Christmas Cracker Run – Rodley, Leeds | It's Grim Up North Running

Kick off Christmas with a cracking run along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal!

Get into the festive spirit with the Christmas Cracker Run in Rodley Leeds, a fun and friendly trail running event with distances for all abilities.

Whether you’re chasing a new PB, stepping up to a longer distance, running with friends or simply fancy a festive run before Christmas, there’s something for everyone.

The route follows the scenic Leeds & Liverpool Canal, giving you a largely flat, runnable course that’s ideal for both newcomers and experienced runners.

Back at Race HQ, expect the usual Grim Up North welcome, with music, food, festive treats and plenty of Christmas cheer!

This is Day 1 of our Christmas Cracker Weekend. Join us for one day or make a weekend of it and run both. The choice is yours!

What’s Included?

✅ Distances from 5K to Marathon

✅ Flat(ish), scenic canal-side route

✅ Fully marshalled and signed course

✅ Feed and drink stations approximately every 3 miles

✅ Bespoke Christmas finisher medal

✅ Festive treats for all finishers

✅ Friendly, welcoming atmosphere

✅ Plenty of Grim Christmas cheer!

Getting There

• Nearest Train Station: Kirkstall 

• Registration Location: Rodley Cricket Club, Canal Bank Sports Ground, Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds, LS13 1RL

• w3w: ///edgy.panic.song

• By Car: There is no parking at the start/finish. We recommend parking at Morrisons car park nearby.

• Car Sharing: We encourage runners to car share to reduce congestion and environmental impact.

Race Times & Distances

Registration opens at 7:40am.

Please allow plenty of time to park, make your way to registration, collect your race number and use the facilities.

We recommend arriving around one hour before your start time.

20 Miles: 2 x 10-mile laps
Marathon: 2 x Half Marathon laps

All races are Trail Running Association licensed under UKA Rules.

Important Race Day Information

Headphones

For everyone's safety, over-ear headphones are not permitted.

If you would like to listen to music or audio while running, please use bone-conduction headphones or a single earbud, ensuring you can still hear marshals, other runners and your surroundings.

Road Crossings

There may be some unmarshalled road crossings along the route.

Please stay alert, take responsibility when crossing roads and always follow any instructions given by our marshals.

Transfers & Deferrals

You can manage your entry, including eligible transfers and deferrals, through the It’s Grim Up North Running website.

Late changes made on race day may incur a £5 administration fee.

Retiring or Injured?

If you need to retire from the race or become injured, please tell the nearest marshal immediately.

This is really important so that we know you are safe and can account for everyone on the course.

During the Race – Important Info

• Cup-less Event: Please bring your own reusable cup or bottle for drinks at aid stations.

• Headphones Policy: For safety, no over-ear headphones are allowed. If you must wear earphones, please use bone-conduction or one-ear in/out.

• Safety: Some unmarshalled road crossings may be present – please stay alert and follow marshal instructions.

• Transfers & Deferrals: You can self-manage your entry on the It’s Grim Up North website Late changes on race day may incur a £5 admin fee.

• Retiring or Injured? Notify the nearest marshal immediately.

Stay Connected

For the latest updates, FAQs, and community support, join our “Grim Up North Chat” Facebook group. Most race information is available online, so we no longer mail out race briefs.