Bowland Ultra & Trail Half- 10th January 2026

When is the race?

Saturday 10th January 2026. Ultra race start 0800hrs. Race registration is open from Friday 12th 1800hrs-2000hrs, and again on Saturday from 0600hrs-0730hrs.

Trail Half starts 1000hrs, registration open Saturday 0815hrs-0930hrs.

Where is the race?

Race HQ is Slaidburn Village hall and the race route covers the best of the Forest of Bowland. See details of the route on the Route page.

The nearest train station is in Clitheroe, with the 628 bus servicing the route between. Both Settle and Clitheroe have attractive rail stations and, if there is a wait at Clitheroe, the Platform Gallery is well worth a visit. We are keen to encourage shared and public transport so for those making the journey and needing a lift, feel free to use the contact details tab to get in touch. You can also use our facebook group to find a lift. To encourage lift sharing we will be offering spot prizes to those who share, so let us know in the car reg section of the entry form if you’re sharing!

There is some parking available in the pay and display car park in Slaidburn, and lift sharing is encouraged.

We have set up accommodation options close to the event HQ (few miles), as sadly the YHA next door has shut down. Sign up via SiEntries website.

Refunds or Transfers

Refunds and Transfers

Refunds and transfers are possible until 1st November (minus admin fees), and refunds until 1st December minus 50%. From 1st December onwards we allow transfers from the Ultra to the Half (if there is capacity) or we allow transfers to another runner (also with admin fees attached). From January 1st entries are locked in and changes no longer available.

We advise runners to take out the race insurance provided by a third party company when entering via SiEntries and refunds can be claimed (should you meet the outlined criteria) direct from XCover insurance.

Are entries vetted? Can anyone enter?

We are not vetting entries, but we do ask all runners to ask themselves if they are safe and ready to toe the start line. The weather in January in the Bowland can be severe and although there are volunteers out on the course ensuring risk is minimised, the risk is not eliminated and runners are utlimately responsible for their own safety and decision making.

All entries must be over 18 on day of the race.

Are there race cut offs? Will I be timed off the course?

There are cut offs, see our route page for details. We chosen these cut offs not to make an elite race, or to ensure we can get to the pub before closing, but to make sure runners and volunteers stay safe and everyone gets home at the end of the weekend. This is a mid winter race, as conditions in 2025 showed we can have some extreme weather and we have teams on the hill keeping everyone safe. We can’t have teams on the hill for 24 hours, so have designed the cut offs to make sure runners pass the highest and most remote sections before dark. We hope these cut offs offer everyone a good chance of finishing, even if you intend to walk a lot of the route (if that’s the case, you still have a good chance but you should be efficient at aid stations).

Is there a kit list? Why is this race asking for more than other races?

There is a kit list, and this will be checked at registration, and might be checked again on the course. Find details of the kit list on our About the event page.

Some items, such as a emergency bivvy bag or foil bag, and not a blanket, is because of the serious nature of the course and weather that might face runners during the event. The kit list is the minimum that runners must carry, and carrying extra layers is recommended. Cutting corners with the kit (for example bringing kids sizes or cutting holes in your foil bag) endangers you and volunteers who are tasked with provided help in an emgergency and will not be well recieved by the event team.

How much does the race cost to enter?

Entry fee is £69 for affiliated runners, £74 for non. See more about what this gets you on our about the event page. All profits will be going to our chosen local charities and all staff on this event are volunteers.

Enter quick, as prices will be going up closer to the event (from November 1st).

Discounts are available for students/U23s or those unwaged/experiencing financial hardship. Please email for a unique entry link.

Refunds and transfers are possible until 1st November (minus admin fees), and refunds until 1st December minus 50%. From 1st December onwards we allow transfers from the Ultra to the Half (if there is capacity) or we allow transfers to another runner (also with admin fees attached).

Is the course marked?

No. The course is not marked and runners are expected to self navigate following the route outlined in the briefing notes, on race map (provided) and following provided GPS trace. The course has been negiotated with local stakeholders to ensure minimum impact to sensitive environments, local farms and private property, so deviating from the route is not allowed. Should you leave the route, you should rejoin it where safe and legal to do so, and should your re-entry point give an unfair advantage, time penalties might be applied.

Is there somewhere to leave a bag?

There will be a dry storage room available for leaving items. Although staff and volunteers will be around throughout the day, the bags will not be guarded and the race takes no responsibility for any items lost or damaged.

We are keen to minimise our environmental impact, and see providing safe and suitable storage are part of that for those who don’t have a car to keep their stuff in. We are looking to arrange changing facilites, but currently those may be the toilets (which are very nice!)

Can my family/friends/lovers/rivals come to spectate?

Yes! They are welcome on most points of the course and can watch online, we do ask that polite and considerate parking at all times (never block farmers gates) and are quiet when near homes especially at night. We would ask spectators, although welcome to come into checkpoints, do no interfer with the runners and the flow of the stations. Should the checkpoints get busy, you may be asked to leave and please don’t take it personally.

Aid station 1, Whittendale, is not open to spectators as it sits on a working farm.
We would recommend the trough road layby (by Sykes farm between Dunsop and Trough of Bowland) as a good early meeting point. And Chipping has public WCs and 2 lovely cafes so would make a good place to spectate although the aid station is not suitable for entering as it is small.

Can family/friends/lovers/rivals assist me? Can I bring my dog on the course?

No. This race is run in the spirit of equality, with no unfair advantages. The checkpoints will be well stocked and all reasonable food intolerances will be catered for.

Sorry, we love dogs, but this route crosses SSSIs and dogs, even on leads, can’t be run in the event. Dogs on leads, with their well behaved owners, are welcome to spectate on public footpaths, just make sure they stay warm!

Are there discounts for students? Club runners? Unemployed? What about pregnancy deferral?

Get in touch via email (bowlandultra@gmail.com) or use the contact form to ask for discount code. We have also signed up to IntoUltra, so if you are new to ultra racing or want to take your first steps, get in touch via their site.

Likewise regarding pregnancy or similar deferment, we recognise this can be a busy and emotional and physical time for many so feel free to get in touch and we can sort something out to help.

Where can I stay nearby?

Clitheroe has plenty of accommodation options, or Settle. There will be plenty of lifts coming from Lancaster, just use the facebook group to co-ordinate lifts.

We have also arranged for group accommodation in hostel like settings a few miles from the race HQ. This is available for purchase when you enter on SiEntries, or if you have already entered you can amend your entry. Bedding is provided, but bring your own towels. Rooms will be shared (single gender as far as possible), showers and self catering kitchen on hand. If you are without a vehicle please use the Facebook page to organise a lift to/from the event.