Trail running events in the UK: 8 to attend in 2020 – Red Bull
Swap pounding the pavements for the chance to roam wild on a free-range trail run. From the toughest courses to the most incredible views and the best afterparty, these seven events showcase the very best of Great British trail running, and they all promise to deliver mud, sweat and post-run beers.
1. Love Trails Festival
Love Trails is a festival like no other
© Red Bull
Location: Gower Peninsula, Wales
Date: July 2-5 2020
‘Run wild by day, let loose to live-music & DJs by night’ is the mantra behind this insanely popular summer festival. In 2020 it’s offering trail hounds the chance to join a range of off-road races, from 5km all the way up to 42km in length.
Skirting the glorious Gower coastline, the route provides views over the Bristol Channel that will make your Insta followers weep with jealousy. A word of note: it sells out fast, so keep your eyes peeled for all those ticket drops.
2. Cader Idris Mountain Race
Location: Dolgellau, Wales
Date: May 20 2020
The dreaded Ras y Gader, the Cader Idris Mountain Race, is a tough route to glory that gets pride of place in any seasoned fell runner’s diary.
Starting in the mountain town of Dolgellau, runners tackle the steep sides of the ice-clad mountain of Cader Idris and race up the Pony Path to the summit, then straight back down to the cheering crowds waiting at the finish line.
If you can handle the horrendous 3,000ft climb you’ll get an adrenaline buzz like nothing you’ve experienced before.
3. Yorkshire 3 Peaks Race
Location: Horton-in-Ribblesdale, England
Date: April 23 2020
The so-called ‘marathon with mountains’ is not for the faint-hearted. To compete in the much-loved and long-running 3 Peaks Race you must have completed at least two other gruelling fell races in order to prove your mettle.
Once you have you’ll be allowed to attempt to cross some of the finest summits in the Dales – Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside – on this iconic 23-mile route. A challenge if ever there was one.
4. OMM Original Mountain Marathon
Location: TBC
Date: October 24-25 2020
A must-run. A classic. A tradition. The two-day OMM is a fond favourite in the (rather nuts) world of long-distance trail running – after all, it’s been going since 1968.
These days competitors choose between a so-called ‘Lite’ two-day trail race and a nail-bitingly extreme two-day mountain race, combining fell running, orienteering, hill walking, trail running and an overnight wild camp.
OMM reckons “runners are at the mercy of the elements, and their own decisions.” The marathon is the only civilian event approved for use as training for the British Military – make of that what you will. There’s no location for 2020 at time of writing, but you can keep an eye on it here.
5. Keswick Mountain Festival Trail Races
Location: Keswick, England
Date: May 15-17 2020
After something sociable and bit less knee-wobblingly extreme? Then the trail races held each year at Keswick Mountain Festival are definitely your jam.
KMF is a celebration of all things running, climbing and general outdoors. The Adidas-sponsored trail running races are all about wide-open trails, steady and tough ascents through woodland and open valleys in the glorious countryside around Keswick. If you like a run in a friendly crowd with the chance to dance the night away afterwards, sign yourself up for this one.
6. Lakelands Trail Races
Location: Lake District National Park
Date: Various races from March-November 2020
Looking to dip a toe into the sport? Then the brilliant Lakelands Trail Races routes range from five kilometres to ultramarathon distances, making them perfect for beginners and families as well as hardened runners. Without doubt this is a collection of the most charming trail running events in the calendar.
7. Isle of Jura Fell Race
Location: Isle of Jura, Scotland
Date: May 23 2020
28km and seven mountain summits to conquer, including the memorably-named Paps of Jura – this ain’t no walk in the park. One of the toughest events in Britain, the Isle of Jura fell race takes at least four hours to complete and calls for a body of steel and a sharp eye for navigation.
Your reward? Incredible views of the Hebrides, the chance to spot seals and golden eagles as you tackle the trails, and a guaranteed tipple as a reward for all your hard work, as the race is sponsored by the island’s famous whiskey distillery. Entries open Jan 1.
8. Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series
Location: Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Date: November 2020 TBC
You won’t find more gorgeous coastal views to take your mind off your screaming leg muscles than on Endurance Life’s Dorset race.
EL’s Coastal Trail series includes runs along the shores of Devon, Exmoor and Northumberland, but Dorset’s epic hilly run along the Jurassic Coast Path is our favourite, taking runners past the glorious arch of Durdle Door and through millions of years of history. Plus, the lively after party at the Lulworth Cove Inn will soon soothe all your pains away.