Crackpots Trail Run

This new trail run is part of the Kirkby Malzeard Family Fete and is jam-packed with activities for all ages and non-runners!

Event HQ

Highside Playing Fields
Back Lane
Kirkby Malzeard
Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 3SH
UK

Parking

Free parking will be available in the village a short walk from the start/finish line.

Camping

Ivy Bank Campsite in the village has pitches for caravans, tents and motorhomes as well as glamping and 'Yorkshire' hot-tubs too!

Nearby attractions

Brimham Rocks, Ripon Cathedral and Fountains Abbey UNESCO World Heritage Site are all close by.

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Route highlights

• Village playing fields start
• Crackpots Mosaic Trail
• Ripon Rowel Walk
• Views across Nidderdale
• Views over the North York Moors including Roseberry Topping
• Fast downhill finish on tarmac

Route map

Route description

The route has been put together, tried and tested by local trail running vets and is a mix of quiet country lanes, footpaths, bridleways, byways and river crossings (bridges for some!).

Starting at Highside Playing Fields in Kirkby Malzeard, the route heads west along country lanes towards Kirkby Malzeard Moor for a gentle warm up before taking to the trails.

Following parts of the infamous Crackpots Mosaic Trail and Ripon Rowel Walk routes, the route gradually climbs to the highest point at the 6km mark - with fantastic views across Nidderdale to the west and the North York Moors as far as Roseberry Topping to the east.

It's mostly downhill from there with a few little bumps and river crossings on the way before hitting the tarmac just after 9km for a fast downhill finish back into the village for your free cuppa and pie.

Plastic bottle-free event - please bring your own cup for water.

Included

• Chip timing

   Our friends at Even Splits are providing chip timing so you'll get an accurate finish time.

• Unique medal

   This year, finishers will be awarded a very special, local medal.

• Cuppa

  There'll be a free cuppa waiting for you at the finish line.

• Food

  And if you're feeling peckish there will be a free pork or veggie pie.

• Parking

  Free parking is also included in the entry fee.

• Beat the record

  Can you beat the course times set last year?

• Fully marshaled and way-marked

  No need to navigate - there are flags every 100m.

• Water station

  Bring your own cup for the water stop on route.

• Family Fete atmosphere

  Cross the line to friendly local support.

• Loads to do

  Festival activities, playground on site, free tennis courts, playing field and more.

• Mosaic Trail

  Chance for a whistlestop tour of some of The Crackpots Mosaic Trail.

• Fun day out

  Refreshments,  great prizes and live music.

Spot prizes!

Just like last year, we've got some fantastic spot prizes lined up that any runner can win!

• Yorkshire Dales Glamping

  Luxury glamping for one night at dark skies site Little Seed Field. Relax and unwind in a log cabin complete with luxury beds and log stove. 🏕️

• Andrea Mosey painting

  Win a limited edition fine art framed print from this local award-winning artist known for dramatic big cloudy skies and wide open spaces.

Cash prizes!

• £50

  There's a £50 cash prize for the fastest male, fastest female, fastest local and fastest club!

• £30

  And for second fastest male and female, we've got £30 cash up for grabs.

• £20

  And last (or third) but not least, there's £20 cash for the third fastest male and female.

Entry fees

A challenging run with fantastic views throughout. Gteat route signage and marshalling. Would definitely recommend and participate again. Ian C

A very well organised and great day out. Jan S

I had the best day! From arrival at the village, at the start of the race, through the hills to the finish… where we enjoyed our pies! The race village was great. Loved the stalls. The Marshalls were THE BEST, full of encouragement and smiles, music, singing, pan banging and a violinist!

The course was absolutely breathtaking, the landscape and the rivers to run through. We were all looked after and supported throughout the day. It was a great event and I will be making it an annual run for as long as it is on. The experience was memorable, we had such a great day. Thank you so much Claire F

A really great 11KM challenging route through beautiful countryside. Loads of pre-race information was sent and the event was very friendly. Some great marshalls on the course giving lots of encouragement when it was needed on the tough sections Becky N

Excellent all round; many thanks for organizing a great day. Arthur D

The marshalls etc were great really spurred you on they seemed proud to do it for their lovely village, prizes were great at the end overall great event and not forgetting the zumba was a great idea xx Deborah B

Great family friendly day in a very friendly village. Lots for everyone to do if they weren’t running. The race was really well organised and fun with lots of enthusiastic marshalls and good signposting. A fast road/trail course. Very good value for money. We’ll be back for 2024! Nick C

A wonderful event - so friendly and well organised. The atmosphere was great. made to feel so welcome. Marshalls exceptional - even a violinist - such nice touch. THANKYOU - will be back. Janet C

I’ve done quite a few races this year but this ticked all the boxes and a perfect mix of terrain, fabulous atmosphere and a good sized race will definitely be back next year. Carissa J

Brilliantly organised from start to finish. Fantastic marshalls. Thank you everyone involved. April C

The course was really well thought out, well flagged with top rate marshalls. The course was challenging with some off road sections and undulating throughout, but very runnable. The 'river' crossings were a fun splash in the warm conditions. The feel and organization of the whole event was first class - to the point that post race there was potential to win excellent spot prizes which kept you engaged to celebrate the winners of the fastest categories. The Marshalls were absolutely fantastic, always encouraging as well ensuring you stayed on route. Hard to say what can be improved as it is probably more about maintaining the high standards set. Definitely hope to be back next year. James H