It's Grim Up North Running
West Yorkshire
It's Grim Up North Running put on more races in Yorkshire than anyone: most weekends of the year and midweek evenings in summer, nearly all of them on canal towpaths, with a few on reservoir loops, rail trails, the Bridlington promenade and the Temple Newsam estate. The format is the same throughout. Pick a distance from 5k to ultra, everything is chip timed and Trail Running Association licensed, the shorter distances are an out-and-back and the longer ones are laps of it, feed stations every three miles, and a bespoke medal and a lot of sweets at the end. They describe themselves as low key and mean it. Registration is on the day, the race brief is the web page, the cut-offs are generous where there are any, and the Rock Up n' Run evening series is exactly that: turn up, pay, run. Flat and fast is the point. If you want a PB on soft ground, or a first marathon without a hill in it, this is where Yorkshire goes.
Their races
Pins sit on the start. Open one to see the course.
7
Nov
2026
The Grim Reservoir Dogs
Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir car park, North Lane, near Otley · It's Grim Up North Running
A run with your dog round Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs on good woodland trail, one 3.3-mile loop or two. A fun dog race, not run under canicross rules.
Entries open
£18–£29
7
Nov
2026
Swinsty & Fewston Lakeside Dash
Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir car park, North Lane, near Otley · It's Grim Up North Running
The 6.7-mile loop of Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs on well-kept trail, run once, twice, three or four times for the half, the twenty and the marathon. Everything starts at nine.
Entries open
£29–£43
7
Nov
2026
Moonlight Meander
Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir car park, North Lane, near Otley · It's Grim Up North Running
Swinsty and Fewston in the pitch dark: one or two laps of the 3.3-mile woodland loop by head torch, fairy lights and whatever else you bring.
Entries open
£17–£29
14
Nov
2026
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Kirkstall
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half along the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from Kirkstall on a weekend morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
Entries open
£18–£34
15
Nov
2026
Rothwell Kebabathon
Skelton Lake Services, M1 junction 45, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Five-mile loops of Rothwell Country Park from Skelton Lake services, woodland, riverside and grass with one climb for the view of Leeds, and a kebab at the end. Five to twenty-six miles.
Entries open
£28–£43
12
Dec
2026
Crikey, It's the Christmas Cracker Day 1
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Day one of the Christmas weekend at Kirkstall: 5k to marathon on the flat Leeds & Liverpool towpath with music and food at race HQ. Run one day or both.
Entries open
£18–£43
13
Dec
2026
Crikey, It's the Christmas Cracker Day 2
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Day two of the Christmas weekend at Kirkstall: the same flat out-and-back on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath, 5k to marathon, for those doing the double.
Entries open
£18–£43
20
Dec
2026
Do You Like My Bingley Baubles
Bingley Rugby Club, Wagon Lane, Bingley · It's Grim Up North Running
A festive 5k to marathon on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath out of Bingley, flat apart from the Three Rise and Five Rise locks. Christmas fancy dress welcome.
Entries open
£18–£43
10
Jan
2027
Ey Up, It's Baltic in Bridlington
The Ship Inn, Cliff Road, Sewerby, Bridlington · It's Grim Up North Running
An out-and-back from the cliffs at Sewerby along the promenade through Bridlington and back, 5k to marathon, with a hot meal at the Ship Inn after. Paved most of the way, so road shoes.
Entries open
£18–£43
16
Jan
2027
Winter Canal Canter
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
January on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath at Kirkstall: 10k to ultra on a flat out-and-back, laps of it for the longer distances.
Entries open
£29–£43
23
Jan
2027
Frostbite Sir Titus Trot
Leeds & Liverpool Canal by the Boathouse Inn, Victoria Road, Saltaire · It's Grim Up North Running
A winter out-and-back on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from Saltaire, 10k to marathon. Flat, nearly, and icy in places some years. Sells out.
Entries open
£29–£43
30
Jan
2027
Slawit Snowstorm Shuffle
Slaithwaite Community Centre, Bank Gate, Slaithwaite · It's Grim Up North Running
The Huddersfield Narrow Canal from Slaithwaite out to Tunnel End and back, lock after lock, the most undulating towpath they have. 5k to marathon, six and a half hours.
Entries open
£18–£43
31
Jan
2027
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Bingley
Fisherman Inn, Wagon Lane, Bingley · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from the Fisherman at Bingley on a Sunday morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
Entries open
£18–£34
6
Feb
2027
Skipton Sweetie Skedaddle
Craven Leisure Centre, Gargrave Road, Skipton · It's Grim Up North Running
The Leeds & Liverpool towpath out of Skipton, flat and fast, 10k to ultra with a six-and-a-half-hour cut-off and sweets, chocolate and cake at the finish. Road shoes suggested.
