THETOLKIEN TRAIL RACE

July 11th 2026

Take on the Tolkien Trail and race the trails that

inspired the greatest fantasy story of all time….

RACE ENTRY

FUNDRAISER

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THE TOLKIEN TRAIL RACE

Historical Information

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

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The First Ever Pennine Trails Race

The Tolkien Trail Race was the first ever race held by Pennine Trails. However, it wasn’t until AFTER we announced who we were…

Having had a dream to put on top class trail events in the Pennines, I began a quest, to begin with… to find the perfect trail 10k routes in our area.

I had always wondered why there’d never been a race on the Tolkien Trail route. I grew up a massive Lord of the Rings fan myself, watching them each year on my birthday when they released when I grew up – how could I NOT put this race one!

It wasn’t quite as famous or well walked back then, so even though I had a few other events in the pipeline, it was decided this would be the first…

With my own money, I designed and paid for some ‘One Ring’ inspired medals, which went on to become much loved and highly sought after year after year. My wife then paidy for the buffs that had my race organising logo on – the Pennine Trails logo.

I had never done anything like this before – had never organised or promoted races, but after beginning to promote it in June, it was sold out with a week to go in July. And on the day, 244 of 250 who entered turned up.

Speaking in front of almost 250 runners, and spectators was anxiety inducing to say the least.. All these people here for a race little old me put together.. God I hoped it went okay! And despite the heavens opening up as soon as we set off, the race went amazingly.. And I was hooked on the thrill of the ride. What a sensation it felt to create such a happy experience for others, and despite how exhausting it was, I couldn’t wait for the next race we could promote and organise.

The Famed designs for medals, buffs and car stickers were much loved over the years.

The race route originally started at the top of the avenue, finishing in the field behind Shireburn Arms to make it a ‘true’ 10k route. As the race’s popularity continued to grow each year, I decided to move the start and finish to Stonyhurst College itself, creating the legendary beginning and end to the race runners can enjoy today.

The race became notoriously difficult to enter, with all 500 entries selling out in under 30 minutes in 2025. The race route, the free medal and buff, the friendly marshals, the cracking atmosphere at an awesome venue and the Lord of the Rings theme to go with it, it was easy to see why…

The Tolkien Trail Race will now continue with the fantastic team and Stonyhurst College themselves, and we will fade into a distant memory – but what amazing memories we’ll cherish for a life time, as the originators of the legendary Tolkien Trail Race.