TrailFest

Sadly due to coronavirus TrailFest will no longer be operating as you know it.

After many weeks of reflection and many months of behind-the-scenes discussion and consideration about how TrailFest goes forward, we have reached a painful, but necessary decision; our pioneering and hugely successful social running programme will not resume post-lockdown.

Since 2015, when we led the way in the UK and established Scotland’s first ‘non-race’ running festival format (appearing first as “Glasgow Trailrunning Festival”), we have endeavoured to bring together the trailrunning community in a celebration of running wild and free in the great outdoors.

We created the largest social trailrunning community in Scotland where the focus was on a shared experience and not on speed, improvement, negative splits or Strava segments, but a community where ultrarunners and trailrunning newbies could share the same trails free of any pressure to speed up or improve, but simply to enjoy the experience of running for fun with like-minded people.

What we created - both the TrailFest staff and you, the runners - was awesome! Truly amazing! When we began the TrailFest journey back in our kitchen in Summer 2015 never did we think that we could have created something so big, so empowering, so brilliant.

We are honoured to have played a part in helping SO many people discover trailrunning. A lot of people have learned more about themselves, built their confidence as runners and, more importantly, as people, thanks to TrailFest and that is something we will always be extremely proud of.

We had the enormous pleasure of meeting and running with so many amazing people through TrailFest. As TrailFest grew and we expanded our staff, the team of Run Leaders and Assistants was made up with some of the best, most humble and inspiring people we know. It was these guys who carried on and expanded the TrailFest run programme after Jo and I moved to the French Alps in 2018.

It was always going to be more difficult to manage TrailFest remotely than be there in person, but we went at it full tilt to keep things fresh, innovative and inspiring…until Covid changed the ballpark!

The world is different now, making logistics for return trips to Scotland more difficult. On top of this, lockdown has provided an opportunity for reflection for both TrailFest and us personally, taking into consideration two young children and what’s involved in setting up and adjusting to a new life in a different country.

And, so here we are. 5 fabulous years of social trailrunning. Thank you. All of you for being part of the journey. We leave footprints and take memories. 🙏🙌👣

Ryan, Jo and the TrailFest Team ❤️

So, what now??

TrailFest isn’t finished. Social running was only ever a part of what TrailFest is. We are a badass community and will continue to be. So here’s what’s next:

1. we want to hear your TrailFest stories and thoughts. We’d love it if you could post or DM/email us your favourite things about TrailFest; what you got out of it, why you loved running with us, your best TF photo, your funniest TF moment etc, or write us a Facebook review. We will compile all of these on our website. There are so many amazing experiences and memories from the social runs that we want to capture.

2. some of the Run Leaders have proposed to continue to lead some informal runs. Once we have details of where to find these we will share with you.

3. we (Ryan & Jo) now live at the foot of Mont Blanc in a beautiful mountain village. There are some of the best trails and trail views on our doorstep and we are working on being able to offer TrailFest running trips to this area in 2021. So if you love the TrailFest community, our ethos and want to experience running in stunning (sometimes steep) mountain trails, then don’t go far away.🤘🇫🇷

4. we would love to hear your running story. Not just the TrailFest part, but your own journey. Has running helped you change as a person, lose weight, overcome something difficult or led you to the winner’s podium? The TrailFest community has always been about celebrating all trailrunners, with your stories we can continue to do that. Message us for more info.

The awesome TF Run Leaders & Run Assistants 👊🤝👏:
Ryan Scott
Jo Cowper
Betty De Jongh
Stuart Macdonald
Nicola Dawson
Rebecca MacLennan
Lauren McKay
Graham Kelly
Frank O'Donnell
Mark Stuart
Pip Farnese
King Pamela
Sarah Jones
Marc Blane

*ALL ACTIVITY SUSPENDED*

In light of the UK government's announcement earlier this evening, we have taken the decision to suspend all activities immediately.

Therefore tonight's run in Pollok Park is cancelled.

All attendees have been emailed, but given the short notice, if you know someone who is due to run with us this eve, please alert them to their email inboxes.

Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation in this difficult and fast-moving situation.

Stay safe, stay well and whenever/wherever it is safe and RESPONSIBLE to do so, try and get some outdoor fresh air.

Ryan, Co-Founder, TrailFest

There are still spaces for tonight's 5km & 10km in Pollok Park. While we know it's a worrying time, we also feel that getting outside can be a really good thing.

Until there is any further change, our social trailruns will continue. With small group sizes, virtually no physical contact or close proximity and in the freedom of the outdoors, these are a great way to have a chat, get some exercise and boost your mental health while we all try to meander a way through this extraordinary time.

Just remember: no hugging, handshakes or kissing(?!😳). Book your space here 👇

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/trailfest/325292

After weeks of news headlines about illness, it was so good to get out and do something which keeps us healthy at the TRAILRun The Whangie. The trails were wet and slippery, the bog was superboggy. We encountered strong winds and the occasional rainshower, but we were also treated to gorgeous views and rainbows 🌈. Great running all ^betty

*Solstice Trail Series Cancelled*

It is with regret that we have reached the decision to cancel this year’s Solstice Trail Series.

We have been monitoring the situation for the past few weeks and we no longer have the confidence that we will be able to stage this year’s races in the current climate surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.

Please read our full reasoning behind our decision to cancel this year's races.

https://trailfestscotland.com/coronavirus

It was all girls on the 8km tonight from Milngavie. Lots of fun to be had with over and under fences and trees, wildlife spotting (the tiny vole was super cute!) and christening one pair of new trainers with the muddiest puddles even Peppa Pig would have been proud of. ^Nic

Some great running, views and chat on tonights 5k. Plus we didn't get that wet. I don't think any of my 'arty' photos worked though. ^Mark

A beautiful 10k run this morning; No hail, no snow, no rain...bliss! Great running everyone, really enjoyed it 🙏 ^Stuart

With the snowdrops and a few rays of sun, it almost felt like spring this morning on the RunSOCIAL 5k in Mugdock. The cold mud and wet trails soon brought us back to reality! We meandered along some more technical trails on the moor and made our way through the woods before a gentle run back to the visitors centre for coffees and cakes. Great running all! ^betty

It's just over one month to go until the Solstice Trail Series 2020 kicks off! With some races already over 50% full it's time to get your entries in to be sure you don't miss out.

There's always a late surge in entries, so get signed up now to avoid disappointment. And don't forget that if you enter all three months with the race same distance you save 10%. 🤘🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🌲🌳

All the info you need is 👇
https://trailfestscotland.com/races

Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports

A beautiful clear night to enjoy the stars on tonight's 8K at Pollok Park. Well done to the group who all managed to stay on their feet and not lose any shoes in all the mud!
^Rebecca