Welcome to Our World!

If you respect the natural world, have a passion for adventure and thrive on challenge then you are in the right place! This site is for anyone who has woken up to the benefits of pushing their athletic frontiers whilst at the same time exploring new and inspiring landscapes. A place for all those like minded individuals who know that the world is a beautiful place and that the best way to discover it is under their own steam? We call these people "Trail Athletes" though sometimes you may hear the more experienced ones referred to as "Trail Beasts".

New to Trail Sports?

For those new to trail sports, our aim is to provide an unrivalled range of ways for you to explore both your physical potential and the beauty of the British landscape. From accessible 10k trail runs to 3 day Coast 2 Coast multi-sport journeys, we are confident that you will find any one of our events/adventures to be a life enhancing experience.

Experienced Trail Beast?

If you are reading this as an experienced trail beast you will know from experience that the only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is preparation. Our aim therefore is to help you prepare for all your future epics by providing a range of events that can be used as part of your training, for the impovement of both skills and endurance.

You will also know that often the biggest stumbling block when it comes to planning epic adventures is not fitness, willingness or skill it is simple logistics. When we plan our 2 and 3 day day multi sport journeys we spend a good deal of time thinking about logistics, precisely so you dont have to. Our aim is to facilitate your adventure, we take care of all the details; food, kit transfer, medical and safety cover, leaving you free to fully concentrate on your performance and the trail ahead.

Featured Athlete (Trail Beast)

Each month we will select one lucky person to be our Featured Trail Beast. Not neccesarily the fastest, strongest or most beautiful, this person will be someone who we feel exhibits that "Je ne sais quoi?". An individual who sets an example to us all and in some way inspires us to try harder and live better.

Age: 26 From: Plymouth Paddles: Rides: Favourite Kit: Favourite Brew: Favourite Snack: Toughest Challenge: Best Event: Next Challenge:

Q:  How long have you been involved in trail running/adventure sports?

A:  I'm an amateur trail runner really although I have run x-country since I was a kid and have taken part in lots of multi terrain runs.  The Pembroke coastal marathon was a brilliant experience and has certainly given me a taste for a new kind of challenge.

Q:  What is your preferred discipline/sport?

A:  I wish it was sprinting but unfortunately I've really developed a taste for marathon running.  I did my first in 2003 and since then I've been hooked.  I guess a lot of people find that once they've done something they need to set themselves a harder challenge and that is what I've been thinking about lately.  The trail marathon was a great start but I've put myself on the waiting list for the Marathon des Sables (marathon of the sands) in the hope I can test myself further to see what I can do.   My Dad used to make me walk for miles when I was 18mths old so perhaps I should blame him!  Deep down, I would really love to do an ironman but with just 1 sprint triathlon under my belt I think I've got my work cut out!!!!

Q:  When and why did you start taking part in organised events?

A:  I know a lot of people turn to running because of a pivotal moment in their life but for me, it was just something I have always loved.  I can't say why but I think it is a drive that the majority of people involved in sports understand.  I think I really got into the road running scene when I joined Rugby & Northampton AC in 2000 after realising my fitness had been left in the student union.  A couple of years later I decided I really wanted to try a marathon and after failing to get a place through he ballot for London, I entered Paris.  Since then I've run quite a few and as well as trying to improve times which keeps my competitive side happy it is also a great way of seeing the world and meeting new people!

Q:  What are the most memorable events you’ve taken part in?

A:  There are lots of events that are really memorable for different reasons but I think the GRIM run stands out in Aldershot.  They have changed the course now but it used to cover part of an old steeplechase course which was brilliant fun, climbing over fences and wading through water jumps!  Two marathons stand out - Berlin and Paris.  Paris because it was the first one I took part in so will always be special (aside from being a beautiful course) and Berlin because I did it for a charity and a time which gave me a real sense of achievement.  There was also free beer at the end.....  Most recently I went caving which was a really fun and interesting experience.  It seems like there is another world underground and it incorporates giant mud waterslides.  Brilliant!

Q:  Any event locations that really stand out?

A:  I lived in Kidwelly near Carmarthen for a while and ran in some really lovely places while I was there.  The Pembroke marathon I thought was stunning for that reason.  I'm now living in Plymouth so I'm spoilt for choice on where to go.  I did a race recently set on the edge of the moors which was really nice but I must admit I do like to go off and explore on my longer runs rather than just follow a set route.

Q:  During your adventures, have you had any close calls, overcome tricky situations or been near defeat?

