Marathon Events

Christmas Cracker Run – Kirkstall, Leeds | It's Grim Up North Running Get into the festive spirit with the Christmas Cracker Run in Kirkstall, Leeds – a fun and friendly trail running event perfect for all abilities. Whether you’re chasing a new PB, testing yourself over a longer distance, or simply looking for a festive fun run near Leeds, this event has something for everyone. Expect a jolly Christmas atmosphere at Race HQ, complete with music, food, and seasonal treats . The course is flat and scenic, following the beautiful Leeds & Liverpool Canal, making it ideal for both new and experienced runners. This event marks Day 1 of the ‘Christmas Cracker Weekend’, part of the It’s Grim Up North Running series. You can run on one or both days – the choice is yours! What’s Included - - Elevation: Flat (ish) - - - Terrain: Good trail, canal-side paths - - - Feed & Drink Stations: Every 3 miles (please bring a reusable cup or bottle – we’re a cup-less event) - - - Fully Marshalled & Signed Course - - - Bespoke Christmas Medal and festive treats for all finishers - Getting There - - Nearest Train Station: Headingley Station (Northern Service) - - - Registration Location: ///deny.epic.able- Hollybush conservation centre, Broad Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3BP - - -   - - -   - - - By Car: There is no parking at the start/finish. We recommend parking at Morrisons car park nearby. - - - Car Sharing: We encourage runners to car share to reduce congestion and environmental impact. - Race Times & Distances Registration opens at 7:40am – please allow around an hour to park, register, and use the facilities. - - - - - - Distance - - - Start Time - - - Entry Fee - - - - - - - - - 5K - - - 8:45am - - - — - - - - - - - 10K - - - 10:00am - - - — - - - - - - - 10 Miles - - - 8:45am - - - — - - - - - - - Half Marathon - - - 9:00am - - - — - - - - - - - 20 Miles (2 x 10 mile) - - - 8:45am - - - — - - - - - - - Marathon (2 x Half Marathon) - - - 8:30am - - - — - - - - - - -   - - -   - - - — - - - - - - -   - - -   - - -   - - - All races are Trail Running Association licensed under UKA Rules. During the Race – Important Info - - Cup-less Event: Please bring your own reusable cup or bottle for drinks at aid stations. - - - Headphones Policy: For safety, no over-ear headphones are allowed. If you must wear earphones, please use bone-conduction or one-ear in/out. - - - Safety: Some unmarshalled road crossings may be present – please stay alert and follow marshal instructions. - - - Transfers & Deferrals: You can self-manage your entry on the It’s Grim Up North website Late changes on race day may incur a £5 admin fee. - - - Retiring or Injured? Notify the nearest marshal immediately. - Stay Connected For the latest updates, FAQs, and community support, join our “Grim Up North Chat” Facebook group. Most race information is available online, so we no longer mail out race briefs.

Christmas Cracker Running Event – Kirkstall, Leeds | It’s Grim Up North Running Get into the festive spirit with this Christmas Cracker Running Event in Kirkstall, Leeds! Join us for a fun, friendly, and fully marshalled out-and-back trail race along the scenic Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Whether you’re chasing a new PB or simply want to enjoy a festive run with great company, this event offers something for everyone. Expect a real Christmas atmosphere at Race HQ, complete with music, food, decorations. Perfect for runners of all levels looking for a cheerful, supportive environment. Event Overview - - Location: Kirkstall, Leeds - - - Event Type: Out and back trail run - - - Terrain: Good, flat(ish) trail along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal - - - Elevation: Flat – perfect for PB chasers - - - Atmosphere: Festive, friendly, and family-friendly - This event is part of the “It’s Grim Up North Running” Christmas Cracker Weekend. You can run on either day or both days – the choice is yours!  What’s Included - - Fully marshalled and clearly signed course - - - Feed and drink stations approximately every 3 miles - - - Cup-less event – please bring your own reusable cup or bottle - - - Bespoke finisher medal and lots of festive treats - Getting Here By Train: The nearest station is Headingley, served by Northern Rail. By Car: There is no parking at the start/finish area. We recommend using the Morrisons car park nearby. Car sharing is strongly encouraged! Registration Location: what3words: deny.epic.able- Hollybush conservation centre, Broad Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3BP Race Schedule & Entry Fees Registration opens at 7:30 AM. Please allow at least one hour to park, register, and prepare   .All races are Trail Running Association licensed under UKA Rules. - - - - - - Distance - - - Start Time - - - Entry Fee - - - - - - - - - 5K - - - 8:45AM - - - £— - - - - - - - 10K - - - 10:00 AM - - - £— - - - - - - - 10 Miles - - - 8:45 AM - - - £— - - - - - - - Half Marathon - - - 9:00 AM - - - £— - - - - - - - 20 Miles (2 x 10 Mile loops) - - - 8:45 AM - - - £— - - - - - - - Marathon (2 x Half Marathon loops) - - - 8:30 AM - - - £— - - -   Important Race Information - - Cup-less event: Feed stations every ~3 miles. Bring your own bottle or reusable cup. - - - Headphones: For safety, large over-ear headphones are not permitted. - - - - - Bone-conducting headphones or “one in, one out” in-ear pieces are allowed. - - - - - - Safety: If you need to retire or are injured, please inform the nearest marshal. - - - Transfers & Deferrals: Easily self-serve through our website Changes on race day may incur a £5 admin fee. - - - Unmarshalled crossings: Please take care at road sections. - Stay Connected We no longer send race briefs by post — all key details are online. Please visit our FAQ section and join our “Grim Up North Chat” Facebook group for updates, tips, and community support. Why You’ll Love This Race - - Perfect flat course for PB seekers - - - Festive atmosphere with music, food, and Christmas cheer - - - Inclusive distances from 1 mile to marathon - - - Beautiful canal views through historic Kirkstall - - - A fun, family-friendly event for runners of all abilities -

