Black to the Trails® renews partnership with London Marathon Events for 2026 and Launches New South West Event
London, UK – 19/02/2026 – Black to the Trails® (BTTT) and London Marathon Events (LME) today confirmed a renewed partnership for 2026 demonstrating a shared commitment to transforming representation and inclusion in trail running across the UK.
The first Black to the Trails® was held in Dunstable in 2023 to create a welcoming, culturally relevant entry point into the great British outdoors via trail running. The event, held on The National Trust’s Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, is the UK and Europe’s most ethnically diverse trail running event with more than 85% of participants from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Building on its success, Black to the Trails® will launch a second event in South West England, with further details to be announced on 2nd March 2026, thus expanding the footprint of the event - and the communities it serves - locally and regionally..
Organised and delivered by Black to the Trails Limited - a business wholly owned by the community and campaigning charity Black Trail Runners - the Dunstable event takes place on Sunday 10 May 2026. It is the first UK trail running event fully conceived and led by ethnically diverse organisers, offering race distances from 1K, 5K and 10K for all ages and abilities in a vibrant, celebratory environment inspired by Black culture.
Under the renewed partnership, London Marathon Events will continue to provide strategic support, operational guidance, and funding to ensure the successful delivery and growth of Black to the Trails® events in 2026.
Hamid Vaghefian, Communities and DEI Director at London Marathon Events, said:
“Trail running is a powerful way to connect with nature, improve health, and build community, and it should be accessible to everyone. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Black to the Trails® as it grows and reaches more communities.”
Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, Co-Founder of Black Trail Runners and Event Director of Black to the Trails, said:
“Our partnership with London Marathon Events has been pivotal in helping Black to the Trails grow in a meaningful and sustainable way. Their support allows us to focus on what matters most: creating spaces where people feel confident, supported, and represented.”
“Our event isn’t just about running - it’s about helping historically marginalised communities build long-term relationships with the outdoors and challenging the barriers that still exist in sport. Returning to Dunstable Downs in May and launching a second event in the South West with LME alongside us is a powerful step forward.”
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