Throughout February 2025 (1st - 28th)
FIFTH EDITION!
ORIGINALLY A 'LOCKDOWN' CHALLENGE in 2021, Run for the trees has remained a popular fixture in the peak running calender. We hope you'll join us THIS YEAR FOR WHAT IS REMARKABLY ITS 5th EDITION!
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Run for the Trees is a fun, personal challenge event for runners and walkers alike, to keep you active as the novelty of the new year begins to wear off. this challenge can be completed anywhere in the world and leaves a positive footprint on the planet, as the more miles we cover the more trees will be planted in the national forest.​
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What's back for 2025
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Guided Events: There will be a number of guided events during February that will be free of charge for RFTT participants, though pre-booking will be required. ​
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Dogwood Challenge: After proving popular in the last 2 editions, the Dogwood Challenge is back in 2025 meaning that you can complete Run for the Trees with your four-legged friend with this special canicross addition! Similar to the Cherry Challenge, you and your woofer will need to complete 50 miles in total during February to receive a special coaster for your efforts... with a little more bark.
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Exclusive The Derby Runner discount: RFTT is once again supported by The Derby Runner and they are offering all participants of this challenge an exclusive 20% discount in-store with proof of entry. More details about how to use this offer will be sent via email after entering the challenge.
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How it works
There are 4 levels to choose from - 3 for humans and 1 for your four-legged friends.
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Each of the levels has a mileage target for you to aim for during the 28 days of Feb which can be completed by running, walking or a mix of both.
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You also have the option to join guided events. All mileage clocked up when running / walking solo and as part of the group events, count towards your total.
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The Levels
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Dogwood
(Canicross option)
Target:
50-MILES
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You get:
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Downloadable Race Number for you and/ or your dog
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Entry to guided events (optional)
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Wooden Award, with a little more bark! (crafted locally)
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Quarter Share in a Tree to be Planted
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20% Discount at Derby Runner
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Entry Fee:
£16
(+£1.50 booking fee)
Please note that the above images are examples from a previous year.
Groups and Families: If you are a couple, family or group of friends and wish to have tree dedicated to you, we can do this. If 4 of you enter the Cherry Challenge or 2 of you enter the Lime Challenge (or 2 x Cherry and 1 x Lime), just let us know after you have entered that you'd like to pool your entries for a dedicated tree.
Route Suggestions
If you're local to the National Forest Area and/or would like to explore different parts of the forest or test yourself over different distances, there are various suggested routes for your to download and use.
Links to the routes in various formats are provided, from where you can download GPX files. Also, if you are a subscriber to Ordnance Survey Map online, you will be able to print a detailed map at the scale of your choice. ​
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Whether you use our suggested routes or design your own, remember you complete them at your own risk as you would on a training run, taking responsibility for the safety of yourself and others you run or share the trails with.
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​Guided Events
After the success of the guided events for previous Run for the Trees challenges, we're are excited to be offering this again in 2025, meaning that we can explore some fantastic National Forest locations together. All guided events will be optional and if you'd prefer to explore the routes at a time more convenient for you, you can use our suggested routes instead.
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The Guided Events listed below will be free for participants of Run for the Trees. Please note that you will be required to pre-book your place on all Guided Events and you will need to let us know if you can't make it so that we can make the space available for another participant. You can secure your place on the events from here.
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If you have a friend or family member who is not entered into Run for the Trees but would like to join a guided event, they can do so on a "pay as you go" basis. ​
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2025 Guided Events Schedule:
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Details coming soon.
Participant Benefits
If you achieve your target distance - which we hope you will! - over the 28 days you'll receive a specially made coaster crafted locally from sustainable wood.
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Part of your entry fee will go towards planting new trees in the National Forest, providing a legacy of more green space for our community to enjoy and a positive environmental impact. The more miles that are covered during the event, the bigger the area of new forest we create.
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As well as the above, all participants will receive a 20% discount at the Derby Runner.
The National Forest
25 years ago, large swathes of the Midlands landscape had been left scarred by centuries of coal mining and other heavy industry. But a passionate group of people had a vision: a forest. - the first forest to be created at scale in England for over 1000 years!
The National Forest Company was formed and is a charity that works with public, private, voluntary and community organisations to create the National Forest. One of the boldest environmental regeneration projects in the world, they are truly transforming a scarred landscape from black to green. But the story doesn’t stop here. They believe that trees are the catalyst for transformation, not only of the landscape but of the economy and for our communities too.
By continuing to grow the Forest, making it accessible to all and creating a woodland culture of passionate people who can engage with it, there will be a lasting benefit for generations to come.
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For more information visit their website here.
