At It’s Grim Up North Running, we want to be one of the friendliest, most inclusive race companies around. Whether you are chasing a personal best, taking on your first 5K, running with friends, or walking to the finish, you are very welcome at our events.
We listen carefully to feedback from runners, comments on social media, and reviews on our website. Your feedback helps us improve our trail races, canal races, road races, canicross events, and race-day experience across Yorkshire and the North of England.
We have put these frequently asked questions together to help you before, during, and after race day.
Before the race
How old do I need to be to take part in a Grim Up North Running event?
We obtain permits through the Trail Running Association (TRA) and are run under UKA Rules, and there are maximum permitted distances for different age groups:
- Age 16 – up to 10km
- Age 17 – up to 25km
- Age 18 to 19 – up to marathon distance
- Age 20 and over – no distance limit
These limits are set for safety and insurance reasons, and we are unable to allow runners to take part in distances beyond those stated above.
Your event is full. Do you have a waiting list?
Some of our races are extremely popular and sell out quickly. Where a waiting list is available, you will find it listed on the event page on our website: If there is no waiting list the event is full and there will be no entirs on the day.
www.itsgrimupnorthrunning.co.uk
How will I know what to do before race day?
We do not usually send race briefs by email, as they often end up in junk folders. Instead, all key race information is published on the individual event page on our website.
This includes:
- race brief
- route maps
- race start times
- registration details
- start locations
- essential event information
If you are still unsure, you can ask in our It’s Grim Up North Chat Facebook group. Please try not to leave questions until race day, as the team will be busy supporting runners and setting up the event.
How do I get my race number?
We do not post race numbers out in advance. Race numbers and timing chips must be collected on the morning of the event.
Registration times and locations will be published on the relevant race page on our website. the event starts
We recommend arriving at least one hour before your race start time so you have plenty of time to register, use the facilities, and get ready. Please note registration closes 10 minutes before your event starts.
What if I can no longer take part or want to change distance?
You can manage your own booking through the Grim website.
Simply log in to your Grim account and go to:
My Profile > My Bookings > Manage
If you would like us to transfer your race entry listing on your behalf, there is a £5 administration fee.
Please note that unless we change a race due to circumstances within our control, we do not offer refunds.
What happens if a race is cancelled or postponed?
Very occasionally, we may need to postpone or cancel an event due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If this happens, we will:
- email all entrants
- post updates on Facebook
- update the website
In most cases, entrants will be automatically transferred to the same event the following year. If that suits you, there is nothing you need to do. If not, you can transfer your entry to another event using the self-serve process on your account.
Please note if an event is cancelled or postponed due to circumstances out of our control, we don't offer refunds.
Race day
Can I enter on the day?
We often have a limited number of on-the-day places available, although this cannot be guaranteed.
If you are hoping to enter on the day, we recommend checking:
- Joining the waiting list for the event
- If there is no waiting list, the event is full, and there won't be any on the day entries
How do I get my race number on race day?
Your race start time, registration point, and start location will all be shown on the event page on the Grim Up North Running website.
As a guide, we recommend arriving at registration around one hour before your race starts.
What should I wear?
We race in the North of England, so conditions can vary massively depending on the season and the weather forecast. Please come prepared and dress sensibly for the conditions on the day.
For example:
- Hot weather: hat, sunglasses, and sun cream
- Cold weather: layers
- Wet or muddy weather: waterproofs and trail shoes
If you are unsure, ask in the chat group closer to race day and fellow runners will usually be happy to help.
Can my dog run with me?
Dogs are not permitted in our standard running events.
However, we do organise dedicated canicross events throughout the year. Please see the canicross section below for more information.
Is there a bag drop?
Yes, there is usually a bag drop at the start and finish area. This is normally either in the Grim van or under the registration/feed station tables.
Please note that bags and belongings are left at your own risk. We will keep an eye on them, but we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage.
During the race
Where will I run?
Our routes are generally:
- clearly arrowed
- marshalled at key points
- supported with GPX files on the website
We always recommend downloading the GPX route before race day, as arrows can occasionally be moved or hidden, and marshals are human too.
Most of our races are off-road, but many include short road sections or road crossings. We do not marshal road crossings, so runners must take responsibility for crossing safely and following the Green Cross Code.
Please also ensure that your race number is clearly visible on the front of your body, as marshals may direct you based on the colour of your number.
Please also note we don't have mile markers on course,
Are your race distances exact?
All of our race distances are approximate. We do everything we can to make them as accurate as possible, but you may find they are slightly long.
This is usually by a small amount and helps ensure everyone completes the advertised distance, while also accounting for normal GPS variation between devices.
Are there feed stations?
Yes. As a guide, our feed stations are usually positioned around every 3 miles, although exact distances may vary depending on the course and access points.
For example, on a typical marathon route, feed stations may be around:
- 3 miles
- 6.5 miles
- 10 miles
- 13.1 miles
- 16.2 miles
- 19.5 miles
- 23.1 miles
- finish
These are approximate and depend on where marshals can safely access the course.
