Suffolk Trail Running Festival

The Suffolk Trail Running Festival offers a weekend of trail running in Suffolk, featuring short races, family runs, and long endurance options. The main events include a 3km fun run, a 10km trail race, and 12-hour and 24-hour challenges, suitable for beginners and experienced runners seeking a longer event. The endurance races utilize a lap format over a 5-mile course, with participants completing as many circuits as possible within the time limit. Runners can compete solo, in pairs, or in teams, with the 24-hour race accommodating teams of up to eight. Previous listings place the event at High Lodge in Thetford Forest, utilizing forest tracks, pines, and heathland. Other listings indicate Suffolk TrailFest is held on organic farmland between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury. The course emphasizes sustained off-road effort over scenic views, particularly in the 12-hour and 24-hour races where pacing, nutrition, rest, and team transitions are key alongside speed. A previous edition reportedly saw around 600 runners, with a difficulty rating of intermediate, aligning with a festival that balances serious endurance events with a family 3k. Raw Trails LLP organizes the races, aiming to foster a community-focused trail scene. Camping, food, children's activities, and live music encourage attendees to stay for the weekend. Finishers receive a medal, contributing to the event's atmosphere as a Suffolk trail camp with races: participants can opt for short distances, lap races through the night, or team relays.