After a successful inaugural event in 2023, North Yorkshire's Crackpots Trail Run will return on 23 June this year. The award-winning event is for runners of all abilities with a mixed terrain route starting from the village of Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon.

The 11K run has an undulating route that takes in quiet country roads, off-road trails, scenic moorland and a few rivers within Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Why is it 11K though, you may ask? Over to organisers: "Good question. When we devised the route we tried to cut it down to 10K but loved it all so much we couldn't decide which 1K to cut so we kept it all!"

Following parts of the infamous Crackpots Mosaic Trail (hence the name) and Ripon Rowel Walk routes, the route gradually climbs to the highest point at the 6K mark - with fantastic views across Nidderdale to the west and the North York Moors as far as Roseberry Topping to the east. It's mostly downhill from there with a few little bumps and river crossings on the way before hitting the tarmac just after 9K for a fast downhill finish back into the village.

The run is part of the Kirkby Malzeard Family Fete with street food, real ale bar, live music, artisan market and loads more. After its first outing in 2023 it received such fantastic reviews that it was awarded a Racecheck Gold Award. 2023 runner, James H certainly agreed, saying: "Hard to say what can be improved ... Definitely hope to be back next year."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Crackpots Trail Run website.

Image: Crackpots Trail Run