Darkwood Demon
Linthwaite, United Kingdom • 13 Sep 2026
Darkwood Demon - Colne Valley trail race
Darkwood Demon is a chip-timed trail race organised by Slaithwaite Striders in the Colne Valley near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The course is a single lap of about 6.0 miles (9.7 km) with approximately 990 ft (300 m) of ascent. The surface is mostly trail with an estimated 85% trail and 15% road, and the route passes towpath, bridleway, moorland, bogs, woodland and some road sections.
The route includes a sustained climb up Slaithwaite Moor to Cupwith followed by a fast descent to the finish at Zapato Brewery. The course is fully marshalled and waymarked so navigation is not required. Trail shoes are strongly recommended; there are no compulsory kit requirements. The event is held under UK Athletics rules and has a minimum age of 16. It is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Prizes include trophies for first place male and female, prizes for the top three male and female finishers and age category prizes. Course records are listed as 36:58 for the male record and 47:56 for the female record. The event has an entry limit of 250 and the race licence status is pending.
Race HQ is Zapato Brewery, Holme Mills, West Slaithwaite Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6LS. Facilities on site include water, toilets and free on-site parking. Bibs are collected from inside race HQ. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.