Trail Running Calendar North West (England) 2025-2026

BigXmas Trail Festival at Sale Water Park offers 11 km, half marathon and marathon trail routes along the River Mersey. Chip timed, the festive finish features mince pies, mulled wine and the choice of a medal or a tree planted.

On 20 December take on the Beyond the Lune Skyline Winter Ultra, a 65 km loop from Kirkby Lonsdale climbing seven summits and finishing with beer or mulled wine and sourdough pizza. Tough, scenic and hugely satisfying.

Join Beyond the Lune Winter Editions for festive trail runs from The Royal Barn in Kirkby Lonsdale, with 5 km, 10 km and 20 km routes over rivers, footpaths and fells. Hot drinks, treats and a finisher beer add extra festive cheer.

Join the Santa Dash on 21 December for a festive 4 mile trail run around Horwich, Bolton, with medals for finishers and prizes for best fancy dress. Dress up, enjoy spot prizes and festive fun for all abilities.

Take on Orrest Sun Up in Windermere on Sun 21 Dec 2025, a bracing one mile climb to Orrest Head with stunning Lake District views. Entry on the day from The Phoenix Centre is £5 with donations supporting local community charities.

Celebrate Boxing Day with the Whinberry Naze fell race in Rawtenstall, a punchy 4 mile course with 229 m climb across Pennine fells. Enter on the day for a festive atmosphere, fancy dress prizes and a friendly post race vibe.

Join the Chester Round the Walls Race on Friday 26 December at Chester Racecourse for a festive 6 km run along the riverside and around the iconic city walls. Competitive prizes and a commemorative finisher item await runners aged 16 and ov..

Take on the classic Wansfell fell race in Ambleside on 27 December 2025, a scenic out and back to the rocky summit. Expect steep stone steps, open fell running and a warm finish at Force Cafe, with pre entry and mandatory kit required.

A scenic 10 km trail at Alderley Park on 28 Dec, Alderley Winter Warmer invites you to a prediction race where you estimate your time and run without watches; the closest wins. Postrace breakfast and proceeds support Stockport Foodbank.

Catch Phoenix Running Manchester's Dragon's Eye Red at Hardy Farm on Sunday 28 December 2025. Rock up and run on a flat 3.28 mile towpath loop through Chorlton Water Park, grab a finish memento and support Pennine Pen Rescue.

Celebrate New Year's Eve on the trails at the Bowstones Fell Race in the Peak District. This 11 km fell race from Higher Poynton climbs about 325 m, is pre entry only, and rewards every finisher with a bottle of beer.

Kick off the New Year at Clowbridge 5k NYD! Enjoy a friendly two lap route around the reservoir with marshals, prizes and funds raised for local causes, open to ages 11 and up.

Nine Standards is a mountain race on the hills above Kirkby Stephen, starting from the market square and offering a scenic but testing 8 mile route with about 549 m of climb. Expect rugged paths, dramatic views and a true fell race experien..

Cheshire Cross Country Championships on 3 January 2026 at Kelsall Equestrian Centre, with races from Under 11 to senior and veteran runners over classic cross country terrain. Club athletes chase individual and team honours. Entries online.

Join NAV4 for a recce of the LAW75 middle section, about 20 miles from Buckden to Mallerstang with minibus support and snacks. Limited to 12 places, this scenic, possibly dark run visits Wensleydale, the Eden Valley and Pendragon Castle.

Kick off January with the Brampton Trail Run, a scenic 7 km undulating trail on Brampton's edge with a bespoke finisher medal and free event photos. Expect off road mud so wear trail shoes for a lively 7 km challenge.

Run through Whinlatter Forest on scenic, well marked trails with 5 km or 10 km options and dogs are welcome. Chip timing and downloadable GPS files make for a relaxed, family friendly race day.

Test your legs in the Lake District at the YHA King Of The Castle fell race, an exhilarating uphill time trial from Borrowdale hostel to the Castle Crag war memorial. Short and steep 2.5 km course with cake and hot drinks to celebrate at th..

Bowland Trail Half offers a rugged 13 miles with about 2,000 ft of ascent over varied Bowland terrain at Slaidburn. Unmarked route with maps and GPX, mandatory kit, a finish meal and proceeds to local foodbanks.

Bowland Ultra on 10 January 2026 is a rugged 42 mile winter route across Bowland with 1,700 m of ascent. Well supported with aid stations, GPX tracking and a finishers meal, it raises funds for Morecambe Bay Foodbank.