Striders Trail 5 - 2026

Striders Trail 5 is a 5-mile trail race held in Sankey Valley Park, Blackbrook, St Helens. The start and finish are located at Sankey Visitors Centre on Blackbrook Road. St Helens Striders organize the event, humorously calling it “the best trail race in the world, ever.” Race numbers can be collected on race day. Toilets are available at the visitor centre, and participants must be 15 years or older on race day. The course primarily follows compact trail surfaces, with some tarmac sections. The terrain can be uneven, muddy, and rocky, making it a genuine park trail run rather than a disguised road race. Marshals are stationed along the entire route, including areas where runners might encounter vehicles or other park visitors. There are no water stations during the race; water is provided at the finish line along with a goody bag and a race memento. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers overall, and the first-place finishers in veteran age categories from V40 to V65. Following the race, participants gather at The Ship Inn for refreshments and the prize ceremony.