Bilbo Baggins might have preferred a quiet New Year's Eve, but runners in Lancashire have other plans. The Winter Tolkien Trail Race takes place on Thursday 31 December, inviting competitors to finish 2026 with an 11.1K adventure through the Ribble Valley countryside that helped inspire J.R.R. Tolkien's famous fantasy world.

Starting and finishing at Stonyhurst College near Clitheroe, the race follows the summer Tolkien Trail course in reverse. It's a clever twist that gives returning runners a different perspective on familiar surroundings, with the winter direction bringing its own challenges and views. The college has a close association with Tolkien, who spent time in the area, and the landscape provides plenty of reminders of Middle Earth.

The adventure begins along the impressive avenue at Stonyhurst before heading through Hurst Green towards a field affectionately known as Mount Doom. From there, runners descend into woodland and follow trails beside the River Ribble, passing an aqueduct dating from 1880 and the historic Cromwell Bridge, built in 1562. The winter route also includes a demanding climb up the steps from the section organisers call Fangorn Forest.

The distance is deliberately unusual. At 11.1K, or eleventy one kilometres in Tolkien terminology, the course features approximately 528 feet of elevation gain. Woodland paths, riverside trails and grassy fields provide plenty of variety, with chip timing and prizes for leading runners and the best fancy dress.

Entries cost £30 with registration closing on 14 December. Finishers receive a commemorative medal and event goodies, while the event village offers refreshments after the race.

For anyone looking to see out the year with something more imaginative than another ordinary road race, this could be one last adventure before the calendar turns. And unlike Frodo's journey, there's no need to carry a ring all the way to Mordor.

Enter now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy runABC Creative.