A truly outstanding forest half marathon , with a subtle difference. I wasn’t familiar with the area around Gisburn Forest and was expecting a generic forest race - well groomed fire tracks and forest tracks. WRONG. After about 7/8 miles of undulating trails, you’re taken out onto the perimeter of the woods, where they join the surrounding moorland and it becomes really rocky, quite technical and the gradients increase too. This lasted for 3/4 miles and slows you down quite a lot ! The course is without doubt the most innovative woodland course I’ve ran on and a great deal of thought has gone into it, as the terrain is constantly changing, which you don’t normally get on a forest course. Also, this is the best marked out course Ive ever ran on, the amount of flags laid out as waymarkers was simply astonishing and I can only guess how long it must’ve taken to put them out and then collect them ! This is a course that no one will ever lose their way on at any point. Three aid stations along the way, stocking the basics ( water / flapjacks etc ) and a really inclusive field, meaning that this is race for everyone, no matter what your age or fitness level is. ( There’s a bit of bottle necking for the first half a mile or so, so if you’re competitive, you need to be right at the front when the race starts ) A massive field to park on (£4) an easy registration, loads of food vans, selling all kinds of lovely stuff and a really friendly inclusive atmosphere, super friendly marshals all along the course, made this a wonderful race. A massive thanks to Chris Holdsworth for putting this race on, it’s a credit to you and Pennine Trails.

Not a trail person myself but have to say if you are in to these, the scenery is amazing, well marshalled points through to ensure safety and quality briefing and Merch. Only problem was parking but not their fault as the allocated field couldn’t be used late on due to the monsoon season… would highly recommend it as one the best by far..

My 2nd time of doing this run and despite the hills and mud, I still absolutely love it. A great route, beautiful scenery and some of the friendliest crew and marshalls around. Great pre race orgznisation too. Trail running is just something special and Pennine Trails have it spot on with this race. Hoping to be back next year!

Brilliant course, even in the wet weather. I am I regular runner of the Pennine Trail routes, yet this was my first time at Gisburn Forest 10k. As usual Chris and his team delivered a fantastic event and thoroughly enjoyable race, for both the route and the atmosphere. A great mix of trails with some good muddy sections and a lovely descent to the finish line. Great course to run and suitable for beginners as well as seasoned pros. Definitely one to put on the trail running race list!