a range of distances and levels of difficulty there is something for everyone.

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Since 2025
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