Trail Running calendar near Chigwell 2025-2026

Take part in the Essex Vets XC Championships on 13 December 2025 in Epping Forest for a tough and scenic 8k on forest trails. Veteran races and team prizes across age groups; entries online only until 7 December.

Middlesex Cross Country Championships return to Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Centre in Uxbridge on Saturday 13 December 2025. Youth and senior races from 2k to 12k, chip timed, open to clubs, schools and individuals.

Celebrate trail running in Thetford Forest at ZigZag's 'Twas The Run Before Christmas, a relaxed timed event on a scenic 5.3 km multi terrain loop. Pick 4 or 6 hour formats and run as many laps as you like to make 5k up to ultra distances.

Mince Pi Run - races of 2 decimal places is a 14 December 2025 off-road event at Shalford Park, Guildford. Participants choose from 3.14 to 31.4 miles (1–10 laps) on a scenic, mostly flat course with one or two hills. A Pi marathon option a..

Enjoy a festive half trail through Suffolk woodlands, meadows and quiet lanes on Sunday 14 December 2025. Expect an eco medal and mince pie at the finish, friendly trails and timed results in a relaxed winter race atmosphere.

Join the Salcey Forest Christmas Race on 14 December 2025 for 10k, 5k or a 1.2km junior fun run on mostly flat forest trails. Fancy dress, festive prizes and bespoke medals, with proceeds supporting Shelter.

Night street orienteering in Colchester on 17 December from the Berechurch Arms. Choose a 3.4 km short or 5.4 km long course, use MapRun or printed maps and hunt controls by torchlight for a fun, technical evening.

Run the Search For Santa night trail on 17 December, a 6 mile self navigation adventure with hidden Santas, chocolate and a secret clue stop that can earn time bonuses. Costumes and quirky humour are encouraged and prizes await.

Join the ZigZag 2025 Christmas Canter in Bury St Edmunds on Dec 20 for festive 5k, 10k, half, marathon or ultra on scenic rolling roads. Limited to 300 runners, it offers medals, aid stations and included parking for a cheerful festive run.

Join the 20th Christmas Pudding Dash in Pett near Hastings for festive, family friendly cross country races across farmland and woods. Multiple distances, medals, prizes and mince pies make this muddy, fun run a great seasonal tradition.

Join a festive 12 km trail in Chelmsford for a fun, social run with a brewery checkpoint en route. Entry includes a Santa hat, drink tokens, a Christmas medal and post run pints or upgrade to rum at the finish.

Take on Winter Wanderlust, a 50 km trail ultramarathon along the scenic North Downs Way from Detling to Wye. Enjoy rugged chalk downs, three well stocked checkpoints, hot food and a finisher medal for those who make the cut.

Join the Festive Friston Forest, a five mile night trail through Litlington woods and downs on 22 December 2025. This friendly timed adventure features festive fancy dress, a finisher medal and a pint or hot drink back at the pub when you r..

The Die Hard Christmas Marathon and Half Marathon is a festive running event taking place on December 24, 2025, at Caldecotte Lake in Milton Keynes. Participants can choose between a full marathon, consisting of 7.5 scenic laps, or a half m..

Join the Santa Claws 10km, a festive winter multi terrain cross country run at Renegade Brewery on the Yattendon Estate on 24 December. Expect muddier trails than the summer event, a canicross option and a finisher medal plus a beer or alco..

Run on Christmas Day along the Thames at the Christmas Day Cracker Run, a 7 hour time challenge where you choose laps from a 3 km minimum to ultra distances. Finishers get a medal and festive food and treats at race HQ.

Join the festive Runners v Riders at Friday Woods, Colchester, where runners and cyclists battle muddy off road trails for the Markham Cup. The senior race is about 3.5 miles, with free junior sign ups on the day.

Join Pitsea Running Club for the Crown to Crown Boxing Day 5k, an upbeat off road loop through Willow Park starting and finishing at Westley Heights Country Park. A friendly community race perfect for festive miles and post Christmas fun.

Winter X near Meonstoke on 28 Dec offers 10, 30, 50 and 70 km trail routes along the South Downs Way. Enjoy marked courses, checkpoints, chip timing, an event tee and post run food.

Join the Westfield 7.5 km trail race on Sunday 28 December 2025 for a scenic loop past Farbanks Henge and village hamlets. Limited to 50 runners, with marshalled off road course, post race tea and cake and prizes for top male and female.