A:  I went to France a couple of years ago for a month cycling.  We just had our bikes and a tent plus a few basics.  The first day was fine as we were only 20k from the campsite but the next day we set off on the proper route.  We quickly realised that the majority of the journey was uphill.  I had most of the gear on a pannier trying to pull me backwards.  About 5 hours later we were out of water and in the middle of nowhere in the heat of the day with what was the longest 2 half hours left of exercise I had ever done.  When we finally got to the next town I collapsed outside the entrance to a supermarket until I had filled up with coke!  Actually, that whole trip was quite eventful.  I was also chased by an Alsatian in the Pyrenees which frightened the life out of me!

Q:  What motivates you to get out there and do it?  Any inspirational figures?

A:  I think I read somewhere that many people dream about living, not many people actually live.  That sounds corny but that summarises it for me.  I am in my element if I am challenging myself physically or mentally and love sharing that with like minded people.  I have met some really lovely people through running particularly and think the encouragement and motivation you get from running with a club is second to none.  The people that I find inspiring are people like Lance Armstrong, Mike Stroud, Joe Simpson and so on (of course Paula!!!).  They all have that will to push beyond the boundaries that others see but they don't seem to.  I like that as I think it is an exciting way to live.  I think our society has become very 'convenient' and 'ordered' so it great to be able to escape the routine whether it be for a few hours or a few days.

Q:  What is your next or long term goal?

A:  After Pembroke, the coastal series is looking pretty tempting!!!  Other than that, the Marathon des Sables and one day, an ironman - one day.....

Q:  Any funny/embarrassing stories you’d like to share with us?!

I did a race in Rhayader a few years ago and have a few issues with vertigo.  The weather was really shocking - there were gale force winds and people were getting blown all over the place.  At one point where there was a little picket fence and quite a steep drop (in my opinion!!); I really felt I could have been blown away.  The vertigo really set in and I just clung to a rock like an idiot, nearly in tears until someone ran alongside me so I felt safe!!!!!!  Ok, so maybe I should stick to sea level challenges!!!!

Age: 24 Paddles: If i have to Rides: Kona Favourite Kit: Endurancelife Buff Favourite Brew: Builders Tea Favourite Snack: Sausages Toughest Challenge: The Bob Graham Best Event: KIMM Next Challenge: 3 Peaks

Read all about Will's exploits in the interview below. Despite the toilet humor he impressed us so much that we actualy gave him a job.

Q. How long have you been involved in adventure sports/trail running? 
A. All my life I suppose.  As kids we always spent time in the hills, in the water, or off exploring somewhere.  We were quite an active family, and my dad in particular gave me a taste for the mountains from a young age. 
From the age of about 11, I started going out on runs, mainly to exercise the dog.  I’d try and run as much off road as possible, so the dog could be let off the lead.  Since then I’ve always preferred trail running to road running.  I find it far less monotonous even if it is on a familiar route, and it’s far easier on the joints.

Q.When and why did you start taking part in organised events?
A. When I was 16, I did my first Polaris Challenge, a great mountain biking event over two days.  My dad and two brothers (respectively) had done a few events together before, in the ‘parent and offspring’ category.  Between them, the best result they could manage was a 2nd place, so I had to go one better!  My first attempt with Dad we were runners up, but on our second attempt, we tasted victory!  Subsequent events have proved less successful, but nonetheless very enjoyable! 
I certainly enjoy the competitive element to organised events, but really enjoy them as social occasions.  It’s cool to do them with a partner and be amongst like minded people, all (supposedly) as ‘crazy’ as each other.  As an exception to normal circumstances, I also think its great having so many people congregated and benefiting from these amazing places, like National Parks, mountains, forests, etc.

Q. What are the most memorable events you’ve taken part in? 
A. The Bob Graham Round is the toughest challenge I’ve done.  It involves a 72 mile circuit of the Lake District, taking in 42 peaks, 8000+ metres of total ascent that is to be completed within 24 hours.  With the superb help from my support team, I somehow managed it in 21 hours; it was a magic feeling to finish after many weeks of training and preparation. 
The numerous Polaris and OMM (previously Karrimoor Mountain Marathon) events, which have taken me to some of the most beautiful and challenging parts of Britain.  What really appeals about these events is that they take place over two days, you have to carry all your kit, camp over, and have to use your head to do well or even get round.
The Bullock Smithy Hike - a 56 mile circuit that takes in some of the Peak District, an amazing national park.  It’s put on by a local scout group (near Stockport), has a really friendly atmosphere, and everyone gets into the spirit of the event.  It attracts a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts; from the best of trail runners, who knock it off in a little over 9 hours, to avid walkers who just about manage it in the 24 hour time limit.

