Its Grim Up North Running
Next Race: 16/11/2025
Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds, West Yorks, LS5 3JG
Next Race: 16/11/2025
Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds, West Yorks, LS5 3JG
This trail running extravaganza has plenty to whet the appetite of participants. There's the choice of a 8.8 miler, half marathon, marathon or ultra, looped course making this the perfect day out for runners of all stripes.
Kirkstall abbey is a multi-distance trail run through the glorious trails surrounding Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds, all courses will be run over a mixture of field, pavement, trail and canal towpath, giving participants an exciting blend of different terrains.
The route consists of an 8.8-mile loop which plunges participants through sprawling paths that weave alongside the beautiful River Aire and Bramley Fall Park
There's river crossings and twisting trail elements in the loop, ensuring that you're unlikely to forget this fantastic day out.
Those in the 8.8 miler will run a single loop, those in the Half Marathon will run just over a loop, those in the marathon will run 3 and the ultra will add another loop.
What's included
Elevation: Undulating
Terrain: Trail (this course is impacted by the weather)
Feed/drink stations every 3 miles
Marshalled and signed course.
Bespoke medal and lots of treats for all finishers.
Public Toilets are available in the carpark
Getting to us:
Registration: https://w3w.co/expose.zoom.shot
Parking is available near by. There is pay and display at the Abbey the nearest free parking as at Morrisons in Kirkstall.
Distances and times:
Registration Opens from 8am – please allow yourself 1 hour to park, register and use the loos.
Our races are licenced from the Trail Running Association
Early Start (Must be pre-booked for Marathon and Ultra) (8:30 start)
8.8miles (9:00 start)
Half Marathon (9:30 start)
Marathon (9:00 start)
Ultra Marathon (9:00 start)
During the race important things to note:
We try to be cup-less: Our feed stations are normally around every three miles and offer drinks and a range of food but please bring your own re-usable cup or bottle.
Headphones: Most of our courses are off road but we still prefer you not to wear earphones and due to oncourse incidents, we have taken the decision to ban large over ear headphones. These block out any other sounds and don't allow runners to hear marshals, vehicles or other users of the route. If you do need to wear earphones, then please use bone conducting earphones or "one in one out" in ear pieces.
Know your route: We offer downloadable GPX files for our routes. Our routes are mainly off road and not every corner or junction will have a marshal. Please ensure you have a version of the route to help you navigate.
Withdrawal: If you need to withdraw during an event please let the nearest marshal know. In certain circumstances we allow runners to drop distances during an event. Please speak to the timers or RD at the end of your run.
Transfers/Deferrals: You can self-serve your transfer or deferral either on this website or “Let’s Do This” depending on where you booked. Please try not to change your event or details on the day as it causes delays and queues at registration. This can be done up to 7 days before the event.
We no longer mail out a race brief as most of the information is here on the website however we advise you to visit our FAQ section and join the “Grim Up North Chat” group on Facebook which will help with any other questions you have.
We no longer mail out a race brief as most of the information is here on the website however we advise you to visit our FAQ section and join the “Grim Up North Chat” group on Facebook which will help with any other questions you have
Registration: https://w3w.co/expose.zoom.shot
Parking is available near by. There is pay and display at the Abbey the nearest free parking as at Morrisons in Kirkstall.