Date: Saturday 20 February 2027
Location: Rivington Hall, Rivington, Lancashire
Organiser: Wild Deer Events
Event: Rivington Wild Trail Runs
Status: Entered
Apparently, my plans for a quiet winter before the 2027 obstacle course racing season are becoming increasingly unrealistic.
I’ve entered another trail running event!
This time I’m heading across to Rivington in Lancashire, where Wild Deer Events are bringing their trail runs to the beautiful countryside beneath Rivington Pike, on the edge of the West Pennine Moors.
February. Lancashire. Moorland trails.
What could possibly go wrong? 😅🦔💛
A New Challenge at Rivington
The event offers 5K, 10K and Half Marathon routes, starting from Rivington Hall and exploring the surrounding valley – obviously I’ve booked the half marathon.
It promises well-marked trails and some fantastic scenery, with the famous Rivington Pike providing the backdrop.
There’ll be chip timing, a finisher medal and the opportunity to experience another beautiful part of the northern countryside.
Of course, February isn’t necessarily renowned for its warm, dry conditions in this part of the world.
But after Manchester, I’m beginning to accept that being cold, wet and muddy might simply be part of the Tough Smudge lifestyle.
The washing machine has declined to comment.
Why Rivington?
Although World’s Toughest Mudder is the main objective for 2027, getting there isn’t simply about completing more obstacle races.
Building endurance, developing confidence on different terrain and becoming more comfortable running in difficult conditions are all important parts of the preparation.
Trail running provides an excellent opportunity to work on those skills without the interruptions of obstacles.
And with two winter half marathons already part of my training plans, another organised trail event gives me something to work towards while building the foundations for the much bigger challenges ahead.
There are no Funky Monkeys, Mudderhorns or Everest obstacles to worry about this time.
Just me, the trails, whatever the Lancashire weather decides to throw at us, and the question of whether my legs have remembered how to behave.
Another Step Towards World’s Toughest Mudder
Every event has something to teach me.
Some are about endurance. Others are about strength, confidence, teamwork or learning what equipment works in the real world.
Rivington is another opportunity to put some winter miles into the legs, enjoy the scenery and continue preparing for the challenges ahead.
And, naturally, Wild Deer Events provide a finisher medal.
I wouldn’t want anyone thinking I’d overlooked that particularly important detail.
Endure. Overcome. Make It Count.
And apparently, keep the washing machine employed throughout the winter. 🤣🦔💛
Official event information: https://www.wilddeerevents.co.uk/e/rivington-wild-trail-runs-2027-16100