BLACK TO THE TRAILS® - DUNSTABLE DOWNS
Black to the Trails® is the United Kingdom’s most ethnically diverse trail running event and, in 2026, it’s going to be even bigger and better!
The event has been designed and will be directed and run by Black Trail Runners for Black people, people of the global majority, and allies who want to do their bit to increase ethnic diversity in the UK trail running scene.
Black to the Trails® is an inclusive run event for EVERYONE no matter what your ability. There are distances for the kids (under 16s go free!), the brand new and the more experienced trail runner.
This event will be truly unique in its offering to all who attend. Once again, we’ll be bringing feel-good carnival vibes to Dunstable Downs. We guarantee, you’ll come for the run and stay for the fun!
Throughout the morning, as well as the run distances on offer, we’ll have a variety of activities, food, live music and much more to keep your post-run endorphins raised and the party vibes high.
This route is two loops of the current weekly Parkrun route. It’s an undulating looped route and is a great entry level trail route for those new to the trails or, if you want to further test speed and strength over an additional loop of the 5K course, the more experienced trail runner.
Distance: 10K
Elevation: 124 metres
Start time: 12.00pm
If you’re looking for something double spicy then this is the new and improved route for you. Yes, it’ll be 10K but it will include significant ups and downs. You asked for an additional improved route, we listened and this one will get your heart pumping!
More details to come.
Distance: Scotch Bonnet 10K
Elevation: 249 metres
Start time: 11.30am
Volunteer with us!
In order to make our 2026 events the best they possibly can be, we need you! If you would like to volunteer to be part of our event team, please answer the questions below and hit submit. Once we have your details we will be in touch.
Black to the Trails: Dunstable Downs, Luton - To register to support us by volunteering at our 10 May 2026 event. Please fill out the form which is accessible HERE
Where
Black to the Trails® will take place at The National Trust’s Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate.
Address - Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY
By road - Please visit Dunstable Downs via the B4541 west of Dunstable. Please note Sallowsprings road is a private road with no through access onto Dunstable Downs.
By train - Luton train station 7 miles.
By foot - From West Street and Tring Road, Dunstable
Parking - Parking: We will have a dedicated FOC event car park available on the day (look out for the BTR flags).
SatNav - Use LU6 2GY
What3Words - ///float.bottle.fool
Date: Sunday 10th May 2026
Location: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY
Venue open: 09.00am
First run starts at 10.00am
Cost
1K*: £5.50 affiliated* / £7.50 non-affiliated
5K: £12.50 affiliated* / £14.50 non-affiliated
10K: £19 affiliated* / £21 non-affiliated
Scotch Bonnet 10K: £23 affiliated* / £25.00 non-affiliated
Fancy a challenge? Why not enter more than one run? Our staggered run start times mean that, if you fancy a double ortriple-trail-whammy, you can take part in two or even three run distances.
*If you are a member of a UK Athletics Affiliated run club, you qualify for the affiliated entry.
*Under 16s go free.
More than just a trail run
We are once again bringing the carnival vibes to Dunstable Downs. At its heart, Black to the Trails is a community event so we will have a range of activities to enjoy throughout the day including face painting, DJs live run commentary, food concessions reflecting our cultures and more.
Age restrictions
1K: All ages *Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.
5K: 12 and above.
10K: 16 and above.
Scotch Bonnet 10K: 16 and above.
*Under 16s go free.
What you get
For completing your run you get a Black to the Trails® medal and a goody bag.
You’ll also be able to purchase Black Trail Runners merchandise - because representation matters when we are out on the trails and our buffs, socks, t-shirts and hoodies help communicate who we are and what we stand for. Pre purchase Black Trail Runners Merchandise HERE
But more than that, you get to experience the joy of trail running at a vibrant, diverse and inclusive event. Black to the Trails®, by Black Trail Runners, is the future of trail running.
Routes
Routes are subject to change following course inspection.
This is our entry level route. One for the kids or the novice trail runner who wants to sample a flat (ish) trail run.
Distance: 1K
Elevation: 26 metres
Start time: 11.15am
This route follows the current weekly Parkrun route. It’s an undulating looped route and is a great entry level trail route for those new to the trails or, if you want to test speed and strength, the more experienced trail runner.
Distance: 5K
Elevation: 62 metres
Start time: 10.00am