Trail Running Calendar United Kingdom 2026-2027

Start the year with the Loch Morlich Running Festival on 03 January 2026, where scenic forest trails through Glenmore finish on the beautiful Loch Morlich beach. Family and dog friendly with medals, timed results and baking at the finish.

Take on the Walter Raleigh Round in Budleigh Salterton, a scenic half or third marathon that visits Sir Walter Raleigh's birthplace and winds along the Jurassic Coast and Otter Valley. Expect hills, mud and a wooden finisher coaster for all..

Tackle a winter coastal trail in the Hardmoors 15, a scenic 17.5 mile loop from Robin Hood's Bay with rugged cliffs and Cinder Track underfoot. Limited to 150 runners, this January race offers checkpoints, medal and tech tee for finishers.

Hardmoors 30 is an off road 30 mile trail race from Robin Hood's Bay, tracing cliff top sections of the Cleveland Way with about 3,400 ft ascent. Limited to 200 runners, the demanding course features staffed checkpoints and 11 hour limit.

Start the year under the Wolf Moon with a scenic trail half through woods and along the Five Pits Trail, finishing by a campfire with cake and hot drinks. Finishers get a Wolf Moon medal for a cosy winter challenge.

Join Rhino Run along the scenic River Thames at Wraysbury to support Save the Rhino, with 5k, 10k, 3.28 mile and a flexible 6 hour challenge for all abilities. Finishers receive a bespoke medal and a five piece goody bag.

Take part in the Deepdale Dash, a 5 mile trail fundraiser for St Teresa's Hospice in Barnard Castle on 3 January 2026. Enjoy a scenic riverside route through woods and a nature reserve with on course refreshments and a race memento.

Take on the Osprey Trail Run under the stars in Kielder Forest, a 22 km night trail across forest tracks and mountain bike trails. Race 2 of the Shadowlands series offers scenic, challenging off road running with prizes on the night.

Tackle the El Brim Ick Hill Race on 3 January 2026 near Aberdeen, a testing 4.25 mile route with about 856 ft of climbing from Craibstone Golf Club. Limited to 99 places, entry includes a hot meal and drink for post race recovery.

Essex XC Championships at Gloucester Park Basildon on 3 Jan 2026 features challenging multi lap cross country races from U11s to a 12 km senior men race. Entries close 21 Dec and entry is open to England Athletics members eligible for Essex..

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.

Experience the Chilterns Winter 10 km, a guided trail run through woodlands, hills and scenic viewpoints with run leaders for every ability group. Finish at Church Farm Cafe with parking, bag drop and canicross friendly routes near train li..

Join the 99th Leicestershire and Rutland Cross Country Championships on Saturday 3 January 2026 at Rotherby Lodge Farm. Races from age 9 to masters promise fierce county rivalry and club team competition over varied courses.

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.

Join the East Hanningfield Trail Marathon on 4 January 2026 for a scenic circular 95% off road route around Danbury, starting and finishing at the village hall. Expect varied terrain, friendly support and three well stocked checkpoints.

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.

Bodenham Bound is a charity trail run at Bodenham Arboretum near Kidderminster on 4 January 2026, raising funds for Kemp Hospice and Harkaway Scouts. Pick 5 km or 10 km and tackle a scenic but testing mixed terrain course.

Enjoy a scenic 12 km coastal trail in Whitley Bay, starting on the beach and winding over clifftops, coastal paths and through woodlands before finishing with a lap of Churchill Playing Fields track. Undulating single lap with buff.

Join the Penshurst Village Cross Country Run on Sunday 4 January 2026 for mud, hills and community spirit across scenic village trails. Choose a 5 mile race or a 5 mile canicross and enjoy a friendly morning for runners and dogs alike.