THEGISBURN FOREST TRAIL RACES

August 1st 2026

Simply THE best forestry trails across the

whole Pennines…. open to trail runners one day only!

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FUNDRAISER

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THE GISBURN FOREST TRAIL RACES

Historical Information

A look back on the race's history between 2019 - 2025

When originally planning trail races in the Pennines, this was the one I really worked hard for… And with good reason – the trails around Gisburn Forest are absolutely phenomenal, with outstanding views too.

At the time, way back in 2019, nothing much existed in the way of events at Gisburn Forest other than mountain bike races. I was able to convince those in charge at the time to allow us to, for one day only, use the forestry roads and some of the bike trails for the very first Gisburn Forest 10k Trail Race – paving the way for the events that exist today.

The first running of the Gisburn Forest 10k happened to be one of the most surreal experiences too – I had organised for Mountain Rescue to help on the course and at the end providing first aid – a partnership that continued throughout the 6 years, with our races providing a donation.

On the day, it also doubled as a training event, and I can still vividly remember the sight of countless vehicles streaming into the hub, with crowds of runners gathering in anticipation of the inaugural race. At the same time, I was orchestrating marshals, directing car parking, sorting merchandise, and managing the registration tent – my first real taste of being pulled from pillar to post.

But it was that sight in particular that made the scale of it all truly hit home: the enormity of what I’d set in motion, and a glimpse of everything that was still to come…

The first event went amazingly well, had incredible feedback and I still remember sitting in the Crooked Billet with family and friends, both incredibly pleased with what we’d achieved and excited for the future of Pennine Trails.

GISBURN FOREST 10K & TRAIL HALF MARATHON GROWTH

There was a whole untouched part of the forest waiting to be discovered… and after a number of attempts to come up with an additional Half Marathon route, I managed to come up with a course that was one I’d begin to unashamedly rave about as one of the best in the country – it had it all, fast paced trails, technical trods, winding forestry bike trails, outstanding views of vast expanses of wilderness hills and trees… A race I knew I’d love to come and race myself one day!

The two races on one day required an astronomical amount of organisation and help on the day, with up to 50 marshals at Race HQ and on the course ensuring runners had a great, safe day racing on the trails.

More than any other, this race would leave me destroyed.. the hours putting thousands (literally) race flags on course, the amount of organisation required, the back and forth running about on the day, the weather and the car parking.. It’d leave me wiped out for weeks (MONTHS!) on end, but the same satisfaction of providing a great route for runners always kept me going.

GISBURN FOREST 10K FULL EVENT VIDEO

GISBURN FOREST TRAIL RACES END & FUTURE

Of course, all good things do come to an end – after the 2025 event, it was time to call it a day. And one day, I’ll go through what happened to me in the half a year after, but it is still very raw…

However, the pride and joy of creating such a wonderful event, and all the time, effort, health and happiness invested into the race won’t be going to waste.

Some of those that regularly helped me put on the Pennine Trails event are also with the Pendle Trail Running Club – a newish start up who have begun hosting their own races in the last few years.

I’m chuffed to be able to pass this event on to this group to help continue their growth, whilst also keeping the spirit and standard of the event alive.

I’m also delighted they’ll also be contributing some funds from the event to my Samaritans Fundraiser, a cause close to my heart, especially regarding the events of this race (and if you can read between the lines, you’ll understand why).

Gisburn Forest Trail Races, really does have some of the best trails, not just in the Pennines, but in the entire UK. It was an honour and a huge privilege to be the organiser for a moment in time, and I look forward to the continued success and running of the events in the many years to come.