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.
20
Sept
2026
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.
Entries open
£29–£34
4
Oct
2026
The East Coast Chuffer
Peasholm Park, North Bay Promenade, Scarborough · It's Grim Up North Running
Out of Peasholm Park in Scarborough and along the Cinder Track, the old Scarborough to Whitby railway: 5k to marathon on a 6.7-mile loop with the sea off to one side and woods on the other.
Entries open
£18–£43
17
Oct
2026
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.
Entries open
£18–£34
18
Oct
2026
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.
Entries open
£29–£56
31
Oct
2026
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.
Entries open
£5–£56
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
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.