TrailFest - Salcey Forest
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TrailFest - Salcey Forest
TrailFest is a multi-distance trail running day held at Salcey Forest, a Forestry England site near Northampton (postcode NN7 2HX). The event offers the following distances:
- 10K
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- 50 km
The routes use similar sections of the forest and are mostly on well maintained pathways of crushed stone or trodden open forest floor. There is no asphalt on the course except for two short road crossings on the longer distances. Some sections cross grassland and may be soft after rain, but the majority of the route is hard packed. Road shoes can be used in typical season conditions, though a light trail shoe is recommended for the uneven stony surfaces.
Practical details include on-site café and toilets and paid parking. Bus 33 serves Salcey Forest between Northampton and Milton Keynes. The site is close to Northampton and near M1 Junction 15.
The event is held under a UK Athletics/Trail Running Association license; dogs are not permitted. The event operates cupless aid stations, so participants must carry their own cup or bottle. Mandatory kit rules differ by distance: 10K has no mandatory kit while the longer distances require a cup or bottle able to hold at least 200 ml; a foil blanket and a charged mobile phone are strongly advised. Missing mandatory kit incurs a time penalty. GPX files are available as a backup and the course will be clearly marked. All finishers receive a medal and a choice of Big Bear drink. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.