Tolkien Trail Race

Posted on: Sunday 12th July 2026

Home
|
News
|
Tolkien Trail Race

Race report by Emma:

The Tolkien Trail Race – 11.1km 🌳🏃‍♀️

The second wave set off at 11:20am, which is when myself, Lee and Ian started… and apparently when the sun decided to audition for the Sahara! 🥵

Honestly, it felt like I was running through Middle-earth wearing a winter coat. Racing? Absolutely not. Today’s strategy was more run a bit, question my life choices, walk a bit, repeat. 😂

Despite the heat, what an absolutely stunning trail race! It starts on the beautiful avenue at Stonyhurst College, where Tolkien spent time, wrote parts of The Lord of the Rings, and even gave a few lectures. I can confirm there were plenty of opportunities to practise my own version of “one does not simply run uphill…” 😅

Lee, Ian and I kept leapfrogging each other around the course, all taking very sensible (and definitely not desperate!) walking breaks before shuffling off for another run.

If you’re thinking of entering this race, do it! Just maybe ask the organisers to turn the thermostat down next year. I’ll definitely be back… preferably if it’s about 10 degrees cooler! ☺️🌿

Latest club news

There was also a strong Lostock AC turnout at the Warrington Festival of Running, with members taking on both the half marathon and 10K. In the half marathon, Andy Kerks recorded a new personal best of 1:35:05, while Terri Aldred also set a new PB in 1:56:34. Sheila Garewal also had an impressive race finishing ... Warrington Running Festival

Wednesday 23rd September 2026

Lostock AC were honoured to win the Unsung Project of the Year award at the England Athletics Regional Volunteer Awards. The award recognises a project or initiative that delivers meaningful impact within the club or wider community. Lostock were rewarded for the Lostock Community Project that commenced in 2026. The project involved working with Primary ... England Athletics Regional Volunteer Awards

Monday 21st September 2026

It was an international outing for two Lostockers as Gill and Chris headed to Denmark to take part in the World Athletics Road Running Championship taking place in Copenhagen. Gill took on the 5k race on the Saturday afternoon, enjoying the atmosphere and excitement of race day as she represented Lostock on the streets of ... World Athletics Road Running Championship Copenhagen

Monday 21st September 2026

100 Members

544 Miles ran this week

50940 Elevation gain achieved this weeK

What our members love about Lostock A.C.

Greg Kilshaw

Joining Lostock AC has been one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I decided to give it a try mainly to loose weight and meet new people. It's really helped with my weight, mental health and output on life. I've been in the club over a year now. Everyone makes you feel so welcome and I love being part of the Lostock family. My running has definitely improved, especially seeing all the medals I've won. It is not just running, Lostock offers other activities too such as cycling, bootcamp and skiing. All I've had a go at which has just been brilliant. Lostock is my second family . I have entered the Machester marathon next year and an ultra. All this for someone who couldn't run . Everyone has made me feel very welcome in the club, I now consider myself to be a runner and would recommend anyone to give Lostock a try.

Rachel Stevens

I joined Lostock AC to help improve my running and to motivate me to run more often. The club has surpassed my expectations. I am not from Bolton originally and did not have many friends in the area. I now feel part of an extended family. I have been encouraged and supported to run half marathons, marathons and an Ultra. I would never believe this was possible 3 years ago.

Rachel Hancock

I’m proud to be a member of Lostock AC, it’s an inclusive club with lovely people, there’s plenty of sporting activities to get involved in and the social get togethers are always welcoming and fun.

Contact us