- Sun 18 Oct 2026
09:00
Age 17 & over
£28-£30
- 13.1 miles trail running + 708 ft ascent
Event overview
If you like beautiful races in beautiful places, like fun, like medals and like goodies then this event is for you.
Join the Knaresborough Running Festival for an unforgettable day of trail running through some of the most scenic countryside in the region.
The route is based on a 6.5-mile trail course, with runners completing a set number of laps depending on their chosen distance. Starting from the centre of Knaresborough, the course climbs gently through beautiful parkland and continues along the old railway track between Knaresborough and Harrogate. Expect breathtaking countryside views, historic Yorkshire charm, and a friendly race atmosphere.
This event is part of the It's Grim Up North calendar of runs, offering a range of distances and levels of difficulty so there is something for everyone.
Famous for its low-key approach, all runners will be greeted with a warm smile and friendly chat.
The aim is to get you out running, help you enjoy the beautiful countryside with great camaraderie and for you to experience the sense of well-being you get when you cross that finish line.
You'll be shown that the North is anything but Grim.
This event is part of Old Mother Shipton's Soft Shoe Shuffle.
Event photos
- Average fitness
- Event village
- Newcomers
- Spectators
Difficulty rating
Timetable
Shoe type
Road shoes – the course is mainly good underfoot, with one very short section of field.
- 2 laps
- Bone conducting headphones only
- Cut off time
- Distance markers
- First aid
- Food stations
- Marshals
- Mostly traffic free
- Out and back
- Single start
- Toilets
- Undulating
- Water stations
- Way markers
- GPX available
GPX route
The route is displayed on the map above.
Route
- Elevation: Flat(ish)
- Terrain: Good trail/road
- Feed/drink stations approximately every 3 miles
- Marshalled and signed course
Overview
This running extravaganza funnels participants through a beautiful 6.5-mile loop, starting from the picturesque River Nidd, through tranquil woodlands, historic paths, and charming countryside, offering runners a varied, scenic, and enjoyable racing experience.
Map
- Accommodation
- Bar
- Cafe
- Paid parking
- Park
- Rural
- Secure bag storage
- Toilets
- Urban
Event HQ
Knaresborough Town Centre
Knaresborough
North Yorkshire
HG5 8DP
UK
Parking
You cannot park at the start/finish area, and you do not go into Monther Shipton's Cave itself, but you can park over the bridge in Conyngham Hall's long stay car park, council charges apply. The address is: Conyngham Car Park, Bond End, Knaresborough HG5 9AY.
- Chip timing
- Drinks
- Map
- Medal
- Race photo
- Snacks
Included
- A bespoke finisher’s medal
- Chip-timed results
- Fully marked and marshalled routes
- Water and refreshments at aid stations
- Post-race snacks and drinks
- Free event photographs
- Medical support along the course
- Friendly event atmosphere
This was my first organised run ever and first half marathon! The event was brilliant, great atmosphere from all, and so well organised and coordinated. Simon H
Really well put together race. Marshall's were lovely and friendly. The route was super easy to follow with aid stations every 3 miles. Great all round! Alice B
Incredible staff and atmosphere for my first half, thanks to everyone involved! The course is perhaps a little less flat than flattish, but very pretty and great underfoot. Really enjoyed it! Robin C
My first 20-mile race and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Didn't set a time target, so I wasn't disappointed in my finish time. Would love to do it again. Peter F
After a cheeky uphill start on each loop, this is a lovely trot around the paths, quiet back roads and disused railway line on the outskirts of Knaresborough. A very pretty route throughout. The 10k is a decent challenge for a novice at this distance. As always IGUN provide a warm welcome, quick registration, cheerful marshals & plenty of cake. Top quality medal too! Vicki C
This is my fourth IGUN event and I love them so much. The organisers are absolutely fantastic. They are so kind and friendly. The marshalls are fabulous and all of the routes are different, challenging and beautiful. This is a new event for them and I thought it was brilliant. Highly recommended. Rebecca B
A bit repetitive as an out and back - but that was to be expected and was 'as advertised'. Smashing local race with fantastic volunteers and the friendliest group of runners I've ever come across. Jim W
Loved every moment of this event! The atmosphere was great! Stuart C
Paths were decent and it was nice & scenic. There were a few out & backs and sneaky hills to tackle which made it a nice challenge. Colin J
Our first event and we loved it! Everyone was so friendly and great organising! Thank you! Tanya C
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
- Bring your own cup
- Plastic bottle free
- Public transport links
This is cupless event. All runners are requested to bring their own labelled, reusable cup or bottle.
- Age 17 & over
- Entries open
- Collect race pack
- Enter online
- Event merch available
Entry fees
Entry fee (Affiliated)
£28.00
Entry fee (Unaffiliated)
£30.00
Other races at event
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
- #1 of 0
10:30
Age 16 & over
£23-£25
- 10 km trail running + 354 ft ascent
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
- #3 of 0
08:30
Age 18 & over
£35-£37
- 20 miles trail running + 1062 ft ascent
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
- #4 of 0
08:30
Age 18 & over
£39-£41
- 26.2 miles trail running + 1416 ft ascent
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
- #5 of 0
08:30
Age 21 & over
£56-£58
- 32.5 miles trail running + 1770 ft ascent