For the last seven years, St Helens Striders has hosted a popular winter trail race, and 2023 is no exception with the Striders Trail 5 making its return to the beautiful Sankey Valley Park on 5 November.

You may have evening plans for the date in question, but get the date in your diary for some pre-fireworks, trail race action. Organisers told us: "The eighth instalment of our race will take place on 5 November and entries will be strictly limited to 250. The race usually sells out, so act quickly to secure your place!"

The course is mostly compact trail surfaces, with some tarmac paths. Organisers comment: "Prepare yourselves for the cross country season by running through the mud and around the hills and trails of Carrmill Damm and Sankey Valley!"

"As with all trail surfaces, they can be uneven, muddy and rocky. Please make sure you wear appropriate footwear and take care whilst on the course.

There is limited parking available at the event's start/finish at the Sankey Visitors Centre and all participants are invited to hang around for some post-race food and drinks in The Ship Inn, which is located at the race start area. All finishers will get a goody bag which includes a memento of the race and there will be prizes and amazing on-course support too.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Striders Trail 5 website.

Image: St Helens Striders Facebook