FAQs

Trail Escape is a series of trail events that start and finish in the centre of a city, with the routes focussed on surrounding countryside.

Please read the official instructions / guide. 

These will be emailed out about 1 month before your event and found on the event web page.

Most important information should also be found in these FAQS.

We will do our best to create routes that are as close to 26.2miles and 25km as possible but given the nature of off-road running it is difficult to be as accurate with route distances as road running events.  We will ensure that each route is at least 26.2miles or 25km and will communicate closer to event day the exact distance.

Routes are now available on the city event pages on the website. All routes are subject to some changes closer to the event. 

There will be plenty of spots for your supporters to cheer you on across the route. 

Specific advice will be included in each event's Participant Guide.

You can run with one dog at Bristol-Bath or Edinburgh. 

Unfortunately, we cannot allow participants to take dogs on the marathon route at Manchester, due to terms set out by Alphin Pike regarding nesting birds in the area. The 25km route is fine.

 (Please note dogs are not allowed on the Bristol-Bath shuttle buses)

ON THE LEAD AT ALL TIMES

Control of your dog is required at all times. 

- Dog on leads at all times and keep the lead short.

- At any ‘pinch points’ or busy areas on the route, PLEASE refrain from overtaking unless it is safe for you AND YOUR DOG to do so. Consider other runners BEFORE any competitiveness and rash decision making.

- If a situation occurs the owner of the dog will be held responsible. 

INSURANCE

- The rightful owner of a dog is required to have liability insurance (or family insurance) for any damages that their dog may commit, or injuries that the dog may cause. 

- The event will be covered by public liability insurance as standard.

- We do not accept any liability for damage caused to third party property by our competitors dogs or the competitors themselves. 

- We also will not accept any liability for injury caused to third parties by our competitors or their dogs. 

WELFARE

- We advise you build your dog’s distance up over several weeks/months.

- Always carry water with you just in case it is needed and suitable dog drinking vessel.

- Please be aware if it is a warm day with high temperatures, we strongly recommend you do not run with your dog. If it is a day with high humidity, or an ambient temperature approaching or exceeding 20 degrees, the risk of heatstroke to running dogs is high.

- Familiarise yourself with your dog’s normal behaviour while running, prior to the event. If at any time they show any signs they are struggling or pulling to one side, immediately find shade and stop and give them some water. 

CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG

Please clean up after your dog and dispose of their mess using biodegradable bags. Please place in bins along the route / carry the bag with you until you find one.

We are afraid that the routes chosen will not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

All runners and hike/walkers must be 18 or older on day the Marathon takes place.  

All runners and hike/walkers must be 16 or older on day the 25km takes place.  

Please check here to see if parking and travel is open to book. If it isn't, it will open soon.

Parking and shuttles buses are available to book for Bristol-Bath but are limited so do not delay once tickets open. (Please note dogs are not permitted on shuttles.)

Parking will be available to book for Manchester.

Public parking and payable car parks can be found close to Edinburgh start location. 

Entries are currently open on the website at https://www.trailescape.co.uk/enter

There is no difference in the route or terrain.  All participants will follow the same route. The difference in categories are to make sure all runners access the route first and ensure runners are not overtaking walkers.  We expect the routes to be single-tracks in places so to be fair to all we need to split people out.

You will receive email reminders to complete 'guest details'.

The runner = the guest. You must complete the guest details with your details including your shipping address for your race pack.

Race Packs will be sent with bib numbers in the few weeks preceding the event to the 'shipping address' that you add to your registration or 'guest details' that were requested. 

You can log back in to the Easol registration platform and change your shipping address there: https://trailescape.myeasol.com/log-in

Yes we will accept transfers and deferrals, which incur an admin fee. 

You can defer your 2026 entry to the same city in 2027. 

You can transfer your 2026 entry to a friend.

You can transfer your 2026 entry to another city in 2026.

You can book your deferral / transfer on the website here. 

Deferral deadline is the Friday before the event (i.e. the day before).

PLEASE NOTE : 

- You can only defer an entry once.

- We are not offering deferrals from one city to a different city the following year. You would need to book a new entry when that city opens for registration.

Yes! For example you may enter Trail Escape Edinburgh 2026 but change your mind and want to take part in Trail Escape Manchester 2026. You can do that here

You cannot defer from one city to a different city the following year. This must be booked new, when registrations open.

