Enjoy the rolling hills of the Clipston Trail Races – run on trails across the beautiful countryside surrounding Clipston!

The 5-mile (ish) race is a great introduction to trail running or just something a little shorter!

Race information

This event is organised in conjunction with the Clipston Recreation Field Trust which is a charity that has owned the playing fields at Clipston since the early ‘80s and is responsible for their maintenance and development. Currently football and tennis are played here. Over the last few years, the field has been developed for other outdoor activities. There is a woodland that’s used by a local forest preschool and walkers of all ages; new play activity equipment for both very young children in one area and people of any age in another and the pavilion has also been upgraded.

All this is expensive to run and any money we raise will be spent on maintenance of these facilities including the replacement of the tennis courts as necessary. Thank you for your support.

Competitors must be at least 17 on the day of the race.

Book your place for the 2026 event before the end of 2025 to be entered in a draw to win a TrailKube!

Online entries will close at 7pm on the Wednesday before the race. Transfer of entries will close the Sunday before the race.

Start time/location

Both races start from 9.00 a.m. There is no cut off time, but you should expect to finish within 3 1/2 hours.

Start/finish: Clipston Recreation Ground, Station Road, Clipston, Market Harborough LE16 9RN.

The route

The course starts opposite the pavilion in Clipston and immediately sets off uphill into the countryside. You will be running on bridleways with short sections on minor country roads. The final section from Kelmarsh back to Clipston is on a footpath. During the run you will see some great views of the Northamptonshire countryside. The total height gained is 237m.

A link to the route and GPX file is here: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/20507660

Clipston Country Trail 5-miler

The course starts opposite the Pavilion in Clipston and immediately sets off uphill into the countryside. Following footpaths and bridleways you will loop down to Kelmarsh and back around to Clipston.

Prizes/rewards

There are medals and homemade cakes for all finishers.

The cakes will be home made in the village by Alison Morley and the Clipston W.I.

Other information

You will be able to collect your number and timing chip from 8am on race morning when registration opens. Packs will not be posted.

To reduce our environmental impact, we ask you to please bring along your own cup to refill at the water stations on course. There are four water stations on the half marathon route, and one for those running the 5 miler.

Unfortunately, as the run crosses many working farms, this race is not suitable for canicrossers.

Clipston WI

Clipston WI is a group of 40 or so ladies who meet monthly in the village hall. They have interesting speakers, enjoy days out, fun and friendship. They have a long tradition of supporting our village community and are pleased to support the Clipston Trail Races. They hope you will enjoy the cake!

Latest Updates

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Course Records

5 Miler – Kevin Powell, 32:29 (2023) and Lorna Hession, 37:55 (2025)

Half Marathon – Ian Conway, 1:22:46 (2022) and Hannah Kallenberg, 1:44:50 (2025)

Description supplied by the event organiser.