Join us this post-Xmas festive bank holiday with a medal to match the festive season.     Calling all prosecco fans, you're not going to want to miss this medal! This is one of our timed events where you choose - from 5km to 10k, half to marathon to ultra, you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, out and back, course along the beautiful River Mersey in Chorlton Water Park.  We welcome all abilities of runners, walkers, joggers, hikers, Jeffers - complete one lap and you're both a finisher and a winner in our eyes, or keep going and see how far you can get in the full 7 hour time limit and everyone gets the fabulous bespoke finishers' medal.  Run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right. Race brief: A race brief is sent a week before the event which is mandatory reading for all participants. Chosen charity: Destitute Animals Shelter, Bolton Start Time: Earliest start 8am. Rock up and Run 8am onwards.  Registration from 7.30am.  All runners should be finished by 3.30pm Location: Hardy Farm, M21 8FE Race Distance: Minimum distance is 3.28 miles or as far as you can go in 7 hours. Terrain: Off road trail, the terrain is riverside towpath. Aid station: We have a well-stocked vegetarian aid station all day, with many vegan items as well as gluten free/free from items. For example: bananas, dates, jelly sweets, crisps, usually some form of cake, squash, full sugar cola, etc. Allergies: If you have severe and life threatening allergies, please bring your own food, as we cannot guarantee there will be no cross-contamination. Profile: The overall course has very little elevation gain / loss making this a flat and fast route. Toilets and changing rooms available at Race HQ.               Parking available for 75 cars at Hardy Farm on a first come, first serve basis. Additional Parking for upto 100 cars is available across the river at Sale Water Park (15min walk from the start). There is also additional public and paid parking around Chorlton Water Park.

End 2026 with a Phoenix run! Medals This is a pick-your-own medal event. If you've had your eye on a Phoenix medal you previously missed out on, please email us to check availability. If the medal is available, we'll let you know and you'll need to book the event to reserve it. Otherwise, you'll be able to choose from the medals available on the day.    The first 90 participants will also get a Phoenix Manchester light weight, microfibre, quick dry towel. Perfect for travel, your sports kit and easy to pack away! This is one of our timed events where you choose - from 5km to 10k, half to marathon to ultra, you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, out and back, course along the beautiful River Mersey in Chorlton Water Park.  We welcome all abilities of runners, walkers, joggers, hikers, Jeffers - complete one lap and you're both a finisher and a winner in our eyes, or keep going and see how far you can get in the full 7 hour time limit and everyone gets the fabulous bespoke finishers' medal.  Run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right. Race brief: A race brief is sent a week before the event which is mandatory reading for all participants. Chosen charity: Cheshire Cats Rescue Start Time: Earliest start 8am. Rock up and Run 8am onwards.  Registration from 7.30am.  All runners should be finished by 3.30pm Location: Hardy Farm, M21 8FE Race Distance: Minimum distance is 3.28 miles or as far as you can go in 7 hours. Terrain: Off road trail, the terrain is riverside towpath. Aid station: We have a well-stocked vegetarian aid station all day, with many vegan items as well as gluten free/free from items. For example: bananas, dates, jelly sweets, crisps, usually some form of cake, squash, full sugar cola, etc. Allergies: If you have severe and life threatening allergies, please bring your own food, as we cannot guarantee there will be no cross-contamination. Profile: The overall course has very little elevation gain / loss making this a flat and fast route. Toilets and changing rooms available at Race HQ.                    Parking available for 75 cars at Hardy Farm on a first come, first serve basis. Additional Parking for upto 100 cars is available across the river at Sale Water Park (15min walk from the start). There is also additional public and paid parking around Chorlton Water Park.