Refunds must be requested within 14 days of booking to support@trailescape.zendesk.com

If the event is cancelled according to our terms and conditions a refund will also be applied.

Or, if you choose to pay for Booking Protection at point of entry, you can protect your purchase and request a refund should you need to cancel for unforeseen circumstances or illness. Claims are managed directly by Cover Genius. Customers can submit a claim at XCover Claims. The Claims Centre will summarise all communications, claim status, and payout status.

Booking Protection is an insurance service offered to you via our registration platform Easol. With Booking Protection, you can protect your purchase at checkout and request a refund should you need to cancel for unforeseen circumstances.

All Trail Escapes will be timed. Routes will be well marshalled and signed throughout. 

Aid stations will provide hydration and nutrition. 

All finishers will receive an event T-shirt and Medal.

If you want to use Trail Escape as an opportunity to raise money for a cause you can enter through the general entry process and then contact your chosen charity and tell them what you have planned.

If you are from a charity and would like to talk to us about a potential partnership please contact us at support@trailescape.zendesk.com

We suggest you arrive at the event village AT LEAST 45 minutes before your start time.

We will send out guidance to all registrants closer to the event days on what to bring with them - and this may change depending on the weather forecast.

All participants must carry their own water-bottle or bladder that can hold at least 500ml of water.  Opportunities to re-fill will be available at aid-stations.

Please also make sure you run or hike with a fully charged phone.

We highly recommend all runners where trail running trainers and all hikers/walkers where good quality walking shoes. 

Depending on the weather forecast we recommend runners carry with them a lightweight jacket. We will have well stocked fuel and hydration stations but we recommend carrying either bars or gels between aid stations.

We recommend all walkers consider the same and if the forecast looks like there may be rain / wind then we recommend also carrying some lightweight trousers.

Specific information will be sent according to the Trail Escape you enter but all events will start from locations that are easily accessible from the main transport links in each city by foot, bike or car/taxi.

Parking and shuttles buses are will be bookable for Bristol-Bath. (Please note dogs were not permitted on shuttles in 2025 and it is likely they will not be in 2026.)

Parking will be bookable for Manchester.

Public parking and payable car parks can be found close to Edinburgh start location. 

We aim to ensure toilets will be at each aid station.

Yes for all events we will have a baggage drop area. 

Trail Escape City Bristol-to-Bath is actually a point to point between two neighbouring cities and we will include transporting your baggage to the finish in your entry fee. 

Please refer to your event's Official Guide for the city you are taking part in, which will be sent out closer to the event and featured on the website.

Please note that you will need to show your running bib to the baggage team after the event to collect your bag. Please do not try to give our team anything more than one standard size rucksack or similar as they may not take it.

In extreme cases we may need to shorten or adapt the routes if we expect extreme temperatures, heavy rain or gale force winds. 

Yes there will be cut-off times for each Trail Escape. At this stage in our planning we are working to a 10hr time-limit, which is less than 3miles per hour.  The routes will be clearly marked and marshalled to ensure participants don't get lost.

We will not be providing cups.

All participants must carry their own water-bottle or bladder that can hold at least 500ml of water. Opportunities to re-fill will be available at aid-stations.

Please arrive at the start with your water bottle filled.

MANCHESTER RACE PACKS MUST BE COLLECTED ON EITHER :

• - Friday 26 June, 4pm - 7pm  from the Info Tent at the start
  
  
• - Saturday 27 June from 7am on event morning, from the Info Tent at the start
• 
  

BRISTOL AND BATH RACE PACKS MUST BE COLLECTED ON EITHER :

• - Friday 25 September, 4pm - 7pm at Bristol and Bath Science Park (where the start will be)
• 
  
• - Saturday 26 September from 7am on event morning, from the Info Tent at the start

EDINBURGH RACE PACKS MUST BE COLLECTED ON EITHER :

• - Friday 4 September, 4pm - 7pm  from the Info Tent at the start
  
  
• - Saturday 5 September from 7am on event morning, from the Info Tent at the start

In the event that your event pack does not arrive before the event to the 'shipping address' you have provided in the Easol platform, please first contact us on support@trailescape.zendesk.com so that we can arrange for a replacement event pack to be waiting for you at the Info Point at the Start (please see maps) on event day. Log back in to Easol at https://trailescape.myeasol.com/log-in

Our aim is to make Trail Escape as accessible as we can, starting from city based locations that are close by to public transport but still within good reach of stunning countryside.

