Established in 2017, the Trafford Trails 5 is a 5 mile summertime trail race along the banks of the Mersey organised by Dragons Running Club (Sale). Attracting both club and non-club runners, it is also the perfect step up from your local Parkrun. Profits are shared with local community groups/charities.
Course
Starting at Trafford MV Rugby Club in Sale, the route follows the banks of the River Mersey and through the woods at Kickety Brook to Stretford Meadow before returning along both banks of the Mersey. The course is entirely off road and includes good quality hard packed paths, a short section of tarmacked path and riverside trails. It is almost entirely flat apart from a ramp up to a bridge and a small surprise at Stretford Meadows!
A course map is available here.
Travel
The race is kindly hosted by our friends at Trafford MV RFCC, located just off Finny Bank Road in Sale.
Parking is available at the club which is adjacent to the
start. The nearest Metrolink stop is Dane Road which is 15 minutes walk away.
The 263 Manchester/Altrincham bus stops about 10 minutes away.
Race registration
Entry is online only and numbers can be collected from the Trafford MV club house on the day of the race – the registration desk opens between 6-6.45pm. On the day entry is not available.
Entrants must be 18 years or over.
Timing and results
The race uses chip timing (chip attached to race number) and results are available immediately after the race.
Facilities
Toilets are available in the Trafford MV club house.
Water is available at the start/finish only.
The Trafford MV club bar will be open after the race
Goodies and prizes
All finishers receive a race memento.
There are cash prizes for the first male and first female as
well as a number of spot prizes. The prize fund for 2024 has been sponsored by
Pilates Manchester.
Pilates Manchester currently have a special introductory offer for TT5 entrants - just £59.99 for 3 small group sessions using the reformer, tower and Garuda sling. You can book a place here (use within 14 days of purchase).
Governance
The race is held under UK Athletics rules and is licenced by
the Trail Running Association (permit number 5811).
Entry fees are non-refundable (organising a race incurs considerable costs and these costs are met a long time before race day).
Race places can be transferred to others up to and including the day before the race – contact dragons@saledragons.org.uk with details of who the place should be transferred to. It is the responsibility of the individuals engaged in the transfer to manage any financial transactions themselves. It may also be possible to defer a place to the following year.
Whilst it is highly unlikely that the race will have to be cancelled, this may be necessary (for example due to severe weather, advice by Public Health England or another Government body, a Police incident etc). Unfortunately, as it is likely that the full cost of staging the race would have been incurred at this point, refunds will not be possible.
