Trail Runs

There are hundreds of UK trail races to choose from, with distances ranging from short woodland runs to multi-day ultras. Autumn usually has the busiest calendar, although events take place throughout the year and new dates continue to appear well in advance. To find something local, use the location and distance filters on this page rather than relying on one organiser’s calendar. Check the closing date as well as the race date, since popular or small-field events may stop taking entries early.

Start with a short run on a firm towpath, park trail or forestry track where you won’t need to navigate. Once that feels comfortable, practise on the sort of ground you’ll face in the race, whether that’s mud, loose stones or steeper climbs. Don’t worry if your pace drops, and walk the hills when running them would use too much energy. A 5K race is a sensible first target because it lets you get used to uneven ground without committing to several hours on the course. Avoiding injury and getting used to the types of terrain are the most important things when it comes to starting out with trail runs.

There’s no single best trail race, although Lindisfarne, the Jurassic Coast and events around Westonbirt Arboretum all offer memorable scenery. Lindisfarne brings tidal-coast views, while Westonbirt places runners among its trees and established paths. The Jurassic Coast is more demanding and turns the landscape into a much larger part of the challenge. If dramatic surroundings appeal more than an easy finish, the ultramarathon calendar also includes longer races through some of Britain’s wildest areas.

There isn’t a useful average trail-running time without knowing the distance and the course as these vary so much from event to event. A smooth, level trail may only slow you down slightly, whereas mud, steep climbs or technical descents can add a great deal of time to race. Published routes range from races with less than 30m of climbing to coastal ultras with several thousand feet, so two events over an identical distance may produce very different results.

A short UK trail race will commonly cost around £20 to £40, while longer or heavily supported events can be considerably more expensive. Once a race includes several stages, transport or overnight support, the fee may reach hundreds of pounds. The lowest price on a multi-distance booking page might also belong to its shortest race, so make sure you’re looking at the correct ticket. If you’re planning ahead, December trail races give you time to compare the entry fee with travel, parking and any kit you’ll need.