THE NORTH LEEDS TRAIL MARATHON
Race 7 of the Great Running GPX Grand Prix (AKA Not The London Marathon)
45km w/ 900m ascent | 74% Trails / 26% Pavement | 100% Public Footpaths
GPX FILE | ROUTE MAP + COURSE DESCRIPTION | FACEBOOK EVENT | ENTER NOW | SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS | GPXGP LEADERBOARD | STRAVA GROUP | FACEBOOK GROUP
London it is not. A Brutal 26+ Mile Trail Marathon route set along the North Leeds skyline featuring views of Harewood House, Arthington Viaduct, Wharfedale and Almscliffe Crag. The Route starts at Roundhay Park in Leeds via Shadwell, Wike, Harewood, Arthington, Bramhope, Otley Chevin and back via Old Pool Bank, Eccup & Alwoodley. That said you are allowed to Start anywhere on the course as long as you finish where you started. The route in parts also follows the Leeds Country Way, The Ebor Way and The Dales Way.
The North Leeds Trail Marathon is ideal for experienced hikers and trail runners, it is essentially an ‘ultra’ marathon boasting a couple of miles over the official marathon distance, even more if you happen to get lost!
What is a GPX Race?
There is a GPX file to accompany this race, which you can follow using your phone or watch. There are no course markers, no aid stations and no marshals for an ultimately ‘COVID 19 Friendly’ race experience.
A GPX file, is simply a text file with geographic information such as waypoints, tracks, and routes saved in it. You can download a GPX file and upload it into may different mapping apps and devices.
SUBMIT YOUR TIMES
Once you have logged your run you can submit your time and it and it will appear on our leaderboard. Every few days after runs have been logged we will give regular updates on everyone’s progress via email and our social media. You will also be able to view the leaderboard in real time to check how you fair as more and more results pile in.
awards
Gold Award: 4 hours, Silver Award: 5 hours, Bronze Award 6 hours
Note: This is just for fun, there are no material awards other than self satisfaction!
North Leeds TRAIL MARATHON RULES
The North Leeds Trail Marathon is a set route, you must stick to the route to reach the checkpoints. You may correct your mistakes but deliberate shortcuts or deviations will not be accepted.
The best way to not get lost is to use the GPX file provided and use a paper copy of the route map (TBA) as a back up.
The course has two checkpoints Roundhay Park Bandstand and Surprise View on the Chevin. You simply need to get to these locations.
WARNING
ROAD CROSSINGS This route contains a couple of road crossings, be sure to stay alert when crossing the roads.
LIVESTOCK This route may involve crossing fields of livestock (Sheep). Please ensure you close all gates behind you.
GPXGP HOUSE RULES
You can only submit a time for a distance you ran after entering the Grand Prix. The sooner you sign up the sooner you can get out there and start registering your runs!
You must submit proof via a public link to you Strava Activity, Garmin Connect or similar. (As long as we can see it, it’s all good).
You can only submit times for races that are open. Once open, you have until the rest of the competition (until December) to run the course.
If you feel you can run a route faster, you are perfectly welcome to submit your new time, but don’t submit a slower time as it will override your faster one!
KIT List
SHOES The course is mainly hard packed dirt trails and grassy fields but there are numerous road and paved sections meaning you can leave your big lugged fell shoes at home. Trail shoes are fine for this one.
FOOD The North Leeds Trail Marathon is 100% self supported so make sure you bring your own nutrition and water, the course is almost devoid of human construction bar a few farms.
CLOTHING Because this can be done on any given day we can only urge you to check the forecast and prepare for the worst in any situation. We strongly recommend you bring the following: Hat, Spare layers, Full Waterproof body cover, emergency blanket, first aid provisions, charged mobile phone. Also think about a torch, this could take longer than you think!
RECOMMENDED START/FINISH POINTS
The Parkrun Bandstand Roundhay Park Leeds LS8 2HH (The furthest west checkpoint of the course)
Running the route from Roundhay Park means you have the benefit of using the route instructions as written in the route description. It is also the closest point to Leeds City Centre.
The New Inn Eccup Ln, Leeds LS16 8AU (Closest parking to the mid point of the course)
Running The route from here means if you feel the need to drop at half way you’re already back at your starting point, and a pub!
Surprise View The Chevin, LS21 3DG (Furthest east checkpoint of the course)
Running the route from Surprise view basically means you will be running the second half first
GREAT OWL EVENTS DISCLAIMER
You accept that you are entering Great Owl Events entirely at your own risk. By sending your details to enter and taking part, you agree to the following disclaimer / warranty;
1. You are medically fit to enter this event and are running entirely at your own risk
2. Great Owl will not be liable for injury, loss, damage and / or death arising from your participation in this event. You waive any claims against Great Owl for (including but not limited to) damage, loss, injury, death whether caused by your participation in this event or third parties who have also entered this event.
3. You accept that the event will involve strenuous physical activity and is subject to unpredictable weather and you should take all steps to ensure your own safety
4. You will run within your abilities and will be responsible for any injuries caused by your negligent behaviour which result in injuries to others.
5. If you are selecting the route which you are running, you are responsible for the suitability of this, including any safety aspects. Great Owl takes no responsibility for the route you have chosen including safety aspects or otherwise.
6. You are responsible for sourcing your own kit. Great Owl are not responsible for the safety or fitness for purpose of any equipment which you are providing
7. Great Owl is not responsible for your vehicle or the safety of your vehicle when parking and leaving it unattended for your participation in an event.
8. You will follow any safety rules provided.
9. You are happy to be photographed by Great Owl and the photographs may be used on our website or for the promotion of future events.
