DEFEAT DELAMERE 2026

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About

Defeat Delamere 2026
Discover the beauty of Delamere Forest as you take on one of Cheshire's favourite trail running events.
Whether you're tackling your first trail race or looking for your next challenge, Defeat Delamere offers something for everyone, with 5K, 10K and 16K distances, plus a Junior Race for children aged 4 and over.
The routes take you through stunning woodland scenery, winding forest trails and rolling hills, with the 10K and 16K passing the peaceful waters of Blakemere Moss and sections of the Sandstone Trail. All three distances climb to Pale Heights, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views across the Cheshire countryside before descending back into the forest.
Expect a professionally organised event with fully marked and marshalled routes, chip timing, a friendly atmosphere and fantastic support from start to finish. Every finisher will receive an exclusive Defeat Delamere medal, with a finisher's T-shirt and post-race refreshments also included.
Whether you're chasing a personal best, embracing your first trail run or simply enjoying an unforgettable day outdoors, Defeat Delamere promises a rewarding race experience in one of the North West's most spectacular forest settings.
Distances available:
5K
10K
16K
Junior Race (ages 4+)
Join us on Sunday 13 September 2026 and experience trail running at its best.

5k, 10k, 16k, and 1 more

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Sun, Sep 13, 2026

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Northwich, United Kingdom

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Where and when

Location
Delamere Forest, Forest Centre Car Park, Northwich CW8 2JD, UK
Start times
5k: 10:00 AM10k: 9:45 AM16k: 9:30 AMJunior Race: 10:10 AM

Event summary

Here are the distances available for DEFEAT DELAMERE 2026
5k
5km
£25
10k
10km
£30
16k
16km
£40
Junior Race
1km
£15

Route information

Set in the heart of Delamere Forest, the Defeat Delamere routes showcase some of Cheshire's most beautiful woodland scenery. Runners will enjoy a varied mix of forest trails, gravel tracks and gently undulating terrain, making this an enjoyable challenge for both first-time trail runners and experienced athletes.
The 10K and 16K routes pass the tranquil waters of Blakemere Moss before joining a section of the iconic Sandstone Trail through Nettleford Wood. All three distances climb to Pale Heights (176m) early in the route, where runners are rewarded with stunning panoramic views across the Cheshire countryside before descending back into the forest.
The 5K follows a quicker woodland loop south of the railway line, while the 10K and 16K provide a longer, more challenging trail experience with additional scenic sections and varied terrain.
The course is fully signposted and supported by experienced marshals throughout. As with any trail event, runners should expect natural surfaces, including woodland paths, gravel tracks, tree roots and moderate climbs. Trail shoes are recommended, particularly if conditions are wet.
Approximate Elevation Gain
5K: 70-90 metres
10K: 130-160 metres
16K: 200-240 metres
Whether you're aiming for a personal best, taking on your first trail event or simply enjoying the outdoors, Defeat Delamere offers a rewarding running experience in one of the North West's most spectacular forest settings.

What's included

  • Exclusive Defeat Delamere finisher's medal
  • Finisher's T-shirt
  • Chip-timed results
  • Fully marked and marshalled course
  • Professional event management
  • Post-race hydration
  • Electronic race results on event day
  • Medical support throughout the event
  • Access to official event parking (parking charges apply)
  • Water stations on the 10K and 16K routes
  • Event photography
  • Junior race for children aged 4+
  • Friendly event village
  • Supportive volunteers and marshals

How to get there

Delamere Forest, Forest Centre Car Park, Northwich CW8 2JD, UK
Get full directions
Event Location
Delamere Forest Visitor Centre
Linmere
Delamere
Northwich
Cheshire
CW8 2JD
What3Words: (To Follow)
By Car
Delamere Forest is easily accessible via the A49 and B5152 and is well signposted from the surrounding road network.
Official event parking is available at Whitefield Car Park, with additional parking at:
Treetops Car Park
Main Visitor Centre Car Park (accessible parking available)
Please note that standard parking charges apply. Follow event signage and marshal directions on arrival.
By Train
Delamere Railway Station is approximately a 5-minute walk from the event village, making it one of the easiest ways to travel to the event.
The station is served by Northern Rail services on the Manchester to Chester line.
By Bus
Local bus services operate to nearby villages, including Delamere and Kelsall. As routes and timetables may vary, we recommend checking your journey with your local bus operator before travelling.
On Foot
If you're staying locally or arriving by train, the event village is within easy walking distance via well-maintained woodland paths from Delamere Railway Station and the surrounding car parks.
Planning Your Journey
Please allow extra time for your journey, particularly if travelling by car, as traffic around Delamere Forest may be busier than usual on the morning of the event.
We recommend arriving 45–60 minutes before your race start time to allow plenty of time for parking, registration and the pre-race briefing.

Hotels and Accommodation

Find some of the best hotel rates close to the startline with Hotel Planner.
Find your room

Event day logistics

Registration opens at 8:00am. We recommend arriving 45–60 minutes before your race start time to allow plenty of time for parking, registration and preparing for your race.
A group warm-up will take place before each race starts to help you get race-ready.
Race Start Times
9:30am – 16K
9:45am – 10K
10:00am – 5K
10:10am – Junior Race (not chip timed)
Before You Start
Please collect your race number from registration if you have not received it in advance.
Race numbers must be worn on the front of your clothing and remain clearly visible throughout the event.
Please listen carefully to the pre-race briefing and any announcements made by the Event Team.
Follow the instructions of marshals and event staff at all times to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
During the Event
The course is fully signposted and marshalled throughout.
Medical support will be available on the course and at the event village.
As this is a trail event, please take extra care on uneven ground, loose gravel, tree roots and steeper sections of the course.
After Your Race
Collect your exclusive Defeat Delamere finisher's medal and finisher's T-shirt at the finish area.
Enjoy your post-race hydration and soak up the atmosphere in the event village.
Chip-timed race results will be available on Njuko and sent to participants by text message on the day of the event. (Junior Race results are not chip timed.)

FAQs

Is the event suitable for beginners?
Yes. Defeat Delamere welcomes runners of all abilities. With 5K, 10K and 16K distances available, there's a challenge to suit everyone, whether it's your first trail race or you're an experienced runner.
Do I have to fundraise?
No. Defeat Delamere is a participation event and there is no fundraising requirement. If you'd like to support Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation through fundraising, you're very welcome to, but it's entirely optional.
What type of terrain should I expect?
The routes follow a mixture of woodland trails, gravel tracks and natural forest paths. There are rolling hills, uneven ground and exposed tree roots in places, so trail shoes are recommended, particularly if conditions are wet.
Are the routes fully marked?
Yes. All routes are clearly signposted and supported by experienced marshals throughout the event.
Where can I park?
Official event parking is available at Whitefield Car Park, with additional parking nearby. Standard parking charges apply.
Can I travel by train?
Yes. Delamere Railway Station is approximately a five-minute walk from the event village and is served by Northern Rail services.
Will there be toilets?
Yes. Toilet facilities are available within the event village and at the Delamere Forest Visitor Centre.
Are dogs allowed?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome within Delamere Forest but cannot accompany runners on the course. Spectators bringing dogs should keep them on a lead at all times.
Can I wear headphones?
We recommend not wearing headphones so you can hear instructions from marshals and other participants. If you choose to wear headphones, please ensure you remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The event will go ahead in most weather conditions. Should severe weather make it unsafe to proceed, participants will be contacted by email and updates will be shared on our website and social media channels.

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33 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DQ

Reg number 10083277

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