TrailFest - Salcey Forest
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TrailFest - Salcey Forest
TrailFest is a single-day, multi-distance trail running event held at Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire. The event is based at a Forestry England site with a café and toilets, postcode NN7 2HX. Parking is paid, listed at about £3.80 to £9. The number 33 bus serves the forest and the closest train station is Northampton. The site is about 18 minutes from Northampton and about 9 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1.
Distances offered:
- 10K
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- 50 km
The routes share similar sections of the forest and use mostly well maintained pathways. There is no continuous asphalt other than two road crossings on the longer routes. Surfaces are mainly crushed stone or trodden forest floor; most of the course is hard packed but some grass sections may be soft after rain. Road shoes are possible in typical conditions, though a light trail shoe may be more suitable.
The event is run under a UK Athletics / Trail Running Association licence, so dogs are not permitted. The event operates cupless aid stations, so runners must carry their own cup or bottle. Mandatory kit differs by distance: 10K has no mandatory kit though a cup or bottle is recommended; half marathon, marathon and 50 km entrants must carry a container of at least 200 ml. A foil blanket and a charged mobile phone are strongly advised. Crew are permitted, pacers are not allowed to run alongside competitors except in the final 100 metres.
Cut offs are described as generous to allow a wide range of paces. All finishers receive a medal and a choice of a Big Bear drink. GPX files of the routes are provided as a backup to the course markings. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
