Forest Runner

Runners in a forest running event

Forest Runner | 5k & 10k running series

The trail starts with you!

Forest Runner, our series of 5k and 10k running events at eleven of our beautiful forests across England, is here to help you get out and get active amongst the trees.

Whether you are new to running or a seasoned pro, choose your challenge and enjoy a run in some beautiful surroundings.

Expect lush natural scenery, birdsong, fresh air, encouragement from other runners and a medal and goody bag waiting for you at the finish line!

The profits from Forest Runner sales help us grow, shape and care for your forests, now and for future generations.

Find your local Forest Runner event

Man punching air in a run in the forest
Saturday 2 September 2023
10am
near Rugeley, Staffordshire
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
waving woman in group of runners in a forest
Sunday 10 September 2023
4pm
near Tetbury, Gloucestershire
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
Group of runners
Sunday 24 September 2023
9am
near Tunbridge Wells, Kent
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
Group of runners on a dirt track in pine forest
Sunday 1 October 2023
9am
near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
Group of runners
Sunday 15 October 2023
9am
near Northampton, Northamptonshire
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
Happy woman running an event through forest
Sunday 22 October 2023
10am
near Brandon, Suffolk
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
Woman in pink running at Forest Runner event
Sunday 26 November 2023
9am
near Coleford, Gloucestershire
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
Man punching air in a run in the forest
Sunday 25 February 2024
10am
nr Farnham, Surrey
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
Happy women running in an event through the forest
Sunday 3 March 2024
9am
Near Chester, Cheshire
You missed it! This run event has now passed.
Two smiling women running on a dirt track through woods
Sunday 10 March 2024
9am
near Bishop Auckland, Durham
This event has been cancelled.
Runners in blue at Forest Runner event
Sunday 24 March 2024
9am
nr Pickering, Yorkshire
Experience stunning views over the unique ‘rigg and dale’ landscape of Dalby Forest.
Runners in a forest running event

Forest Runner is for everyone

Our aim is to introduce as many people as we can to the health and wellbeing benefits of running in our forests. They are the perfect place to run whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to smash a personal best.

We want everyone to feel inspired to be a Forest Runner and are working to make our events an inclusive and welcoming experience for all. We are now following SheRACES event guidelines to support more women to the start line.

Forest Runner events are managed in partnership with Events of the North and trophies are awarded for the top places.

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Terms and conditions

In addition to our standard T&C's, for these events please note:

  • dogs are not permitted.
  • participants must be medically fit to participate in the event.
  • amendments to participant details must be notified in advance of the event. (See FAQs for more info).
  • participant details will be passed to Events of the North for race management, including race time and placing.
  • venue parking charges will apply for stays in excess of 3 hours.  
  • a post event survey will be sent to the email address provided. You are under no obligation to complete the survey but doing so will help in planning future activities.
  • participants must be aged 12yrs+ for the 5km and aged 16yrs+ for the 10km.
  • participants must follow the latest UK government COVID-19 guidance in place at the time of the event.
SheRaces logo - women's racing guidelines

We aim to make Forest Runner as inclusive as possible. We follow the guidelines on SheRACES to ensure that women are appropriately supported at Forest Runner events.