DONATION TO MIND WITH EVERY ENTRY

FAQs

If you have a query that is not answered in our FAQs below, please contact us email: info@trailescape.co.uk - we aim to respond within three working days.

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. They will be emailed to you and featured on the website around one month ahead of the event. 

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. 

Please see our recommendations for Bristol-Bath 2024 HERE

Yes you can run with one dog - not multiple. 

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.

- 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.  

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. The will be a £10 admin fee to manage the changes.  You can adapt your own entry within the Easol portal.  If you have any problems trying to transfer or defer your entry please contact us at info@trailescape.co.uk

Yes! For example you may enter Trail Escape Edinburgh but change your mind and want to take part in Trail Escape : Manchester.  We will allow you to transfer your entry to a different Trail Escape city for an admin fee of £10.

Refunds must be requested within 14 days of booking to info@trailescape.co.uk

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.

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.

All 25km entries include a £5 donation to our charity partner, Mind. All marathon entries include a £10 donation to Mind.

We are currently working with Mind with £5 from every 25km entry and £10 from every marathon entry being donated to their cause.

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 info@trailescape.co.uk 

Please note that the two distances have different start times.

MARATHON START: 

Marathon Run - 08:15

Marathon Hike - 08:30

25KM START:

25km Run - 09:00

25km Hike - 09:15


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 we are working from the basis that 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 open for booking now for Bristol-Bath here

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 for the MARATHON will leave at approximately 06:30.

Shuttles buses for the 25km will leave at approximately 08:00.

Times will be confirmed closer to the event.

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. 

Aid Stations will provide a variety of hydration, snacks and fuel. Sandwiches will be available to marathon hikers. There will be toilets at each Aid Station. 

Please note we will not be supplying energy gels on the route - please bring your preferred gels with you and dispose of wrappers responsibly.

Aid Stations will offer something like the below in 2025 - we are working to confirm our partnerships: 


- HYDRATION & ELECTROLYTES

- OATOPIA FLAPJACKS (TBC for 2025)

- SIMPLY ROASTED CRISPS  (TBC for 2025)

- SWEETS

- BANANAS

- SANDWICHES* (marathon hikers only)

- DR FUNK sparkling drinks (TBC for 2025)

At the finish, we will be working with Athletic Brewing who will provide all finishers with a cold, alcohol-free beer.

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.

Event 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

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 info@trailescape.co.uk 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.

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 - parking next to Phillips Park will be available to book soon.

Place 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!

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

Info coming soon

Info coming soon

Please remember, the Bristol-Bath marathon and 25km have different start locations.

📍MARATHON START: UWE BRISTOL

📍25KM START: BRISTOL & BATH SCIENCE PARK

Below is some info on their access to public transport.


Bus to UWE Bristol (marathon start): 

There are buses direct to Frenchay Campus or nearby with a short walk.

Travelwest and First Bus have details of campus bus stop locations.

https://www.uwe.ac.uk/life/campus-and-facilities/getting-to-and-from-uwe


Bus to Science Park (25km start):

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 UWE Bristol (marathon start):

The nearest train station to UWE Bristol Frenchay Campus is Filton Abbey Wood. 

Bristol Parkway is also close to Frenchay Campus.


Train to Science Park (25km start):

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 of the marathon (Bristol UWE) and the start of the 25km (Bristol & Bath Science Park).

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 25km start, get a shuttle bus back from the finish

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

- Book only parking at either start

- Book a shuttle bus from Bath to the 25km start

- Book a shuttle bus from Bath to the marathon start

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


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

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

Saughton Park has three entrances for pedestrians and bicycles only and two entrances for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles.

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

 

Access for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles

  • 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.