A large group of people participating in an outdoor run or race on a grassy field, with some wearing athletic apparel and others in casual workout clothes, and a lush green background.

Community Trail Runs

Our free community trail runs are at the heart of what we do at Black Trail Runners.

Find the next run
A person dressed in outdoor hiking gear, including a blue jacket, black pants, and colorful hiking shoes, stands on a rocky mountain trail with a backpack. The background features a mountain landscape with a cloudy sky and patches of sunlight breaking through.

Led by qualified run leaders, these sessions are designed to support, encourage, and welcome people of colour into trail running. Whether you are new to running, or already love the trails, there is a place for you here.

Some runs are gentle and social, focused on connection and confidence. Others explore longer routes for those ready for more adventure. Every run is supportive, inclusive and pressure-free.

All paces are welcome – no one gets left behind. Check our Heylo page to find a free community run near you.

Visit Heylo
A person running along the beach near the shoreline, with another person standing in the water further out, and the sea and sky in the background.

Community trail running is as much about experience as it is about distance.

How it differs from road running

Trail running replaces pavement with natural terrain and that one swap changes the whole experience.

Road running

– Focused on pace and finish times.

– Same repeated surface, mile after mile.

– Repetitive impact on hard ground.

– Walking often feels like "giving up".

Trail running

  • More connection to nature and your surroundings

  • Greater variety and less repetition

  • A full-body workout using different muscles

  • Less repetitive impact on joints compared to hard surfaces

  • Space to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment

What to expect from our Community Trail Runs

  • Speech bubble with the word 'HELLO!' inside

    A warm welcome from experienced, qualified run leaders.

  • Black outline of a heart with a checkmark in a circle overlay

    A supportive group environment with no pressure to perform.

  • Icon of multiple directional signs pointing in different directions on a pole.

    Routes chosen to suit different experience levels.

  • An illustration of a stopwatch with a partially visible bell at the top, shown in a minimalistic black and white style.

    Encouragement to go at your own pace, including walking.

  • White outline of two pine trees on a black background.

    A space where you don’t need to justify yourself.

  • Stylized white leaf on a black background.

    A chance to connect with others and build confidence outdoors.

Group of people trail running through a forest with autumn foliage.

Find a trail run near you

Our community trail runs take place across the UK throughout the year.

Visit our Heylo page to see upcoming runs, choose a location near you, and sign up for free. Your first run could be the start of something bigger than you expect.

Visit Heylo

Become a Member

As a member, you’ll get access to community runs, exclusive opportunities, and a supportive network that welcomes you exactly as you are. Whether you’re just starting out or already love the trails, this is your space to belong, grow, and run wild.

Become a member
A man jogging on a trail surrounded by lush green trees, with boats docked along a waterway on the right side of the image.

Donate

Black Trail Runners is a volunteer led charity. Every donation helps us remove barriers and create real opportunities for Black people and People of Colour in trail running.

Your support helps us to:

  • Run free and low-cost trail taster sessions

  • Support members with travel and race entry costs

  • Enable Black runners to gain instructor and leadership qualifications

  • Cover the essential admin that keeps the charity running

If you’d like to support our work, you can donate via our JustGiving page.

Donate