Trail runs in the UK
Discover trail runs across the UK and swap tarmac for tracks, paths and countryside routes. From woodland loops to rolling hills and coastal trails, use the filters to find off-road running events by date, location and terrain. Read more
Trail running offers a different kind of challenge to road racing, combining varied terrain, changing conditions and inspiring landscapes. Routes often follow footpaths, bridleways, forest tracks and coastal trails, rewarding runners with scenery as well as a strong sense of adventure.
Trail runs come in many formats, from short, accessible events ideal for first-timers to longer, more technical routes for experienced off-road runners. Some focus on steady climbs and descents, while others wind through parks, woods and open countryside.
If you’re looking for a specific distance, explore our 5K trail runs, 10K trail runs, trail half marathons, trail marathons or trail ultra runs pages or for bigger elevation and navigation challenges, mountain marathons offer a more extreme off-road experience.
Use the filters to choose your date, location and route type — and discover trail runs that take you beyond the beaten track.
Want to read more? Read the guides, tips and advice from our blog.
Got questions? Read our FAQs for answers.
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Trail runs 2026–2027
Discover trail runs near you and get ready for your next start line.
- Sat 30 - Sun 31 May
- FREE-£85
Lake District Running Festival
50+ years of Lake District running in one unforgettable weekend! Trail runners, fell runners, orienteers and walkers of all abilities in an iconic location with family-friendly activities and more.
- Sprint orienteer
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Trail run
- Marathon
- + 5 more races
- Sun 7 Jun
- £25
Crackpots Trail Run
The award-winning 10km-ish trail run is back for a fourth year and takes in quiet country lanes, off-road trails, moorland and rivers within Nidderdale AONB as part of the annual village Family Fete.
- 11 km trail running + 193 m ascent
- Fri 26 - Sun 28 Jun
- FREE-£96
- U16s FREE
South Scotland Outdoor Festival
Dive into epic trail runs, thrilling gravel rides, and scenic road sportives across South Scotland’s wild landscapes. Every sporting ticket unlocks a full weekend of live music, talks, films and more
- Gravel events 3
- Sportive 2
- 5K run
- Half marathon
- 10K run
- + 2 more races
- Fri 1 May
- £15-£27
Midweek Chasing Numbers May
The aim of the midweek runs is to hold events as cheaply as possible in order for people to be able to build their numbers or simply to help people achieve their own goals at an affordable price.
- Trail run
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- + 3 more races
- Fri 1 May
- £100-£102
Portland Pig BackYard Ultra
4.167 miles on the hour, every hour, until the there is only one left standing. Have you got what it takes for just one more loop?
- 1 day multi terrain running
- Sat 2 May
- £35-£42
May the Fourth be with you (original)
Take on a stunning trail challenge across the Shropshire Hills, with half or full marathon options, epic scenery, and a rewarding finish earned mile by mile.
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- Sat 2 - Sun 3 May
- £39-£199
Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge
Great challenges need great settings, and up to 2,000 adventurers will take on the Isle of Wight stunning coastal path – all out to push themselves further this year!
- Trail run 3
- 50K ultra run 3
- 100K ultra run 2
- Ultra run
- Sat 2 - Sun 3 May
- FREE-£290
Ultra X Scotland
Join Scotland’s biggest ultramarathon! Take on a true wilderness running adventure through the Scottish Highlands, with flexible distances and an unforgettable expedition feel.
- Ultra run 4
- Trail run 3
- Sat 2 May
- £45
Greensand Way Ultra Run
Take on a guided ultra trail adventure along the historic Greensand Way and stunning North Downs Way, through the Surrey Hills with sweeping views, ancient woodland and rewarding climbs.
- 30 miles trail running
- Sun 3 May
- £18-£32
The Bluebell Bash
Be sure to add this trail run through scenic bluebell forests to your spring running calendar. With fully-stocked aid stations, gorgeous scenery and a finisher’s medal to take home, it's for everyone.
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- CaniCross 3
- Sun 3 May
- £19
Box Hill Vertical KM
Climb from valley to summit on a guided hill-challenge up Box Hill and surrounding area, tackling steep woodland trails and gritty elevation in one of southern England’s toughest guided trail runs.
- 12.5 miles trail running + 1000 m ascent
- Sun 3 May
- £25
Three Forts Challenge | 5 Mile Trail Run
Welcome to the best running event for miles! Run rolling South Downs trails, climb rewarding hills, and take in sweeping coastal views in a scenic, spacious event. Run with heart. Run the hills.
- 5 miles trail running + 553 ft ascent
- Sun 3 May
- FREE
Oldbury White Horse Sprint Triathlon Events | Fun Run
Enjoy a free family fun run as part of the much-loved Oldbury White Horse Triathlon day.
- 1.5 km trail running
- Mon 4 May
- £15-£27
Bank Holiday Madness May
This Bank Holiday event is run as cheaply as possible in order for people to be able to build their numbers or simply to help people achieve their own goals at an affordable price.