Q. During your adventures, have you had any close calls, overcome tricky situations or been near defeat?
A. The odd times when you ‘hit the wall’ (have no energy left) are never pleasant experiences.  Especially when you are stuck out in the Peaks on a cold winter’s day, 20 miles from home, with a broken chain, no tools, inadequate wet clothing, no food, but with just about enough determination to avoid resorting to phoning your housemate for a lift (not that your frozen digits could manipulate little mobile buttons anyway!).  These times are good reminders of the importance of refuelling and re-hydrating regularly, being well prepared, and not to skimp on kit - even if you intend on not being out for too long.
Other than that, a few unwelcome run-ins with undesirable characters whilst on foreign travels, and a near collision with a 50ft sperm whale whilst sailing in gale force 8 conditions off the south west coast of New Zealand; I’ve been quite fortunate.

Q. What motivates you to get out there and do it?  Any inspirational figures?
A. Probably more than anything, I enjoy it so will always find a way or make time to ‘get out there and do it’.  I love exploring, learning about and meeting people from different areas.  There is no better way to do so than under your own steam, and by being as self sufficient as possible.  It allows you to properly get to know a place.  I also feel it facilitates a more engaging approach to meeting local people, because they can either relate to what your doing, or as is more often the case, they are interested into why on earth you might be there (throwing yourself down a mountain, say).
My other motivation is my desire to keep pushing and challenging myself.  How can you discover your limits or improve if you don’t?  I am always impressed and amazed by other people’s feats of adventure, endurance and skill.  It helps me to keep challenging myself if I know people have done something before me, or done something far greater, for that matter.  If they have done it, and with the right attitude, determination and a little humility, why can’t I?

Q. What is your next goal?
A. As far as challenges are concerned, I’ve only just completed the Bob Graham Round so haven’t really had a chance to think about it.  Perhaps the Welsh (the Paddy Buckley) or Scottish (the Ramsay) equivalent?  Or something that doesn’t involve as much running maybe! 
For the immediate time, I am tasked with making the endurancelife course routes as cool and interesting as possible, and to help make our events as enjoyable as possible.

Q. Any embarrassing stories you’d like to share with us?!
A. Not a question I’m desperate to answer! I’m sure it doesn’t need to be an adventure or sport related story but as I have one, I might as well tell it.    
When I was back at uni in Sheffield, one evening I told myself I had to go for a good run because the Sheffield half marathon was coming up and I hadn’t done any specific training for it (does playing football everyday count?).  As my housemate was very persuasive, I had to go to the local for a couple and watch the football, but I was determined I’d do the damned run.  So, post pub, I got changed and set off at 11:30pm ish.  Off I went into the night towards the Peak District. 
As it was a road running event I was training for, I thought I’d better do some training on road.  All was going well until about 3 miles in.  My stomach started playing up and it wasn’t going to be resolved by some gentle rubbing!  I’d just made it out of the residential areas and onto the open country roads so didn’t feel too bad or too embarrassed about pulling over into a field for some welcome relief - thank you dock leaves.  I couldn’t turn around and go home now, I hadn’t done enough.  I carried on, going further away from the comfort of a bathroom…..fingers crossed that’s it, I thought.  But no.  On the 7 mile mark, my body played its cruel trick on me again.  Once again, far from an ideal situation but again, not too much bother - plenty of fields around. 
I had had enough by now (both running and runs) so started heading home.  I was feeling better now and it was well past my bedtime (I wouldn’t want to be late for my lectures now would I?!) so I picked up the pace.  I came back into the bright lights of suburban life, content having done a half marathon distance.  I’d long forgotten about my previous ‘upsets’, surely I was home and dry now.......But no, my body thought otherwise, again. 
I was only 2 streets away from home and no matter how much I crept along tentatively or pleaded with my body to remain some dignity, when you gotta go, you gotta go!  There were no pitch black fields laden with dock leaves to come to my rescue now.  The best I could do was to squat next to a Renault Clio on a very well illuminated terraced residential street at prime ‘coming back from a night out’ time and do my best to hide my face as drunken students walked past in fits of laughter (probably mixed with utter disgust)!  It wasn’t even as if I could ‘run off’ afterwards either.  I had to waddle carefully off, feeling totally shamed and violated!
What did I learn from that experience?  Don’t go out running late at night?  Don’t go running in residential areas?  Don’t go running after a couple of pints?  No………. DON’T GO ROAD RUNNING!!!