Elvet Striders are delighted to once again host the Willow Miner Trail Race, on Wednesday, 24th July 2024, 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.
Mind – Our Charity
This year, we will be supporting the charity Mind, in memory of our much-missed member Aileen Scott. Elvet Striders will make a donation to Mind from the proceeds of the race.
We will be hosting a cake sale at the event (card payments will be taken as well as cash), and there will also a pre-loved kit collection. Please bring along any running clothing and shoes in wearable condition that you no longer need.
Proceeds from both of these will go to support Mind. Please visit their website to find out about the excellent work they do for mental health.
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, and are booked through SiEntries. All entrants must be at least 16 years of age. Transfer of entries will be permitted until the day before the race. Also, a waiting list will be in operation, so if the race is full it may still be possible to get a place if an entrant cancels.
The race will be held under UK Athletics rules (Trail Running Association licence number 6579286). To enter as a UKA attached athlete you must enter your own UKA number, available to look up on England Athletics' site.
Race Location
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In line with Elvet Striders’ sustainability policies, we would encourage runners to use public transport to travel to the event, or to share cars as much as possible.
Registration, start and finish will take place in the farm at Houghall College, which is across the road from the sports centre. This will be signposted and marshalled from the car park. Please use the pedestrian crossing. Registration will open from 6pm and the race will start will at 7pm.
Practicalities
Water will available at the start and finish area, and will be dispensed from larger water containers. For environmental reasons we will not be providing disposable cups, so please bring your own cup or bottle. Please note that there will be no hydrations stations on the route, so if you feel you will need water during the race you must carry it yourself.
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.
Hi
When will the race go on sale please ?
Very soon. We’re working to get them on SiEntries right now. Watch out for announcements on this page and social media.
Can you enter on the night
Can I buy ticket today for this agent
I’m sorry, the race is full. No further ticket sales will be made. Transfers of existing entries are possible until Tuesday 23rd July at 13:00.
Are headphones permitted?
Yes, headphones are permitted. We do make the usual request that they are used responsibly, and that runners do not use them at such a volume that they can’t hear marshals’ instructions or other runners around then.
Hi,great run. Can’t wait for next one. Are the results available anywhere please?
Just published: https://www.elvet-striders.uk/2024/07/25/willow-miner-trail-race-results-2024/