Stroud Trails

Stroud Trails

Stroud Trails comprises multiple offroad running events that use local trails, Cotswold hills, canal and river towpaths, disused railway tracks and common land within an area of outstanding natural beauty. The courses include sections on the Cotswold Edge and reach Selsley Common with views across the Stroud Valley toward the Severn Estuary and Forest of Dean.

Distances offered include:

• Quarter Marathon (4.3 miles)
• Half Marathon
• Marathon
• Ultra 40 Miles

A described route follows the Quarter Marathon to Checkpoint 9, then follows the towpath to Stroud and continues west along the Severn-Thames Canal towpath past Ebley Warf, Stonehouse and Ryeford to Kings Stanley (Checkpoint 10). The course leaves the towpath by Stanley Mill, crosses Ryeford East Road onto the Old Cotswold Way, and ascends via Manor Farm and Middleyard (Checkpoint 11) into Pen Woods and up to Selsley Common, including a final 600 foot climb on the Cotswold Way.

The start is on the common behind the school. A route map will be available at the venue and there are signs on course. Water is provided at the start and finish, in the school hall kitchen and at checkpoints; some Ultra 40 and Marathon checkpoints have limited self service water. Portable toilets are in the school car park and public and disabled toilets are 50 m from the school opposite the church; use of the church toilets is prohibited. Baggage is stored unsupervised inside the school hall and is left at participants own risk. Marshals are present on course and first aid is available at the start and finish and at various checkpoints. Headphones are strongly discouraged and must be removed completely when approaching road junctions; failure to follow this rule may result in disqualification. Participants with medical conditions are asked to inform the organisers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.