Darkwood Demon

Trail Running in the Colne Valley

The Darkwood Demon is a trail race organized by Slaithwaite Striders RC, located in the Colne Valley near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The course covers a distance of 6.0 miles (9.7 km) and involves an elevation gain of 990 feet (300 metres). The terrain is composed of approximately 85% trail and 15% road.

The route features a variety of surfaces, including canal towpaths, bridleways, moorland, bogs, and woodland. Participants navigate a climb up Slaithwaite Moor to the summit of Cupwith before beginning a descent toward the finish line. The course is fully waymarked and marshalled, so individual navigation skills are not required.

Available distances:

• 6.0 miles (9.7 km)

The race headquarters is located at Zapato Brewery, Holme Mills in Marsden, where participants collect their bib numbers on the day of the event. Facilities include toilets and water, as well as free on-site parking. There are no changing facilities, showers, or baggage storage areas provided.

This event is held under UK Athletics rules and is open to runners aged 16 and older. While there are no mandatory kit requirements, trail shoes are recommended due to the terrain. The entry limit for the race is set at 250 participants. Trophies are awarded to the first place male and female finishers, with additional prizes for the top three overall and specific age categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.