National Trust Night Running Series

Want to get fit and have fun with something a bit different in 2015? Why not schedule in a National Trust Night Run?

The exciting national series of night-time trail running events kicked off in October and continues to take place at National Trust locations over the winter.

The series will run up until April 2015 and will be hosted in some of the most beautiful and unique locations that the National Trust look after. So why not join in and run around the gardens of a Tudor Manor House or explore Ancient Woodlands by night?

The events appeal to everyone from families looking to explore at night to seasoned runners wanting to experience something very different. All the routes are 100% traffic free and are mostly on paths and trails rather than tarmac. The events will brighten up your winter and get your senses working as you discover new landscapes.

The team over at spogo had a go at the first event in London - check out the video below to see what you're getting in to!

It’s all about exploring the National Trust's special places at night, but don’t worry, you don’t need a map and compass as the routes are all well marked and marshalled. The events are fun, social and all about the outdoors with very much a local twist. Some events have mulled wine at the finish and local sausage baps while others are linked to themes like Halloween. Checkout the specific events for details.

The events are all held in the dark, with participants being set off in waves using head torches to follow the trails. This is a unique opportunity to see some of England's most beautiful places at night when they are usually closed, explore the hidden trails and see these special places in a new light.

With 12 special locations all around the country you won’t have to travel too far to experience the buzz of it. The series really offers something very different this winter so why not join up with colleagues, friends and family and explore together somewhere new? As part of the series The National Trust are offering special night time activities such as night time nature walks, guided tours of its houses and family activities for spectators (please check specific events for details).

There are two main route lengths:

Short (explore): These routes are between 1km and 2km in length and ideally suited to families, walkers and those new to running. It is a great first step into exploring at night and should take between 10 minutes and 30 minutes to get round. 

Long (adventure): These routes are between 6km and 9km in length and ideally suited to people who want to challenge themselves. The challenge could be running at a good pace or completing your first ever run with a head-torch. You will need a reasonable level of fitness but these routes still suit walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities. It should take between 30 minutes and an hour and a half to get round depending on ability. Due to the nature of the courses you will never be too far from the event HQ.

The booking page is live at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nightrun and the next event will take place at Lyme Park Night Run, near Stockport, Cheshire. on 24th January!