The Winter Tolkien Trail Race
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
The Stonyhurst Tolkien Trail Race is organised by Stonyhurst Experience and takes place at Stonyhurst College in Hurst Green, Clitheroe, Lancashire on Thursday 31 December 2026. Entry is priced at £30 per runner and the minimum age for entry is 18 years.
The route covers 11.1k with 528 ft of elevation and runs from the college avenue into Ribble Valley countryside. The course passes a farm track into woodland, includes forest steps, an old stone bridge and a crossing of the River Hodder. Runners pass Cromwell Bridge, built in 1562, follow a trail along the River Ribble and pass an aqueduct built in 1880. The field behind the Shireburn Arms is described as the old finish field Mount Doom before the return to Stonyhurst College.
The terrain combines grassy fields, well trodden trails and occasional muddy stretches with a mix of faster runnable sections and gentle climbs, including a notable climb near the finish. Post race goodies include a 2026 medal and a commemorative buff and additional merchandise may be bought when booking.
Practical notes from the organiser include on site parking within the college grounds using a one way system, registration located outside the front of the college, staged refund and transfer options with transfers allowed until 14 December 2026, and rules such as no running without a race bib and no dogs. The organiser reserves the right to amend or cancel the event in specified circumstances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
