Dalby Forest Head Torch Challenge 2027

The Dalby Forest Head Torch Challenge is a 5-mile night trail race held in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, near Pickering. It begins at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre at 6:00 PM, meaning runners contend with darkness from the start. A headtorch is mandatory for all participants, and entry is limited to 650 runners aged 16 and over. The route is entirely off-road, crossing single-track woodland paths and forest sections not usually accessible. While clearly marked and marshalled, participants should anticipate mud, uneven terrain, sharp turns, ascents, and low visibility. The attraction lies in a concise, demanding forest run where the headtorch alters the perception of each corner, root, and trail section.