Trail Running calendar near Willingham 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.

'Twas The Run Before Christmas at Brandon Country Park on 14 Dec 2025 invites runners to tackle four or six hour timed challenges on a 5.3 km multi terrain lap through Thetford Forest. Bring your own bottle and earn a finisher medal.

Celebrate the season at Sherwood Pines on 14 December 2025 with duathlons, new 5km and 10km trail runs and a family mile. Canicross friendly routes, relay options and festive medals with mince pies and drinks make it fun for all.

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..

Let it Stow is a festive half trail marathon in Stowmarket, featuring 13.1 miles of footpaths, woodland and country lanes for a scenic run. Finishers earn an eco friendly medal, top runners get trophies and photos capture the day.

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.

Take on the NAV4 Tour de Helvellyn, a winter ultra of about 38 miles and 2000 m of climbing starting and finishing at Askham Community Centre. This low support unmarked route demands strong mountain navigation and self reliance.

Join the Chelmsford Brew Co 12ks of Christmas for a festive 12k trail from the Voodoo Keller Bar to the brewery and back, finishing in the town bar. Expect drinks, a Santa hat and prizes for the best Christmas fancy dress.

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.

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..

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.

Run a scenic 10k around the historic Rauceby Estate on 27 December, winding through parkland surrounding the Grade II listed Rauceby Hall. A festive post Christmas challenge set in 2,000 acres of rolling countryside.

Join the Layer Twixmas Trail on 28 December for a self guided 5 to 6 mile trail run around Layer de la Haye. Enjoy a Twix, hot drink and cake, optional festive fancy dress with a cash prize and dog friendly fun.

Take on a scenic 10 mile cross country through Hainault Forest with Ilford Athletic Club, three undulating laps across tracks and grass. Friendly club atmosphere, limited entries and post race prizes make it a rewarding winter challenge.