Wild Deer Trail

Brave the elements and emerge victorious!

Trail running is the bread and butter of outdoor athletic events. Runners can immerse themselves within the majesty of nature and tackle a huge variety of terrain across mountains, forests, and more.

Our vast selection of trail running events take participants across the UK, from the spectacular beauty of Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, to the historic majesty of Alnwick in Northumberland and beyond.

Whether you prefer running in the shade of great mountains and hills, weaving your way through ancient forests, or exploring rural villages, there’s an event suited to every type of runner.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRAIL EVENTS

What is trail running?

As you might’ve guessed by the name, trail running involves running on a designated outdoor trail. These events can take place in all manner of locales, from parks and woods to mountains. The world really is your oyster when it comes to trail running events.

What makes trail running distinct from other running disciplines is the sheer variety of challenges you’ll face thanks to the constantly changing technical terrain. Grass, rocks, dirt, and roots all offer a unique experience and keep the activity fresh and exciting.

Where running on paved roads offers a solid, predictable surface for participants to smash time goals, trail running is all about the experience; with nothing standing between you and your rugged surroundings, you must remain alert and in-tune with nature as you push your limits.

Why choose our trail running events?

Unmatched locations

Our trail running events are meticulously planned to provide the most visceral and memorable experience possible. We carefully select each route to showcase the unparalleled splendour of UK landscapes and offer a mixture of terrain to achieve a unique balance of natural beauty and mental endurance.

Some of the locations are historically renowned for their captivating landscapes. For example, the setting of our Grasmere event was described by the great William Wordsworth as “the most loveliest spot that man hath found”, and our Alnwick event takes place near epic filming locations from Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

A streamlined experience

We also deliver a seamless experience, from sign-up to finish line. Our team is always on-hand to answer questions and provide support, and events themselves are clearly signposted so that everyone has a fair chance of achieving victory.

We will also communicate all the information you need prior to the event via email once you’ve signed up, so you don’t need to worry about missing an important update.

Fun and challenging for all skill levels

Our trail running events are also accommodating of all skill levels. With events from 5km to Ultra Marathon available, everyone is given an opportunity to test their mettle, no matter where you are on your running journey.

However, no two trail runs are the same. While these different distances offer a degree of choice, what truly matters in trail running is the trail itself. Differences in terrain, elevation, and more can make a significant difference in the level of challenge presented by a trail running event. We’re here to help find what works best for you!

An accomplishment like no other

At the end of each of our trail running events, those who finish will be rewarded with an event medal, Wild Deer merchandise, and a snack and drink. After all, you’re bound to be more than a little peckish after pushing past your boundaries and conquering nature!

Feel the community spirit

At Wild Deer Events, we’re honoured to have cultivated one of the best communities around when it comes to athletic events. Always extremely welcoming and supportive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by runners who want you to succeed as much as they do.

Essential gear and tips for trail running events

Trail running events may be all about your unfiltered connection with nature, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to prepare and bring the right equipment to make the most of the experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Footwear

First and foremost, you’ll need a reliable pair of trail running shoes. Due to the changeable terrain you’ll be tackling, you’ll need a pair of shoes that are comfortable, durable and adaptable.

Features to consider include enhanced traction, adequate padding in the collar and tongue, as well as waterproof and breathable fabrics like GORE-TEX, which will keep your feet dry without becoming uncomfortably hot.

Most important of all, however, is making sure your shoes fit well. The last thing you want when navigating loose, rocky terrain is shifting feet affecting your balance. Make sure that your feet fit snugly and comfortably within the shoes before committing to them.

Clothing

It’s not just what’s on your feet that matters when taking on a trail running event. Appropriate clothing will go a long way to making sure you’re comfortable, protected and able to adapt to the situation.

Firstly, you’ll need to start with a high-quality technical running t-shirt or vest which is lightweight and dries quickly. Tops that advertise themselves with moisture or sweat-wicking features are ideal for keeping you from feeling damp during the run.

A lightweight jacket is also advisable, as the temperature can vary throughout the event. Trail shorts can also be purchased which are longer than average to prevent cuts and scrapes from overhanging vegetation.

Accessories and nutrition

For longer distances, we would advise bringing a lightweight and comfortable running vest that fits snugly and doesn’t jostle too much as you run. The capacity depends on the distance of the event you’re participating in, but as long as you can fit sufficient water and a source of nutrition that works for you, you don’t need to worry too much.

In terms of nutrition, gels are a popular way to get a quick energy boost during longer events, and they don’t take up much space.

Training

One of the most essential elements of preparing for a trail running event is training. Building a strong aerobic foundation is crucial for getting your body ready to tackle this unique challenge. Long-distance, moderate-intensity runs are advised in the run-up to the event, and trying out different terrain is a great way to get adjusted ahead of time.

Since you’ll be navigating different elevations and surfaces that can prove tricky to balance on, we’d also recommend stabilising exercises that focus on agility and balance. Forward and lateral jumping, jump box drills, and even yoga can help with this.

Of course, sufficient rest and recovery are vital to ensuring a successful training regimen. It’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself to the point of exhaustion before even getting to the starting line. A diet with plenty of energy-rich foods will also make both training and recovery periods easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • We offer a range of distances to suit everyone. Our events range from 5km to ultra marathon distances for our trail running events, dependent on the location. Please check the Race Information section of each event page to see the available distances.

  • No, there are no cut-off times for any of our trail running events. You’re free to test your limits and cross the line, no matter how long you need to take.

  • We use live chip-timing via Timing Up North, offering exceptional accuracy and reliability across all events.

  • Some of our events are Canicross friendly, allowing one controlled dog per runner. However, some of the events are not, depending on the restrictions in place on-site.

  • Most of our trail running events feature free parking, however, this is not always the case, and in some locations, parking is limited. Please check the Event Information page of your chosen event to find out more.

Ready to lace up and begin your adventure?

Our ever-popular trail running events are accessible, well-organised, and incredibly rewarding. They give runners a chance to truly connect with their surroundings, experience jaw-dropping vistas, and push their body to its limits.

Join our wonderful community of like-minded runners to share an unforgettable experience that will challenge and delight you in ways other athletic events simply can’t. Find out what you’ve been missing and register now!

If you still have any questions regarding our trail running events, please contact a member of our team and we can provide guidance and support.

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