F A Q’s

Full Essential Race Information for the event will be emailed out to all runners on prior to the event and available to download on this website.

Please find below answers to our most frequently asked questions.

 

When are the UK Trail Running Festival races held?

Junior 200m/1k, 2 mile, 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon will take place on Sunday 27th April 2025 at St Giles House, Dorset.

Where do I park my car when arriving on race day?

St Giles House has extensive parking on site a short walk from the Race Village and main Start and Finish area so there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Is there a shuttle bus operating to the Race Village?

Unfortunately there is no Shuttle Bus to St Giles House for 2025.

Do all finishers receive a medal and a T-shirt? 

Everyone crossing the finish line will receive a UK Trail Running Festival 2025 Medal  and a finishers T Shirt. These will be given out in the finish funnel area by some of our amazing Race Crew.

Can I enter if I am not a member of a team or club?

Yes of course, one of our aims is to encourage as many people to be active as possible. It is imperative to us to offer events that so runners of all levels can enjoy the beautiful St Giles House. For new runners we have support from NHS Choices who have supplied excellent content guiding you from your first steps to 5k and beyond.

You certainly don’t need to be a member of a running club, or an official team, in order to participate in our races. Simply leave the ‘Club Name’ blank on the entry form and run as an unattached runner. If you are unattached or your club is not affiliated to UK Athletics you pay a slightly higher entry fee.

Is their food and drink available in the Race Village?

We have a full range of Food and Drink vendors in this year’s Race Village catering for everyone’s tastes. Whether it’s a tea or coffee from one of our specialists, a real ale or celebratory glass of wine from our bar or simply water from one the water points in the Race Village we’ve got it covered. A fine selection of food offerings will also be available throughout the day.

Is there a route guide?

We will be creating one in 2025 and will be available in the videos, pictures and magazine tab of this website.

Where can I find details about the Virtual Race?

You can find all the details on our Virtual Race page on this website.

How old do I have to be to compete?

On race day you must be 18 years or over to run the Full Marathon, 17 years or over to run the half marathon. For the 10k 15 years or over and the 5k 11 years or over. However for those Juniors who are 8yrs – 10yrs they can enter the 5k if accompanied by an adult, see race entry page for further detail.

Is there more than one 5k Race?

There is only one UK Trail Running Festival 5k Race which includes Junior 8yrs-10yrs, Junior 11yrs-16yrs and Adults.

What time do the Races/Events start?  

The UK Trail Running Festival 2025 Race start times:

Full Marathon – 9:15am

Half Marathon  – 10:00am

10k – 10:05am

5k – 10:10am

2 mile – 10:15am

Junior 200m/1 mile – 1:30pm

Are there prizes in all Races?

 

Main Prizes: All events have a range of prizes from our very generous sponsors. Main prizes are provided for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (Male/Female) for the following events:  Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k.

(NB: We limit each runner to 1 prize only. Therefore, if the overall winner is also the category winner then the category winner will be passed to the next fastest runner)

Category Prizes. Category prizes will be provided for the 1st place Male/Female in each of the age categories below with winners receiving a place to run in the 2025 event. 

Spot Prizes: A range of spot prizes are allocated to finishing positions throughout the races to allow everyone the chance of winning a prize. Finishing positions are chosen at random after the event. 

All winning times are selected via Chip Time from the official FR System results.   

Age Categories

40+

50+

60+

70+

 

2025 presentation will take place online with winners announced on Facebook/emailed and prizes posted our shortly after the event.

Will UK Trail Running Festival accept any late entries on race day?

If the event is not sold out there will be entries available from the Race Village at the following times:

Sunday 27th April – 7:30am onwards

Will I receive confirmation of entry into the race?

You will receive a confirmation via email with all details of the race you have entered. If you haven’t received this when signing up as it they often go to JUNK please get in touch and we’ll resend.

Do I need to collect my race pack?

All runners signing up before April 14th 2025 will be sent their Race Packs to their registered address to receive in good time for the event. Those signing up after this date will have to collect their Race Packs from the Registration Marquee located in the Race Village at St Giles.

Can someone else compete using my race number?

Entries should not be used by another runner. Our database holds the information of the original entrant or the person you have transferred your place to and may be required in case of emergency on race day. We cannot allow runners to use another entrants competitors number for this reason.

Can I request a refund? 

Full refunds will be available within 14 days of purchase, following this we are unable to offer refunds if you do not run. However, there is an option to transfer your place to another person by following the instructions on your race receipt. This option is only available before the 14th April 2024.

Can I change the distance or exchange my place prior to entries closing?

