Trail Running Races Not to Miss in the UK
Are you looking for your next trail running race? Look no further, we've selected our best races in the UK.
Whether you’re a beginner or a trail veteran, whether you seek fun or glory, whether you like the coast or the forest or the ice-clad cliffs of the north, there’s a race for you in the UK.
Keswick Mountain Festival Trail Races
Keswick, England
16-19 May 2019
10K, 25K, or 50K
The trail races held each year at Keswick Mountain Festival emphasize fun and community over suffering. KMF is a celebration of running, hiking, climbing, and living life in the outdoors. The races traverse a full complement of terrain. You’ll run wide trails, steady ascents, woods, and open valleys in the Keswick countryside. If you enjoy running with a friendly crowd, and then meeting again later for music and drink, this is your event.
https://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/event-category/sports-activities/sports/run/
Lakelands Trail Races
Lake District National Park
Many races from March-September 2019
5K to 100K
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ultra-runner, the Lakelands Trail Races will have something for you. The village is lively and the event brims with energy and good cheer.
Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
30 November 2019
10K to “Ultra Plus”
There are many races in this series in various UK locations, from February-November 2019.
The splendor of the Dorset landscape will help distract from your wobbly legs. Among the routes in the series, the Jurassic Coast Path stands out for its views and historic landmarks. The after party at the Lulworth Cove Inn will prove another highpoint.
https://www.endurancelife.com/dorset
Yorkshire 3 Peaks Race
Horton-in-Ribblesdale
27 Aril 2019
37km
The famed ‘“marathon with mountains” is for runners who have worn out at least few pairs racing shoes. To qualify, you must have completed at least two other serious fell races. Only then will you be granted an attempt at the high summits of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent, and Whernside on this iconic route. It’s a true classic, and very likely worth the exhaustion.
Isle of Jura Fell Race
Isle of Jura
25 May 2019
28km
With seven mountain summits to crest, including the famed Paps of Jura, this is not your typical relaxing island getaway. This British test piece takes at least four hours and will challenge both your endurance and navigation skills. In return it offers glorious views of the Hebrides, a chance to run alongside wildlife, and afterwards, a reward of the island’s famous golden recovery drink—the race is sponsored by the Jura whisky distillery.
Cader Idris Mountain Race
Dolgellau
18 May 2019
17km
Starting in the mountain town of Dolgellau, runners tackle the steep, icy flanks of Cader Idris, continue up the Pony Path to the summit, then straight back down to the adoring crowds at the finish line. If you can stomach the 3,000ft climb you’ll be rewarded by one of the UK’s great running achievements.
Glendalough Trail Run
Glendalough, Laragh, Co Wicklow
19 October 2019
15.5km
1500 vertical feet of climbing and the region’s famously temperamental weather frame the route’s beautiful views. The Trail Race offers a formidable challenge, and also helps raise funds for the charity Fighting Blindness.
http://www.glendaloughtrail.com
Gaelforce Mountain Challenge
Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway
10 March 2018
12km, 13km, 22km
Face the wilds of Connemara in this unique off-road run. With special access granted by local landowners, this route offers a rare opportunity to see local landscape. Beginner, intermediate, and expert routes offer challenges for everyone.
Expect steep ascents and descents on the expert and intermediate routes. All routes start and finish at the Killary Adventure Centre.