Become a Forest Runner and take on the ultimate running challenge
Forestry England is encouraging people to get forest running this spring with brand-new Forest Runner challenges hosted on Strava.
What is Forest Runner?
Forest Runner started as a series of live events in the nation’s forests and has now evolved into two challenges on Strava, making it accessible to more people and places than ever before. You can join thousands of others taking on 5k and 10k challenges in forests across England. You choose when and where to run – making it easier than ever to get involved.
Forest Runner is your chance to discover beautiful forest trails and escape into nature. Whether you are new to running or building up to longer distances, our 5k and 10k challenges help you get active, enjoy the outdoors and reach your fitness goals.
For the 5k Strava challenge, people can sign up from 12 May and have between 19 May - 1 June to complete the run. Those looking to take on the 10k challenge can sign up from 1 September and have between 8 - 21 September to complete the run.
Why take on the Forest Runner Challenge?
When you take on the challenge and join the Forestry England Running Club on Strava, you’ll become part of a community that supports each other to get fitter, stay motivated and connect with nature. As a club member, you'll get regular Forest Runner updates including training tips, inspiring forest trails and expert nutrition guides from CLIF BAR, plus loads more. Complete your 5k or 10k challenge to earn a digital badge on Strava and you’ll be able to enter our competitions to be in with a chance of winning fantastic prizes.
A partnership rooted in purpose
Forestry England is thrilled to announce CLIF as its official partner for this year’s Forest Runner challenge. With a shared passion for a healthy lifestyle, sustainability, and outdoor adventure, this partnership is set to energise runners across the nation as they hit the trails.
CLIF energy bars, are purposefully crafted with a blend of plant-based ingredients to keep you moving – whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro. Packed with carbs, fibre, and healthy fats, they’re designed to keep you energised and strong before or during your run.
Sophie Loveday, Forestry England’s Wellbeing Corporate Partnerships Manager:
“CLIF makes energy bars that are good for both people and the environment, using sustainable, plant-based ingredients. This fits perfectly with what Forest Runner is all about - helping people enjoy the health benefits of running in nature."
Anna Dutt-Duckwitz, Marketing Manager Europe at CLIF:
“We are very pleased to have found such a matching collaboration for our brand CLIF with Forestry England. Our mission is to motivate our consumers to stay active, engage with the outdoors and choose wholesome and nutritional foods when being active to get the most out of it. We think that these values align strongly with the ones of Forestry England and are therefore very happy about this new partnership and looking forward to a successful Forest Runner challenge that will motivate people to be active in the outdoors”.
Join this year’s Forest Runner:
Ready to take on the Forest Runner challenge in partnership with CLIF BAR? Find a Forestry England trail near you, track your run on Strava, and earn rewards while experiencing the joy of running in nature.
For more information and to sign up, visit our website.
Link to CLIF BAR Website: Clif Bar | Clif Bar
Notes to Editor
- Images are available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright.
- Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 285 million visits in 2023/24. As England’s largest land manager, we shape landscapes and enhance forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and businesses to grow. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:
- create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests
- increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests
- plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high quality, predominantly broadleaf woodlands
For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
Media contact:
Forestry England press office| media@forestryengland.uk |