Discover the beauty of Delamere Forest as you take on one of Cheshire’s most enjoyable trail running events.
Whether you are tackling your first trail race or looking for your next challenge, Defeat Delamere offers something for everyone, with 5K, 10K and 16K distances plus a Junior Race for children aged four and over.
The routes take you through woodland scenery, winding forest trails and rolling hills. The 10K and 16K pass Blakemere Moss and include a section of the Sandstone Trail through Nettleford Wood, while all three adult distances climb towards Pale Heights, offering wide views across the Cheshire countryside on a clear day.
Expect a professionally organised event with marked and marshalled routes, chip timing, a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of encouragement from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love Defeat Delamere
Beautiful forest setting
Choice of three adult distances
Exclusive finisher’s medal
Chip-timed results
Friendly, fully marshalled event
Finisher’s T-shirt
Earn Your Defeat Delamere Medal
Take on your chosen distance, cross the finish line and celebrate with an exclusive Defeat Delamere finisher’s medal.
Set in the heart of Delamere Forest, the Defeat Delamere routes showcase some of Cheshire’s most attractive woodland scenery. Runners will encounter a varied mix of forest trails, gravel tracks and undulating terrain.
The 10K and 16K routes pass Blakemere Moss before joining a section of the Sandstone Trail through Nettleford Wood. All three adult distances climb towards Pale Heights early in the route before returning through the forest.
The 5K follows a shorter woodland loop south of the railway line, while the 10K and 16K provide a longer challenge with additional scenic sections and varied terrain.
Routes will be clearly marked and supported by marshals. As this is a trail event, runners should expect uneven ground, loose gravel, natural surfaces and exposed tree roots.
5k Race
Shorter forest route, suitable for newer trail runners.
You must be 4 or older to take part in the Junior Race. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and tickets will include a chaperone place in the race.
Access to official event parking, with parking charges applying
What Previous Runners Say
Loved this event! Big hill at the start that killed me, but after that the course was fantastic! – Michael ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Good course but super hilly! A nice challenge though. – Aillie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic event, well organised and a great route with a killer of a hill at the start! – Pete ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Race Day Information
Registration opens: 8:00am
Recommend that participants arrive 45–60 minutes before their start time.
Start Times
9:30am: 16K
9:45am: 10K
10:00am: 5K
10:10am: Junior Race
Please Note
Adult race numbers must be worn visibly on the front.
Participants should listen to the race briefing.
Instructions from marshals and event staff must be followed.
The Junior Race is not chip timed.
Adult results will be available through Njuko.com and sent by text on race day.
Getting there
Event Location
Delamere Forest Visitor Centre Linmere Delamere Northwich Cheshire CW8 2JD
By Car
Delamere Forest is easily accessible via the A49 and B5152 and is well signposted from the surrounding road network.
Official event parking is available at Whitefield Car Park, with additional parking at:
Treetops Car Park
Main Visitor Centre Car Park (accessible parking available)
Please note that standard parking charges apply. Follow event signage and marshal directions on arrival.
By Train
Delamere Railway Station is approximately a 5-minute walk from the event village, making it one of the easiest ways to travel to the event.
The station is served by Northern Rail services on the Manchester to Chester line.
By Bus
Local bus services operate to nearby villages, including Delamere and Kelsall. As routes and timetables may vary, we recommend checking your journey with your local bus operator before travelling.
On Foot
If you’re staying locally or arriving by train, the event village is within easy walking distance via well-maintained woodland paths from Delamere Railway Station and the surrounding car parks.
Planning Your Journey
Please allow extra time for your journey, particularly if travelling by car, as traffic around Delamere Forest may be busier than usual on the morning of the event.
We recommend arriving 45–60 minutes before your race start time to allow plenty of time for parking, registration and the pre-race briefing.
Spectator Information
👏 Spectators are welcome to support runners at the start and finish area and enjoy the event atmosphere. Please remain on public paths, keep the course clear and follow instructions from marshals. Children must be supervised and dogs should be kept on a lead near the race route. Visitor Centre facilities, refreshments, public toilets and accessible facilities are available nearby.
Recommended Kit
Suitable running shoes, with trail shoes recommended in wet conditions
Weather-appropriate running clothing
Lightweight waterproof jacket if rain is forecast
Water bottle or hydration pack
Charged mobile phone
Any personal medication
Change of footwear and clothing for afterwards
FAQs
No. Defeat Delamere is a participation event and there is no fundraising requirement. If you’d like to support Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation through fundraising, you’re very welcome to, but it’s completely optional.
Absolutely. With 5K, 10K and 16K distances available, Defeat Delamere is suitable for runners of all abilities, whether you’re taking on your first trail race or are an experienced trail runner.
The routes follow a mixture of woodland trails, gravel tracks and natural forest paths. You should expect rolling hills, uneven ground, loose surfaces and exposed tree roots in places, all of which add to the trail running experience.
Trail shoes are recommended, particularly if conditions are wet or muddy. Road running shoes may be suitable in dry conditions, but trail shoes will provide better grip and stability on uneven terrain.
If places are still available, entries may be accepted on the day. However, we strongly recommend entering in advance to guarantee your place.
Once the event reaches capacity, entries will close and no further registrations will be accepted, including on race day. We recommend entering early to avoid disappointment.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome within Delamere Forest but must not accompany participants on the race route. Dogs attending with spectators should be kept on a lead at all times.
We recommend not wearing headphones so you can hear instructions from marshals, event staff and fellow runners. If you choose to wear them, please remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Water stations will be available on the 10K and 16K routes, with post-race hydration provided for all participants at the finish.
If race numbers are being posted, participants will receive them before the event. If race numbers are to be collected on the day, collection will be available from registration, which opens at 8:00am. Final instructions will be emailed before the event.
Chip-timed results for the adult races will be available on Njuko and will also be sent to participants by text message on race day.
The event will go ahead in most weather conditions. If severe weather makes it unsafe to proceed, participants will be contacted by email and updates will be published on our website and social media channels.
Yes. Minimum age requirements apply to each race distance. Please refer to the event entry information before registering.
Yes. Toilet facilities are available within the event village and at the Delamere Forest Visitor Centre
Ready to Take on Delamere?
Choose your distance and join us for an unforgettable day of trail running in Delamere Forest.
Join a brilliant community of more than 3,500 runners who cheer each other on every step of the way. Roy’s Runners is packed with friendly support, training tips and stories that keep you motivated whether you are lacing up for your first 5k or chasing a marathon PB. Many members run and fundraise for our charity, but there is no obligation at all. Just turn up, enjoy the chat and let the community carry you through your running journey. There are also freebies available!
All money from Defeat Delamere helps fund our vital work. In addition to your race fee, you can also set up a Just Giving page and raise money to help those living with lung cancer.
Terms and Conditions
Please take the time to read our terms and conditions before you register for the event. By completing the registration form, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions.
For more information about Defeat Delamere, contact our team by emailing events@roycastle.org.
Want to get involved in Defeat Delamere as a volunteer? Click here to register your interest.