The start/finish  of Manchester Trail Escape in Phillips Park has great access to public transport.

Bus: 

Stagecoach 216/230/231/76/76A, Go North West 703/710, Go Godwins 217, Orbits 53.

Tram:

Blue line Velopark stop on Ashton New Road.

Please plan your journey using Bee Network.

On foot:

From the Velopark tram stop, walk west to Bank Street, then follow north towards the bridge and entrance is through green gates. The west entrance on Stuart Street is accessible by the Ashton Canal at the intersection of Alan Turing Way.

Getting there by road:

The park is adjacent to Alan Turing Way (A6010) and in between Oldham Road (A62) and Ashton New Road (A662). Entrances are off Briscoe Lane, Alan Turing Way, Stuart Street, Fairclough Street, Bank Bridge Road and Riverpark Road.

Places are limited, so if you want a space, please book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

We would also like to encourage you to car share if you can!

Booking for 2026 opens soon

The events will start and finish in Philips Park close to the Etihad Campus (Man City ground), which has access to the Metro. 

RUN START : 08:00

HIKE START : 08:30

You can see this on Strava and download from there. Please visit: https://www.trailescape.co.uk/manchester

We plan to have aid stations at 6km, 12km and 18km on the 25km; and 6km, 12km, 22km, 30km and 36km on the marathon route.

A combination of water, drinks from Dr Funk and snacks including flapjacks and crisps will be made available, as well as electrolyte tabs and sweets.

More details will be confirmed very soon.

Please find this information on the website here: https://www.trailescape.co.uk/manchester

The 2026 Manchester guide will be issued closer to the event.

We can confirm that the marathon start has now been relocated to Bristol & Bath Science Park.

We have made the decision to move your start upon understanding UWE’s plans on campus for Fresher’s Week.  We did not feel it was the appropriate place to start a trail running event whilst mixing with lots of excitable students.

By moving your start to Bristol & Bath Science Park, we will avoid any confusion or overcrowding that may arise with lots of new students on campus.

Rest assured, taking part together with your fellow 25km runners and hikers will make for a brilliant atmosphere!

PLUS, the new route you will run or hike will be an improved one with beautiful views, fewer road crossings and less tarmac paths.

THINGS TO NOTE:

• All marathon participants, whether running or hiking, will now start at 8am from Bristol & Bath Science Park (where the 25km will also start).

• If you have booked our parking at Bristol UWE and/or bus tickets either to get to the Start or from the Finish, you will be able to use these to park and get buses from or to Bristol & Bath Science Park. YOU DO NOT NEED TO CONTACT US. Your ticket will be updated and we will send these out via email.

• The distance between UWE and Bristol & Bath Science Park is approx 4.7 miles / a 15 minute drive. Bus and rail connections are available as they were for UWE.

RACE PACK COLLECTION

Please note, you must collect your Race Pack - they will not be posted. Your number will be allocated to you at the point of pick up, and not pre-allocated before the event.

What this means: your run or hike time will be more accurate and reliable with less room for error.

YOU MUST COLLECT YOUR EVENT PACK AS BELOW.

WE WILL NOT BE POSTING ANY RACE PACKS:

• Friday 25 September, 4pm - 7pm from Bristol & Bath Science Park (Info Tent where the event will start)OR

• Saturday 26 September - Info Tent at the start - from 7am

PLEASE BRING ID AND BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER

The marathon and 25km will start from the same location in 2025.

📍MARATHON AND 25KM START: BRISTOL & BATH SCIENCE PARK

Below is some info on access to public transport.

Bus to Science Park:

There are a number of bus options in addition to the Metrobus M3, an express service to and from the Centre of Bristol operated by First Bus, which runs at least every 20 minutes - timetables can be found here.

Train to Science Park:

The closest station to the Science Park is Bristol Parkway station, 4 miles from the Science Park. You could book a taxi from here to the venue. Plan your journey in advance.

While we want to encourage as many of you as possible to use public transport, we know that is not always feasible. If you are planning on driving to the event - good news - limited parking is available at the start.

We are providing shuttle buses from Royal Avenue, which is opposite the Victoria Park bandstand at the finish in Bath, to the start sites. Timings are TBC.

So, if you want to park or come from Bath, this is an option for you.

OPTIONS AVAILABLE:

- Book parking at start, get a shuttle bus back from the finish

- Book only parking at start

- Book a shuttle bus from Bath to the start

- Book a shuttle bus back to start car park without parking included

PLEASE NOTE - DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE SHUTTLE BUSES UNLESS AN ASSISTANCE DOG.

