'Joy and inclusion' at black trail running event

An event which aims to encourage more people from ethnically diverse backgrounds into trail running is set to take place.

Black to the Trails will take over Blaise Castle Estate in Bristol for its first south-west event, with 1km, 5km and 10km races, alongside music, food and a festival atmosphere on Sunday 11 October.

Staged by charity Black Trail Runners, organisers describe the races as the UK and Europe's most ethnically diverse off-road running events.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, co-founder of Black Trail Runners, said it is about more than running: "It's about visibility, representation and creating joyful, inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong on the trails."

Trail running is defined as a form of off-road running on dirt or gravel paths on routes that can include woodland tracks, coastal paths, countryside trails, hills and open parkland.

Black Trail Runners was founded in 2020 with the aim of increasing inclusion, participation and representation of black and people of colour in trail running.

According to a report from the University of Central Lancashire, trail running lacks ethnic diversity, with more than 95% of runners being white.

Research from Sports England shows that mixed and white adults have the highest activity levels, while South Asian, black and those with other ethnic origins are the least likely to be active.

The event aims to realign the demographics typically seen at British trail running events while welcoming people of all backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of being active.

"Black to the Trails is loud, joyful and unapologetically inclusive," said Pace-Humphreys.

"There's running, walking, music, food, family entertainment and community.

"You don't have to be fast. You don't have to look like a stereotypical trail runner. You just have to turn up.

"The trails are yours too."

The event is being delivered in partnership with the University of Bristol to showcase the accessibility of Bristol's green spaces and celebrate the city's cultural diversity.

Matt Birch, director of sport, exercise and health at the university, said: "We hope this event will inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to feel that trail running, and our shared outdoor spaces, are truly for everyone."

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