St Helens Striders describe their Trail 5 as "the best trail race in the world, ever". They do concede that might only be their opinion, but there is plenty of affection behind the claim.

Striders Trail 5 returns to Sankey Valley Park in Blackbrook on Sunday 1 November, with the five mile race starting at 10:00am from Sankey Visitors Centre.

The course uses the paths and trails that members of St Helens Striders regularly run themselves. Most of the route is on compact trail surfaces, mixed with some tarmac, although November conditions can introduce uneven, muddy and rocky sections.

It is also an event with a strong following. The race returned in 2025 after a one year absence and filled all 250 available places, with a waiting list forming before entries closed. For 2026, entries opened last December and the field is building again.

There are no water stations on the five mile route, but water and a goody bag containing a special race memento await every finisher. Overall prizes go to the first three men and women, alongside veteran awards from V40 through to V65.

The social side continues after the running, with competitors invited for post race food and drinks nearby and the prize presentation beginning at 11:00am.

For St Helens Striders, this is a race built around familiar territory: five miles on the trails they enjoy throughout the year, opened up for everyone else to race for one Sunday morning.

Entries are available now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy St Helens Striders on Facebook.