Westonbirt Arboretum invite you to be a Forest Runner

Calling all runners and joggers, Forest Runner will be returning to Westonbirt, the National Arboretum again this autumn on Sunday 11 September! This will be the second year that Forestry England will be inviting runners to take part in an event that offers the chance to enjoy the freedom, fresh air and scenery of our fabulous woodland.

Set at Westonbirt Arboretum and 11 other beautiful forest locations participants will be able to enjoy a variety of races that cater to all abilities. There will be 5k events for those just starting out, and for the seasoned runners a more challenging 10k race. Everybody that crosses the finish line will receive a fantastic goody bag with some great prizes to be won from the official race sponsors, Merrell.

Forestry England are delighted to have Merrell, the outdoor clothing and footwear brand, sponsoring the event again this year. Along with some brilliant prizes they will also be there on the day to cheer runners along and will be providing top trail running tips and advice on the lead up to the event.

Simon Sweeney, Merrell UK Marketing Manager says: “We are really excited to be supporting the Forest Runner series again this year as an event sponsor. Our mission is to promote the benefits of time and experiences in the outdoors on mental health and believe in sharing the power of being outside with everyone. This series provides the perfect platform for runners of all abilities to experience some much needed escapism and experience the beautiful locations we have here in England.”

Forest Runner is about more than being first to the finish line. It’s about enjoying the journey within beautiful surroundings and being a forest runner. Whether you are a 5k or 10k Forest Runner, choose your distance and enjoy a run in some of the most beautiful and invigorating surroundings. All money raised by the event will go back into the local forests so by taking part, every runner will also play an important role in looking after the nation’s forests for future generations to enjoy.

Steve Cram, Olympian, World Champion and Director of Events of the North, delivery partners for Forest Runner, says: “You would struggle to find a more uplifting experience than running through our nation’s stunning forests. This running series opens up the nation’s forests to runners of all abilities, offering superb running routes over your preferred distance, at your pace, in venues that will invigorate you mentally and physically.”

Peter Rawlinson, from Forestry England’s Active Forests Programme, says: “It’s been fantastic to see more and more people running in the nation’s forests and to celebrate the success of our first running series, Forest Runner.

“Due to its success, we are launching three new locations this year, Haldon Forest in Devon, Alice Holt Forest in Surrey and Dalby Forest in Yorkshire to bring the series to even more runners. It’s exciting to be growing this event series with Merrell’s support and together we hope to deepen people’s connections with the nation’s forests. We aim to inspire future generations to run in the forests for years to come.”

Find your local Forest Runner event at forestryengland.uk/forest-runner. 

Discounted early-bird tickets go on sale on 15th February, 5k tickets cost £18 and 10km cost £20.50, plus booking fees. Full price tickets on sale from the start of April and will cost £20 for the 5km and £22.50 for the 10km, plus booking fees. 
Prices include parking, T&Cs apply.