Parking places will be limited, so if you want a space, please book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

We would also like to encourage you to car share if you can!

BOOK HERE

You can see this on Strava and download from there. Please visit: https://www.trailescape.co.uk/bristol

Info coming soon

Info coming soon

We are providing shuttle buses from Royal Avenue, which is opposite the Victoria Park bandstand at the finish in Bath, to the start sites.

Space is limited, passes must be pre-booked.

Shuttles buses will leave at approximately 06:30.

Shuttles buses for the 25km second start wave at 09:00 will leave at approximately 08:00. As we are now putting on an additional 08:00 start wave for the 25km, buses will be leaving earlier for that wave. Info coming soon.

Times will be confirmed closer to the event.

Please note that the two distances have different start times.

MARATHON START: 

Marathon Run - 08:15

Marathon Hike - 08:30

25KM START:

25km Run & Hike

WAVE 1 08:00

WAVE 2 - 09:00 (if you entered before 18 July, you will have been entered into this wave. On or after the 18 July, you will be in the 08:00 wave)

You can see this on Strava and download from there. Please visit: https://www.trailescape.co.uk/edinburgh

Access for pedestrians and bicycles only

• Gorgie Road gate, at the intersection of Gorgie Road and Balgreen Road
• Balgreen Road access, at the intersection of Balgreen road and Stevenson Drive, opposite Balgreen Primary School
• Stevenson Drive access, opposite Whitson Crescent
• Ford's Road gate, west end of the Park (EH11 3HP)
• Winter Gardens gate, east end of the Park (EH11 2SP)

Bus or tram to the start at Saughton Park:

The Park is well served by Lothian Buses services:

• Gorgie Road gate
• Saughton Park stop - 3, 25, 30, 33
• Saughton Rose Gardens stop - 30, 38, X27, X28
• Balgreen Road access and Ford's Road gate
• Balgreen Primary School stop - 1, 2, 22, 38
• Stevenson Drive access
• Whitson Crescent stop - 1, 2, 22

Tram:

The Balgreen road access point is a 4 minute walk from the Edinburgh Trams Balgreen tram stop.

Walk or cycle:

The Water of Leith Walkway and the John Muir Way between pass through the middle of the Park.

Saughton Park is well served by a number of on-road and off-road cycle paths which connect with the Water of Leith Walkway.

Edinburgh Council Quiet Routes 8 and 9 connect with the Water of Leith Walkway next to Murrayfield Stadium.

Sustrans National Routes 75 and 754 connect with the Water of Leith Walkway at Slateford

All paths outside of the wall around the Rose Garden are shared use. If you want to explore inside the wall please lock your bike up at a bicycle  stand or dismount and walk your bike.

Bicycle stands can be found at the Ford's Road gate and Winter Gardens gate.

We will be giving participants trackers for this event for an added layer of safety and reassurance on the route.
These will be given to participants at the start of the event, and will be handed in at the finish.

Aid Stations will provide a variety of hydration, snacks and fuel.

We plan to have four Aid Stations on the Edinburgh marathon route and three on the 25km route. 

There will be toilets at each Aid Station.

AID STATION 1 

(Mile 7 / 11km of marathon and 25KM route) 

- HYDRATION ONLY : WATER & SQUASH

AID STATION 2

(Mile 12 of marathon route ONLY)

- HYDRATION : WATER & ELECTROLYTE

- FLAPJACKS, CRISPS, FRUIT

- DR FUNK (flavoured sparkling water)

- SANDWICHES* (marathon hikers only) 

AID STATION 3

(Mile 17 / 27km of marathon routeMile 10 / 16km of 25km route)

- HYDRATION : WATER & ELECTROLYTE

- FLAPJACKS, CRISPS, SWEETS, FRUIT

- DR FUNK (flavoured sparkling water)

AID STATION 4

(Mile 22 / 37km of marathon routeMile 13 / 20km of 25km route) 

- HYDRATION ONLY - WATER & SQUASH

*Sandwiches will be available on one of the Aid Stations for marathon hikers only. If you have any allergies or require gluten free, please contact the team support@trailescape.zendesk.com

We are working on this with the council and will be updating participants very soon.

Yes - please be sure to read this ahead of the event. 

https://www.trailescape.co.uk/edinburgh-participant-guide