What is available at feed stations?
Our feed stations usually include a mixture of:
- water
- cola
- squash
- sweets
- jelly babies
- midget gems
- allsorts
- Jaffa Cakes
- biscuits
- crisps
We are also trying to reduce litter and single-use plastics. We encourage all runners to bring a reusable cup or bottle.
Feed stations are generally self-service, although marshals will help where needed.
We always try to provide vegetarian and gluten-free options where possible.
Please do not litter on the course. We race in some beautiful locations and want to keep them that way. Please take gel wrappers, cups, and rubbish with you or dispose of them properly.
How can I get help during the race?
Marshals will be positioned at feed stations and key points on the course. If you are struggling, need help, or decide to retire from the race, please let a marshal know.
Many of our marshals are first aid trained, and first aid kits are available at:
- feed stations
- start/finish area
There is also an emergency contact number printed on your race number.
Can I listen to music or podcasts?
You may listen to music or podcasts, but we ask that you do so safely.
We do not allow over-ear headphones, as they can block out traffic, cyclists, other path users, and instructions from marshals.
Bone conduction headphones are a much safer option and are recommended.
Are the routes closed to the public?
No. Our routes are not closed roads and are shared with other members of the public.
We ask all runners to be considerate, polite, and friendly. A quick smile, “thank you”, or “excuse me” goes a long way and helps us maintain great relationships with local communities and other route users.
Is there a cut-off time?
We provide course support for 6 hours 30 minutes. In most cases, this means all runners should aim to finish by around 3:00pm, at which point marshals may be stood down.
After the race
What do I get at the finish?
Every Grim Up North Running event includes a finisher’s medal.
Depending on the event, finish line goodies may also include:
- soft drinks
- chocolate
- cake
- hot food
- BBQ food
We try to include options suitable for gluten-free and vegan runners wherever possible. If you have allergies or dietary requirements, please ask a member of the team before taking food.
We no longer award trophies for finishing positions. This allows us to focus on giving all runners a better overall race-day experience and a great selection of finish-line rewards.
How do I get my results?
We aim to publish race results on our website within 24 hours of the event.- Results Website
What if my result is missing or incorrect?
Please do not worry. This occasionally happens for a small number of runners.
If your result is missing or does not look right, please email us with the details and we will get it sorted as quickly as we can.
Canicross events
Throughout the year, we organise a number of canicross events. While many of the general race rules stay the same, there are some important differences for runners taking part with dogs.
Our canicross races are usually based around 5K and 10K loops and are typically run before the main human-only races begin.
Canicross rules and guidance
Please make sure your dog is:
- your own dog
- over 12 months old
- not in season, pregnant, or nursing
- comfortable around people and other dogs
- wearing a properly fitted harness with a bungee lead
- muzzled with a basket muzzle if needed
- fit, healthy, and happy to take part
If either you or your dog becomes unwell during the event, please stop immediately and contact the nearest marshal or use the emergency number printed on your race bib.
Your dog’s behaviour is your responsibility at all times. Any injury, damage, or issues caused by your dog remain your responsibility, and you may wish to ensure you have suitable insurance in place.
Please also remember:
- one dog per runner only
- bring dog waste bags
- clean up after your dog
- bring your own bowl for your dog to drink from
Our canicross races are mass-start events, but we choose locations where there is enough room for runners and dogs to spread out safely.
If you are overtaking another runner, please let them know and pass carefully. If another runner is overtaking you, please allow space where possible.
As with all our races, some canicross routes may include road crossings, short road sections, or open countryside where wildlife may be present. Please stay alert and keep control of your dog throughout.
We will always do everything we can to make sure you and your dog feel safe, welcome, and included at our events.
How can I contact Grim Up North Running?
We are a very social bunch and love chatting with runners online.
You can find us on:
- Twitter/X
- the It’s Grim Up North Chat Facebook group
- the Grim Up North Running website
Our Facebook chat group is often the quickest and easiest place to ask questions about:
- shoes and kit
- elevation
- route conditions
- race tips
- travel
- parking
- general race-day advice
Very often, other runners or members of the team can answer your question quickly there.
At busy times, we receive a huge number of emails and messages, often asking the same things. Using the chat group where possible helps us free up time for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into putting on races, including permits, route planning, event safety, and, of course, baking cakes and making fudge.
Our approach to inclusive, friendly running events
We know race day matters. Whether you are an experienced ultra runner, a first-time trail runner, a social runner, or someone just looking for a welcoming event atmosphere, we want you to feel supported from start to finish.
At Grim Up North Running, we work hard to create running events that are:
- friendly
- inclusive
- supportive
- well organised
- enjoyable
- welcoming to runners of all abilities
We love seeing runners smile, challenge themselves, support one another, and enjoy the day. That is exactly why we do what we do.
If there is anything we can do to improve your experience, please let us know through Facebook, Twitter/X, Racecheck, or our website.
We are always listening.
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