Elvet Striders are delighted to once again host the Willow Miner Trail Race, on Wednesday, 26th July 2023, at 7pm. This is a beautiful summer evening trail race in Durham across woodland, meadow and riverbank, passing the local landmarks of the Willow Miner and Willow Lady, of approximately 5.4 miles (8.7km) with 500 feet (150m) of ascent.
Once again, the race is kindly sponsored by LETS RUN, the specialist running shop in Great Ayton.
LETS RUN, will be in attendance by the start with a mobile shop, so arrive in plenty of time for a browse!
The Course
The course covers 5.4 miles of beautiful trail through woodland and nature reserve, those returning to the race can witness how the woodland trust has grown and matured since the inception of the event. After a winding start through Houghall woods, the course drops into the undulating section of the Durham Woodland Trust, climbing up to views over the River Wear and Croxdale Woods before descending to wildflower meadows and around to the Willow Lady. A single-track section along the bank of the River Wear leads to a climb up towards the Willow Miner, before traversing back to Houghall Woods and the finish. The route will be fully marked and marshalled so no navigational experience is required.
Entries
Places in the race are £12, or £10 if you are a UKA attached athlete. They can be purchased at SiEntries
Please note that to enter as a UKA attached athlete you must enter your own UKA number, available to look up on England Athletics' site.
Parking and toilets will be at the Graham Sports Centre (Maiden Castle), DH1 3SE as in previous years.
Registration, start and finish will take place in the farm at Houghall College. This will be signposted and marshalled from the car park. Registration will open from 6pm and the race will start will at 7pm.
There is no required kit list, however the course covers some steep, muddy and uneven ground so trail or fell shoes are highly recommended both for grip and reducing the chance of injury. In the event of inclement weather a waterproof top may also be required. There will be space to leave luggage not needed for the race by the start.
Please send any enquiries to willowminer@elvet-striders.uk.
Are there entries on the night.
Hi Alan. No, all entries are via SiEntries. They close the day before the race.