Entries open
£29–£43
13
Feb
2027
The Huddersfield Hurtle
River Colne, Chapel Hill, Huddersfield · It's Grim Up North Running
A flat out-and-back from Chapel Hill in Huddersfield along the canal and the Colne, 5k to marathon, icy in places in February.
Entries open
£18–£43
20
Feb
2027
Besotted at Bingley
Fisherman Inn, Wagon Lane, Bingley · It's Grim Up North Running
The February running on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from the Fisherman at Bingley: 5k to marathon, flat apart from the Three Rise and Five Rise locks.
Entries open
£18–£43
21
Feb
2027
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Rodley
Behind the Rodley Barge, Town Street, Rodley, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from behind the Rodley Barge on a Sunday morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
Entries open
£18–£34
6
Mar
2027
Leeds Canal Side Run
Granary Wharf, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Out of Granary Wharf behind Leeds station and straight onto the Leeds & Liverpool towpath through Kirkstall and beyond: 10k to ultra, flat and traffic-free.
Entries open
£29–£43
20
Mar
2027
Spring Time Canal Canter
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
March on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath at Kirkstall: 10k to ultra on a flat out-and-back, laps of it for the longer distances.
Entries open
£29–£43
21
Mar
2027
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Slawit
Upper Mills, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from Upper Mills in Slaithwaite on a Sunday morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
Entries open
£18–£34
3
Apr
2027
Let's Motor Along the Towpath
Rodley Cricket Club, Canal Bank Sports Ground, Rodley, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
The Leeds & Liverpool towpath from Rodley Cricket Club on Easter Saturday, 10k to marathon, flat out-and-back apart from the locks.
Entries open
£29–£43
17
Apr
2027
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Leeds
Granary Wharf, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half from Granary Wharf onto the Leeds & Liverpool towpath on a Saturday morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
Entries open
£18–£34
18
Apr
2027
Sir Titus March Mayhem
Leeds & Liverpool Canal by the Boathouse Inn, Victoria Road, Saltaire · It's Grim Up North Running
The spring out-and-back on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from Saltaire, 10k to marathon, flat, nearly. One of their most popular and it sells out.
Entries open
£28–£43
25
Apr
2027
Bluebell Bash at Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam House, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
A 6.7-mile loop of the Temple Newsam estate in Leeds, open country, gardens and woodland on path, grass and trail, run once to four times. Undulating, with six and a half hours to do it in.
Entries open
£29–£43
2
May
2027
Rothwell Cakeathon
Skelton Lake Services, M1 junction 45, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Five-mile loops of Rothwell Country Park from Skelton Lake services, woodland, riverside and grass with one climb for the view of Leeds, and cake at the end. Five to twenty-six miles.
Entries open
£28–£43
15
May
2027
Glorious Gargrave
Gargrave, North Yorkshire · It's Grim Up North Running
A flat out-and-back on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath at Gargrave on the edge of the Dales, 5k to marathon, six and a half hours. A tougher towpath than most, they say.
Entries open
£18–£43
16
May
2027
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Saltaire (May)
Leeds & Liverpool Canal by the Boathouse Inn, Victoria Road, Saltaire · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from the Boathouse at Saltaire on a Sunday morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
Entries open
£18–£34
30
May
2027
Get the Hull Out of Here
Pelican Park Recreation Ground, Lambwath Road, Hull · It's Grim Up North Running
Out of East Hull along the Hornsea Rail Trail, part of the Trans Pennine Trail, flat and even all the way: 5k to marathon, out-and-back, laps for the long ones.
Entries open
£18–£43
3
Jun
2027
Rodley Rock Up n' Run
Behind the Rodley Barge, Town Street, Rodley, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
A midweek summer evening 5k or 10k on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from behind the Rodley Barge. Register from six, pay on the night, jumble medal and a drink after.
Entries open
£17–£29
12
Jun
2027
Beautiful Bingley
Fisherman Inn, Wagon Lane, Bingley · It's Grim Up North Running
The June running on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from the Fisherman at Bingley: 5k to marathon, flat apart from the Three Rise and Five Rise locks.
Entries open
£17–£43
13
Jun
2027
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Saltaire (June)
By the canal near Salts Mill, Saltaire, Shipley · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath by Salts Mill on a Sunday morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
Entries open
£17–£34
17
Jun
2027
Bingley Rock Up n' Run
Five Rise Locks, Beck Lane, Bingley · It's Grim Up North Running
A midweek summer evening 10k on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from Five Rise Locks. Register from six, pay on the night, jumble medal and hot food after.
