Trail Running Calendar North West (England) 2026-2027

Run classic Lake District fell country at the Blake Fell Race on 31 January 2026, a testing 9.5 km course with 429 m of climb around The Leaps. Entries are limited to 120 so book early for this spirited winter challenge.

Timed lap based event on a flat 5.3 km riverside out and back near Hardy Farm in Manchester, with flexible distances from 5 km to ultra and a seven hour time limit. Medal free entry option and a charity donation per finisher.

Challenge yourself on a classic Lake District fell race from Ambleside, tackling 14 km with 880 m of ascent and spectacular views. Entry is on the day for £2 and competitors must be 18 or over, with a strict cut off at Loughrigg summit.

Trail races from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre offering a half marathon that follows the first 13 miles of the marathon and a 26.2 mile course that continues on an eastern loop with mixed forest tracks and lake views.

A winter ultra on the Pendle Way from Barley offering full 45 mile and alternative 30 mile routes for runners and walkers, waymarked with maps and GPX files and requiring winter kit and navigational ability.

Take on Clough Head in the Kong Winter Series, a punchy fell race in the Lake District on 7 February 2026. Expect about 7.3 km with 570 m of climb over rugged quarry and mountain terrain for a thrilling winter challenge.

Road races in the Lorton Valley starting and finishing in Cockermouth Town Centre. Offers a half marathon and a 10km with live chip-timing and finishers' medal, merchandise and a post-race snack.

Tackle 12 miles of rugged moorland in the Windy Hill Fell Race, climbing Blackstone Edge and the Windy Hill mast before returning to the Rams Head pub. CraggRunner welcomes runners with hot soup at the finish and instant online results.

Join the Manchester Winter Warmer Run at Heaton Park with 5k, 10k and half marathon options on scenic paths and a short trail. Chip timing, medals and on site snacks make for a festive race while supporting Shelter.

Trail runs at Grizedale Forest on 8 February 2026 feature fully marked, chip timed courses on wide forest paths. Choose a 10K with 260 m ascent or a 6K with 150 m ascent; two dogs per runner are permitted on a suitable harness.

Off-road event near Preston offering 10k and 11 mile routes across tracks and fields around Caldervale and the base of Beacon Fell country park. The 11 mile has a three hour cutoff and maps with three checkpoints are provided.

Tackle a challenging 2 mile fell race in scenic Barbondale, Lake District on Sun 8 Feb 2026, with 358 m of climb over flagged terrain. Part of the Helm Hill Winter League, pre entry or pay on the day; parking is very limited.

Run Phoenix Running Manchester's Friday Frenzy on 13 February 2026 at Hardy Farm, a timed event on a flat 5.3 km out and back towpath where runners can complete as many laps as they like within a 7 hour limit. Finishers get a commemorative..

A night-time head torch trail race in Whinlatter Forest Park with a fully waymarked 10k on very hilly mixed terrain. Entries include a memento, downloadable photos, seed packet and prizes for top finishers.

A countryside challenge across Rivington, Anglezarke and Turton Moors with a long 24 mile route and a shorter walkers option. The event uses staffed checkpoints, a 10 hour time limit, and mandatory kit checks.

Bleasdale Circle by VÅGA is a classic 8 km fell race around Parlick and Paddy’s Pole on 14 February 2026, offering steep climbs, exposed high ground and true winter conditions. Advance entry only and places are limited, so bring waterproofs..

Run the Stockport Trail Half Marathon along the scenic Middlewood Way and Macclesfield Canal near Marple. Chip timing and a relaxed non competitive wave make it perfect for racers and social runners alike.

A winter league fell race at Birkrigg Common in Ulverston featuring a 5 km course with 170 m climb. The route is fully flagged and covered by an FRA permit; entries are available in advance or on the day and specific kit is required.

Take on Mr Sparkle's Dark Un, an 8.1 km night fell race across moorland with stiff climbs, mud and a final descent on 27 Feb 2026. A headtorch and full body cover are required and places are limited, pre entry only.

A 50-mile trail ultramarathon near Chester on 28 February 2026, following the North Cheshire Way and Sandstone Trail with 849 m of ascent, seven checkpoints and a 17 hour cut-off. The 2026 edition was sold out.