Yes we will happily change your event subject to space for the chosen race before midnight 14th April 2025 PROVIDING THERE IS SPACE IN THE RACE YOU WANT TO CHANGE INTO AND/OR WE HAVEN’T SOLD OUT. If you are upgrading we will simply ask for the difference in cost for the event, if you are dropping down we are unable to issue a refund.

Please email FR systems:  [email protected]

Can I defer my place for next years event?

Deferral Policy

Refund- Full refunds will be available within 14 days of purchase, following this we are unable to offer refunds.
NB: Refunds will not be issued if you have redeemed any promotional codes gifted as part of entry.

Transfer – You can transfer/gift/sell your place to someone else at no cost by following the guidelines on your confirmation email by the deadline as stated above before midnight 14th April 2024.

Can I defer?- Unfortunately you can not defer from this event in 2025.

Where does the UK Trail Running Festival races actually start from?

All races start and finish from St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Wimborne BH21 5NA. Travel information including how to find us can be found in the useful information section of the website.

What distance are the Full and Half Marathon races?

The races are of standard distances. The Half Marathon measures 21.1 km (13 miles 192 yards) – whilst the full marathon length is 42.2 km (26 miles 385 yards).

Why are the events classed as a ‘Multi-Terrain’? How much is off-road?

This is due to the routes having a variety of surfaces including compacted gravel, trail, farm tracks, grass and small areas of tarmac surfaces. There is a very small tarmac section on the Full/Half Marathon route.

How hilly are the events and whats the terrain?

The St Giles Estate is a mixture of farmland and forest trails with some hilly sections. The best part of the hills is when you reach the top its a lovely run down! Check out the routes including the elevation detail.

Are the races suitable for wheelchairs?

Unfortunately the 2025 course is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Can I use electronic devices during the event?

Although not recommended, personal stereos, iPods & mp3 players can be used at the 2025 UK Trail Running Event. Please read the following advice:

‘The UK Trail Running Team follow UKA standards and strongly advise that you DO NOT wear in ear headphones or use audio devices during the race for your own safety, especially on road sections. However, we endorse the use of Aftershokz and similar bone conduction headphones as these provides a safe solution allowing participants to hear their surroundings as well as their music. In 2025 although NOT RECOMMENDED, there will be no disqualification for use of audio devices’.

Are we affiliated with UK Athletics?

We are not affiliated with UK Athletics and therefore results are not counted towards the power of 10. However, all events are accurately measured.

Is there somewhere to leave our baggage on Race Day?

As the main car park is located just outside the Race Village and easy walking distance all bags and belongings can be left in your cars and easily accessed throughout the day.

Spectators – Cyclists – Dogs

Spectators and dogs are very welcome to come and join in the fun in the Race Village will be allowed to attend the Race village for 2025. For 2025 we’ve introduced a new addition to all events “Run with your Dog” allowing you to take your dog and receive a medal for both your dog and yourself. A wave containing those running with their dogs will be added to the end of each event.

Can I walk the event? – What time does the course close?

The Full/Half Marathon close at 3.30pm. We encourage all to complete the courses and enter the distance that you feel you are able to cope with.

If you don’t complete the course during this time our sweep bus will offer you a lift back to the Start/Finish area or to the nearest sweep bus drop off point where you will be transferred back to the Race Village. As part of signing up to participate in the event means you have to adhere to this process for your safety. After the time cut off point if you have not completed the course, you will not get a result or be included in the result as chip timing services will stop operating. You will also not be covered by our medical teams.

Can I run for a charity?

 Of course if you have a charity close to your heart and wish to raise money for them this is fine. We will be announcing charity partners very soon for the 2024 event.

Where can I find accommodation for race weekend?

If you visit the accommodation section of this website you will find details of our camping in the Race Village for 2025 and other great accommodation options

What running shoes should I wear?

The routes are a combination of compacted gravel, trail, farm tracks, grass and small areas of tarmac surfaces. We would advise trail shoes if you have the option. Keep an eye on social media for the latest on the lead up to the event.

Are there Drink/Energy Stations on the route?

Yes we have 6 drinks stations across the routes. Drinks stations will have bottled water and High 5 Energy Gel.

Can I run with my dog?

You can enter any event with your dog. All those running with a dog will be started in the last wave of the event you’ve entered to ensure a safe start for all.

How can I find out my result?

All runners will receive their Race Result via text after they complete the event. Please ensure you enter your mobile number in the correct field when completing your Race Entry otherwise you will not receive your result via text. You can also find out the results on this website under the Race Results section.