- Trail run
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- + 3 more races
- Thu 7 May
- £10-£17
Kirkstall Rock up n' Run
Come and join in at Kirkstall for this brilliant pop-up Summer Series. Jumble medal, beer or soft drink and sweetie bag for all runners.
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Fri 8 - Mon 11 May
- £10-£80
Something Wild Festival
A family-friendly trail running festival for all ages and abilities with Devon's best trail routes at its heart - plus sea swims, swimruns, guided runs, yoga, music, speakers, local food and camping!
- Trail run
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Sea swim
- Sprint swimrun
- + 7 more races
- Fri 8 May
- £37.80-£44
Bat Challenge
A tough, but ever so rewarding, day/night out with views for miles! Start in daylight and if you keep going long enough you'll be in complete darkness!
- 6 hrs trail running
- Sat 9 - Sun 10 May
- £20-£75
Run Rabbit Trail Festival
Join a friendly, well-organised trail run, or enter all three events to complete 'The Quest'! Scenic routes, great atmosphere, and distances to suit every runner from beginner to seasoned racer.
- Trail run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Ultra run
- Sat 9 May
- £33-£55
Magna Carta Summer
The Magna Carta event are based in scenic Runnymede and right near the site where the treaty of Magna Carta was agreed by King John of England and signed on 15th June 1215.
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- Sat 9 - Sun 10 May
- £95.50-£155.50
24 Hours South | The Offa's Dyke Ultra
The finish line is unique to you: 24 hours after the mass start, the race shall stop and the Solo Runners and Teams furthest South on the National Trail, shall be declared winners.
- 24 hrs trail running + 8561 ft ascent
- Sun 10 May
- £24-£60
Shires and Spires
A selection of races with top reviews based in the village of Naseby famous for the Battle of Naseby in 1645. The ultra takes in Althorp, home of the Spencer family and Princess Diana's resting place.
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- Trail run
- Ultra run
- Sun 10 May
- £15-£35
The Spring Lucky Dip Run
Come and join the Spring Lucky Dip Run! There is no set medal for this race; instead, you will get to choose your own from a selection of medals from past events!
- Trail run
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- + 3 more races
- Sun 10 May
- £16
Yarrow River Bluebell 10K Trail Run
A beautiful Spring trail run through the heart of Yarrow Valley, timed perfectly to coincide with the colourful and fragrant bluebells. Great running, friendly vibes and a brilliant day out!
- 10 km trail running + 527 ft ascent
- Thu 14 May
- £10-£17
Rodley - Rock up n' Run
Come and join in at Rodley for this brilliant pop-up Summer Series. Jumble medal, beer or soft drink and sweetie bag for all runners.
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Fri 15 - Sun 17 May
- £30
Keswick Mountain Festival
The UK's top outdoor sports festival! Incredible entertainment, sports events, speakers, live music, activities, brand expo, bars, food, drink and much more.
- 5K run 2
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- 50K ultra run
- Fell run
- + 14 more races
- Sat 16 May
- £35-£42
The Shindig in the Shire
Push your limits on a historic trail run through Ironbridge Gorge with scenic views, testing climbs, and a rewarding finish with great food, drink, and well-earned bling.
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- Sat 16 - Sun 17 May
- £39-£199
Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge
Walk, jog or run along the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage coastline from Corfe Castle past Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, with full support, welcoming base camp and finish line celebration!
- Trail run 2
- 50K ultra run 2
- 100K ultra run 2
- Marathon
- Ultra run
- + 1 more race
- Sat 16 May
- £9-£28
Roadford Lake Trail Races
By popular demand, a selection of trail races has been added to the multi-sports weekend at the scenic Roadford Lake, with an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere, and lakeside camping.
- Fun run 2
- 5K run
- CaniCross 2
- 10K run
- Half marathon
Trail running blog
Guides, tips and advice on trail runs.
- 10 mins read
The best trail runs this summer
Head off-road and into a world of epic trail running this summer, exploring the mountains, forests and coastlines of the UK.
Trail running FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about trail runs and trail running.
A trail run takes place mainly on off-road paths such as woodland trails, footpaths, bridleways or countryside tracks rather than roads or pavements.
Yes — many trail runs are beginner-friendly, especially shorter distances on well-marked paths with gentle terrain.
Trail runs involve varied terrain, elevation changes and natural surfaces, making them less predictable but often more scenic than road races.
Trail running shoes offer better grip and protection on uneven ground, though there are some easier trail runs suitable for road shoes, depending on the conditions.
Most organised trail runs are timed, though some focus more on participation and experience than finishing position.
Yes — some trail runs extend into ultra-distance territory. For longer challenges, explore our trail ultra runs page to find endurance-focused trail events.
Trail runs near you
Select your location for trail runs in your area.