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Background2024 will be the fifth edition of our Peak District Ultras. Creating an iconic ultramarathon for the Peak District is something that Peak Running founders, Andy Brooks (Brooksie) and Chris Hopkinson, had been thinking about for many years before. As a fell and trail runner since the mid 90's, Brooksie has always had a penchant for going long. So, while there have been some great races in the Peaks over the years, satisfying that desire has traditionally meant travelling a long way from his Derbyshire home. To take on his first 100-miler, he had to go all the way to the mountains of Virgina, because there was yet to be one in the UK in those days! Chris' passion for mountain marathons in remote locations, and the challenge of planning routes through the terrain, is something that has seen him travel to other parts of the UK, and overseas (including Iceland and Japan) over the years, to enjoy his fix too. The increase in popularity of mountain and ultra-running in the UK in more recent times has led to some fantastic events emerging in the other national parks. Something that the guys have revelled in. But their own backyard, the Peak District, was still crying out for something special in their view. Our aim, therefore, with The Peak District Ultras is to provide an event that's not only a fantastic experience for those taking part, but something that is also a special day for the communities within our favourite playground, the 'original' national park. In our view, the Peak District is the best place on the planet to go for a run. Click HERE to to understand why.
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Race EthosOur ethos for the event is aligned with our ethos for Peak Running as a whole. We want it to be an event that is capable of challenging even the most experienced ultra-runners, while also inspiring those within the wider running community to push their boundaries and achieve things they may not have thought possible themselves. So, in addition to the race itself, there is bags of guidance and support available to help you achieve your ambitions and complete the event safely. We want there to be some tough competition at the front of the fields in each distance. But we also recognise that, for the majority, simply finishing is winning for them. So even if you're not a fast runner, or you'd prefer to hike, it's designed to accommodate you. From a broader perspective, we want to make it an event that has a positive impact on the Peak District, its communities and the local environment. An event that residents, local businesses, and those that look after the delicate landscapes within the park, support and look foward to. Our commitments to this fundamental aim for the event include: Donating a proportion of the profits to the Peak District National Park Foundation charity to help them protect this wonderful park, for everyone, forever. Building strong relationships with the park authorities and land managers, their rangers and other stakeholders. Organising conservation days for runners to help carry out important conservation and restoration work on the trails within the park. Using the event as a vehicle to help promote and educate people on the work and behaviours necessary to maintain the beauty of the park for future generations. Using community facilities for event HQ and checkpoints wherever possible. Using local independant buinesses for supplies, such as race mementos, t-shirts etc. Ensuring there will be no trace of the event by the time it is wrapped up on the Sunday.
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EntriesEntries, including changes to a different distance, will close on Monday 26th August or earlier if the capacity is reached. Entries after 1st July 2024 are not guaranteed a finishers memento. The prices for entries are: Millstone 100 : £147 Limestone 50 : £77 Peveril 33 : £57 The above prices are subject to a £2 supplement for participants who are not affiliated to UK Athletics or members of the Trail Runnings Association. By purchasing an entry you agree to the terms on conditions specified below in the 'Taking Part' section of this website.
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What's Included?Participation in a race on a spectacular route in the Peak District National Park Detailed results, including intermediate check-point splits A unique memento for finishers Comprehensive event handbook Access to a detailed route description GPX file of the route Well stocked aid stations Hot meal at the finish Support from an highly experienced and enthusiastic event team Live GPS tracking (for Millstone 100 participants) Professional medical support UTMB World Series qualifying points for finishers Option to purchase a high quality event technical t-shirt (order when entering)
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LocationThe event in based in the heart of the beautiful and vibrant village of Castleton in the Hope Valley. The village is situated at the foot of the historic Peveril Castle and surrounded by spectacular hills. The base for the race and event HQ is The Peveril Centre which is on the western side of the village. The address is: The Peveril Centre Buxton Road Castleton Hope Valley Derbyshire S33 8WP
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ScheduleFriday 30th August 2024 16:00 Registration Opens – Millstone 100 only 17:30 Registration Closes 17:30 Race Briefing – The Millstone 100 18:00 The Millstone 100 starts Saturday 31st August 2024 06:30 Registration Opens 08:15 Registration Closes 08:30 Race Briefing -The Limestone 50 & Peveril 33 09:00 The Limestone 50 & Peveril 33 start Sunday 1st September 2024 06:00 Deadline to complete all races
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Event TeamOur event team, The Blinding Peakers, are renowned for their enthusiasm and ability to bring a sense of fun to an event, while maintaining the professional standards needed to ensure a smooth and safe event for all involved. They’re nearly all runners themselves, and many are ultramarathon veterans. So they know what it’s all about and know what you need, maybe even before you do. If you are interested in joining the team please contact us.
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Car and Campervan ParkingA dedicated event car and campervan park, with temporary toilets, will be provided close to race HQ in Castleton. This is available to both participants and supporters throughout the weekend for a small charge. Permits for use can be purchased when registering for the event on the Fabian4 entry system. Full details of the arrangements will be provided in the Event Handbook prior the event.
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Local AccommodationThere are various accommodation options in the area. Locally there are two Youth Hostels (Losehill Hall and Edale Activity Centre) and a number of camp sites which take tents. There are also various pubs with accommodation, B&Bs and holiday cottages. The nearest large towns/cities with greater accommodation options are Buxton (10 miles), Chesterfield (15 miles), Sheffield (15 miles), Stockport (15 miles) and Manchester (20 miles).