Our first Meanwood Valley Trail Race was in March 1996 and was held every year until 2015. After a three year break, the race returned in September 2018 (photos available online here) and September 2019 (photos can be found online here). After another three year absence, the Meanwood Valley Trail Race returned in September 2022.
The route roughly follows the Meanwood Valley Trail from Leo’s to Meanwood Park and back. There have been some slight variations to the route but it has always been between 7 and 8 miles.
The race has grown from 93 finishers in 1996 to over 300 finishers more recently. From 2001 onwards we have donated all profits to LinehamFarm Children’s Centre at Eccup, and in more recent years to both Lineham Farm Children’s Centre and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance – the total has now exceeded £12,000.
In 2004 we introduced a junior race of 1 mile for 7-10 years and 2 miles for 11-16 years. This has grown from 30 finishers in 2004 to over 100 in recent years. The junior races continue to take place in May, although the senior race has now moved to September.