Jo Cowper and partner Ryan Scott are on a mission to encourage everyone to find out about the delights of trail running. The second Trailfest will take place at Mugdock Country Park, just north of Glasgow, on Oct 15. I wrote about the event in my Sunday Mail Outdoors column. See the pdf or read below.
Glasgow Trailfest
What is it?: Glasgow Trailfest is an event that celebrates all things trail running.
Tell me more: Running on trails, from a quick jog to awe-inspiring ultra distance feats, is a fast growing trend.
In Scotland, the community of trail runners has boomed in recent years and race start lines are burgeoning.
Now a keen trail running couple, Ryan Scott and Jo Cowper, have created a festival for runners called Glasgow Trailfest.
Following a successful inaugural event in 2015, the Trailfest returns this year and promises to be bigger and better.
Glasgow Trailfest 2016 will be held at Mugdock Country Park, 10 miles north of Glasgow city centre, on October 15.
The day-long event is aimed at runners of all ages, experience and fitness levels and boasts a full programme of trail-focused activities.
The schedule includes guided runs, practical support, motivation, advice and fun activities.
Ryan said: “We launched TrailFest because we want to bring a new dimension to the already vibrant trail running scene in Scotland.
“We also want to showcase the sport and community to more people and after last year’s event we know there is an appetite for more.
“This year we hope the festival will be bigger and better and attended by even more people.”
Trailfest also aims to bring together more like-minded people.
Jo said: “One of the great things about last year’s festival was the community of new friendships, connections and training partnerships that started to emerge from it of it.
“We have designed this year’s programme to create even more opportunities for runners of all levels to run, train and chat together.”
Anything else to know?: The theme of this year’s TrailFest is Building the Dream and will offer inspiring talks from elite trail runners and so-called ordinary heroes.
You can hear from Glasgow-based elite ultra running couple Marco Consani and Debbie Martin-Consani on their racing successes.
Scotland’s 100km champion Sophie Mullins will talk about her remarkable running journey overcoming various health issues.
Other guests include the winner of the West Highland Way Race 2016, James Stewart and legendary adventure race director Gary Tompsett.
Ryan said: “We are delighted to have a line-up packed with so many elite and inspiring runners.
“We think it reads like a who’s who of Scottish trail and ultra running and we a thrilled at what we can offer at our festival.”
Jo reckons that there is huge value in hearing the stories of other runners.
She said: “It’s always inspiring to hear what others have achieved and I don’t just mean the elites.
“Trailfest is more than a race or speaker programme. It’s a real celebration of the sport we love.”
The details: Trailfest tickets cost £45 and give access to the full programme, which is split into four areas: TrailFIT, TrailHEROES, TrailRUN and TrailCHAT.
TrailFIT will be a morning of practical outdoor fitness classes and training sessions led by elites and specialists.
Jo said: “You might like to learn about strength and conditioning with Casey Morgan, who as well as being a great athlete is a personal trainer and sports conditioning coach.
“There will also be navigation for runner sessions, yoga for runners and running classes with Marco, Debbie and James.”
TrailHEROES will take place in the afternoon Q&A sessions and guest talks.
A TrailRUN series will feature a new Mugdock Mile race as well as a 5k race.
At the end of the festival a barbecue party will offer the opportunity for runners to chat and exchange stories.
Contact: See www.glasgowtrailrunningfestival.co.uk for more information.