Entries open
£17
20
Jun
2027
Breezy in Brighouse & Summer Solstice Run
Brookfoot Footbridge, Brookfoot, Brighouse · It's Grim Up North Running
The longest day on the Calder & Hebble towpath from Brookfoot: a solstice 5k at half five and again at half six, then 10k, half and marathon on an out-and-back. Six and a half hours.
Entries open
£18–£62
24
Jun
2027
Cromwell Bottom Rock Up n' Run (June)
Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, Elland Road, Brighouse · It's Grim Up North Running
A midweek summer evening 5k or 10k from Cromwell Bottom nature reserve by the Calder & Hebble. Register from six, pay on the night, jumble medal and a drink after.
Entries open
£17–£29
1
Jul
2027
Huddersfield Rock Up n' Run
River Colne, Chapel Hill, Huddersfield · It's Grim Up North Running
A midweek summer evening 5k or 10k from Chapel Hill along the canal and the Colne. Register from six, pay on the night, jumble medal and a drink after.
Entries open
£17–£29
15
Jul
2027
Saltaire Rock Up n' Run
Leeds & Liverpool Canal by the Boathouse Inn, Victoria Road, Saltaire · It's Grim Up North Running
A midweek summer evening 5k or 10k on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from the Boathouse at Saltaire. Register from six, pay on the night, jumble medal and a drink after.
Entries open
£17–£29
22
Jul
2027
Slawit Rock Up n' Run
Upper Mills, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield · It's Grim Up North Running
A midweek summer evening 5k or 10k on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from Upper Mills in Slaithwaite. Register from six, pay on the night, jumble medal and a drink after.
Entries open
£17–£29
29
Jul
2027
Marsden Rock Up n' Run
Railway Pub, Station Road, Marsden · It's Grim Up North Running
A midweek summer evening 5k or two laps for a 10k from the Railway at Marsden. Register from six, cash on the night, jumble medal and a drink after.
Entries open
£17–£29
5
Aug
2027
Skipton Rock Up n' Run
Craven Leisure Centre, Gargrave Road, Skipton · It's Grim Up North Running
A midweek summer evening 5k or 10k on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from Craven Leisure Centre in Skipton. Register from six, pay on the night, jumble medal and hot food after.
Entries open
£17–£29
12
Aug
2027
Cromwell Bottom Rock Up n' Run (August)
Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, Elland Road, Brighouse · It's Grim Up North Running
The August running of the midweek evening 5k or 10k from Cromwell Bottom nature reserve by the Calder & Hebble. Register from six, pay on the night.
Entries open
£17–£29
28
Aug
2027
Get the Hull Out of Here Summer Edition
Pelican Park Recreation Ground, Lambwath Road, Hull · It's Grim Up North Running
The August running along the Hornsea Rail Trail out of East Hull, flat and even all the way: 5k to marathon, out-and-back, laps for the long ones.
Entries open
£18–£43
no date
yet
Hubble Bubble
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
The Halloween one at Kirkstall: 10k to ultra along the flat Leeds & Liverpool towpath, fancy dress encouraged, spot prizes for the best of it.
no date
yet
Knaresborough Soft Shoe Shuffle
Start of the Beryl Burton Cycleway, Knaresborough · It's Grim Up North Running
A 6.5-mile trail lap from the centre of Knaresborough, up through the parkland and along the old railway towards Harrogate, run once for the ten-k-ish and five times for the ultra. Road shoes advised.
no date
yet
Oktoberfest
Rodley Cricket Club, Canal Bank Sports Ground, Rodley, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Ten kilometres to fifty-two along the flat towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Rodley: an out-and-back for the shorter distances, laps of it for the longer ones.
no date
yet
The East Coast Chuffer
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
The October running of the Kirkstall towpath race, 10k to ultra on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal — the name is a hangover from its Scarborough railway days, the course is flat and fast.
no date
yet
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Brighouse
Brookfoot Footbridge, Brookfoot, Brighouse · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half along the Calder & Hebble towpath from Brookfoot on a Saturday morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
no date
yet
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Knaresborough
Knaresborough · It's Grim Up North Running
A ten-k-ish or two laps of it for a half around Knaresborough on a Sunday morning. Pay online or turn up on the day.
An independent listing by Trail Running Planet. We’re not connected to It's Grim Up North Running, and you enter through them, not us.