As some of you may already know, including those who attended the prize giving on Saturday, The Winter Tolkien Trail Race was the last event I’m organising – but what a day to bow out on…
The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was amazing and I’m really thankful to all who attended to make the day what it was.
I started the events back in 2019 at the age of 28 with big dreams of providing top trail events in our area, especially in homage to my favourite races, the Lakeland Trails races, which helped me fall in love with the sport and become the runner I became myself.
After many years of building, not only did these dreams become reality, but a whole community of runners came from it too, something I never envisioned but will never forget.
Pennine Trails was never a big organisation. It was just me, I am Pennine Trails, just one person organising and doing every part of it – and that takes its toll… especially when you put every bit of your heart and soul into something.
But I did have the help of my amazing family and friends along the way, and those from the running community who I can never thank enough.
And although I will not be organising the races anymore, these races will be living on through others, as I will ensure their legacy continues by passing them onto the right people. The first of which being The Leighton Hall Trail Races to Lakeland Trails, who will do an amazing job, and I am so proud that a race I created and developed over the years will be going to the organisation that inspired me originally.
Provisional dates for races:
The Leighton Hall & AONB Trail Races – 14th March 2026
The Tolkien Trail Race – July 11th 2026
Gisburn Forest Trail Races – 1st August 2026
Pennine Trail Marathon – 29th August 2026
The Winter Tolkien Trail Race – 12th December 2026
Once I’ve finalised and arranged the new homes for the rest of the races, news on those will become available likely in the New Year too. These races started from nothing, but I had an ambition and dream to put them together, and along the way they provided funds to the likes of National Trust, RSPB, Mountain Rescue and others, but most importantly they gave a place for people to come into the sport, and not only do their first trail races, but their first running events all together – and I will always look back with pride that those things will continue to exist without me now.
I want to also say a massive thank you to those I’ve worked with over the years to put the events on, the amazing teams from Stonyhurst College, Leighton Hall, Forestry England and Simply Fields – and especially to INOV8, who have sponsored these events from day one to the very end, providing brilliant prizes to the runners.
My family and friends I can never thank enough, for getting up at 4am on race day.. giving up holidays, for dealing with Plan Bs, Cs and Ds when storms came and parking became a nightmare – again, I’ll be forever thankful.
Lastly, I want to say thank you to you, the running community that came along and enjoyed the ride with me – I have met so many brilliant people along the way, and will always cherish these last 6 years forever.
Thank you for the memories and thank you for everything.