Established in 2017, the Trafford Trails 5 is a 5 mile summertime trail race along the banks of the Mersey organised by Dragons Running Club (Sale). Attracting both club and non-club runners, it is also the perfect step up from your local Parkrun. Profits are shared with local community groups/charities.
The next Trafford Trails 5 will take place on 15 July 2024 at 7pm. You can book a place here.
Course
Starting at Trafford MV Rugby Club in Sale, the route follows the banks of the River Mersey and through the woods at Kickety Brook to Stretford Meadow before returning along both banks of the Mersey. The course is almost entirely off road (apart from about 75 metres on a quiet access road*) and includes good quality hard packed paths, a short section of tarmacked path and riverside trails. Parts of the route may be muddy if it has been raining heavily. It is almost entirely flat apart from a ramp up to a bridge and a small surprise at Stretford Meadows!
The course is approximately 5 miles long (though the nature of the course means it hasn’t been accurately measured to UKA standards).
A Plotaroute map of the course is available here.
A PDF map of the course with the location of marshals is available here.
Travel
The race is kindly hosted by our friends at Trafford MV RFCC, located just off Finny Bank Road in Sale.
Parking is available at the club which is adjacent to the start. The nearest Metrolink stop is Dane Road which is 15 minutes walk away. The 263 Manchester/Altrincham bus stops about 10 minutes away.
Race registration
Entry is online only and numbers can be collected from the Trafford MV club house on the day of the race – the registration desk opens between 6-6.45pm. On the day entry is not available.
Entrants must be 18 years or over.
Timing and results
The race uses chip timing (chip attached to race number) and results are available immediately after the race. Previous results are available in the section below.
Facilities
Toilets are available in the Trafford MV club house.
Water is available at the start/finish only.
Trafford MV have a very pleasant bar where you are welcome to celebrate your success afterwards.
Goodies and prizes
All finishers receive a unique race memento.
There are cash prizes for the first male and first female as well as a number of spot prizes.
There are cash prizes for the first male and first female as well as a number of spot prizes. The prize fund for 2024 has been sponsored by Pilates Manchester.
Pilates Manchester currently have a special introductory offer for TT5 entrants – just £59.99 for 3 small group sessions using the reformer, tower and Garuda sling. You can book a place here (use within 14 days of purchase).
Governance
The race is held under UK Athletics rules and is licenced by the Trail Running Association.
The terms and conditions of entry are available here.
Previous results and race reports
Photographs
We always have a few club members and friends taking photographs around the route which we share on Facebook. You can find photos from our previous races below. If you took some photos and would like to share them more widely, just contact us.
* 75 metres of the course is on Bradley Lane which is a quiet access road for United Utilities and a small number of houses and a business. Marshals will be available to guide runners but we don’t have the authority to stop any traffic.
Dragons Running Club (Sale) 