Pennine Trails was founded in 2019 by myself, Chris Holdsworth, built from a genuine love of trail running and the joy the events can give you.

At the time, I’d been running for years – racing across the UK and internationally, representing England and Great Britain in mountain running at the highest level, competing at the likes of Lakeland Trails and Epic Events for the pure enjoyment of it.

These type of events tended to exist further afield, in the Lakes and Wales – my goal was to bring great days out on the trails, similar to those I’d experienced myself, but in our corner of the Pennines. 

What followed was a fast start. In the space of eight months, seven races were delivered across the Pennines. There was no investment, no backing – just a relentless belief that if the experience was right, people would get on board with the vision we were offering.

Everything was funded through the events themselves, starting with the first medals and buffs paid for personally by my wife and myself. From there, it grew step by step.

From the beginning, it was never just about putting on races. It was about the a one of a kind feeling around them – and a community you wanted to be part of.

Over time, Pennine Trails became a first step for many – first trail race, first race full stop, a way back into running when they’d lost it, or a place to gain a sense of achievement – whether through personal goals or being on the podium.

Everything was built by a small group. Myself,  my wife, my family, close friends, and a the volunteers who gave up their time to help make each event happen. There was no big team behind it – just people who cared about doing it properly and providing a brilliant experience on the Pennine Trails.

As the events grew, so did the ability to give something back. Contributions were made to organisations including the National Trust, Trees for Burnley, the RSPB, Forestry England and many more. Leftover food from events was donated where it could be used – there was a charitable backbone to the events I intend to continue post event organizing.

Behind the scenes, it wasn’t always straightforward though. During this time, I was also dealing with ongoing health challenges that I dealt with during the entire time of Pennine Trails, and that ultimately.. drew an end to my race organising days. As hard as times got, I was always proud we ensured races went ahead and gave great days out on the trails, despite the continued impact it had on my own health at the time.

Pennine Trails isn’t ending though – it will continue in a form I can continue to enjoy attending events in the Pennines myself, through race photography.

The events themselves are now moving on, with information on who will now host events available on their dedicated race event pages on this site.

Through Pennine Trails, I will now focus on capturing other’s good times during various off-road running across the Pennines.

There’s also a clear purpose behind this shift.

All photography work will be tied to fundraising for the Samaritans. Event organisers can also invite Pennine Trails to cover their races in exchange for a donation to the fundraiser, and some former Pennine Trails events, now run by others, will also contribute.

I now look forward to seeing you all in the future, whether as a fellow runner myself, or behind the camera as race photographer, enjoying those good time trails together…