Getting into trail running can feel daunting at first — the steep climbs, uneven terrain, and remote locations might seem a world away from the safety of the local park run or urban pavement.
But events like the Due North race series, set in the rolling green limestone countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, are doing a brilliant job of making the sport feel accessible and welcoming for runners of all levels.
One of the reasons these races are such a positive gateway into trail running is their atmosphere. There’s no pressure to be fast or ultra-fit — just a shared appreciation for fresh air, open landscapes, and good company.
Runners are encouraged to enjoy the experience rather than obsess over pace or placement. That ethos is especially valuable for first-timers, who might be unsure whether trail running is for them.
Groups like Muslim Runners (below) are also playing a vital role in broadening access to the sport. By creating a safe, inclusive space for people who may not have seen themselves reflected in traditional running scenes, they’re helping to shift the culture of trail running toward something more diverse and community-driven.
When members of Muslim Runners recently took part in their first trail running event at Kettlewell, it wasn’t just about ticking off a personal challenge — it was about opening the door for others to follow.
It’s easy to underestimate the power of representation and community when starting something new, but they make all the difference. Seeing a group of friendly, supportive people from Muslim Runners out on the trails sends a strong message: you don’t have to look or run a certain way to belong here.
And with events like Due North providing the kind of environment where everyone — from seasoned fell runners to complete beginners — feels welcome, it’s no surprise more people are giving trail running a go.
To get a better sense of what that first trail experience was like, we spoke with Mubarak Sheikh — known to his friends as “Quack” — about how it felt to swap city streets for countryside climbs, and why trail running might be the next big step for more people than you think.
How much do you enjoy running off-road in places like the Yorkshire Dales?
Trail Running is beautiful, we absolutely love it. There’s something peaceful and energising about being out in nature; there's a deep sense of freedom where everything is slowed down. Kettlewell was stunning and really reminded us why we enjoy trail running.
With over 900m of ascent, that’s a challenging course! How tough was it on the legs?
It was definitely tough! The climbs were relentless in parts, but the views and sense of achievement made it all worth it. It’s the kind of course that pushes you really hard but leaves you feeling accomplished.
You took part in this event with your wife. How enjoyable was it to run together?
It was really special. As a couple, it's a great way to connect from our busy day jobs, support each other, and share the experience, both the hard bits and the amazing scenery, which made it even more memorable for us.
It wasn’t about personal bests but more about completing a tough course, enjoying and embracing the spectacular views. We can’t wait to come back and do it all again next year!
How would you describe the atmosphere to someone who hasn't attended one of these events?
It’s incredibly welcoming and everyone’s supportive. Whether you’re a seasoned fell runner or trying it for the first time, it really feels like a community with everyone encouraging each other to the finish line.
How important is using the right kit for a trail race like this?
Trail races definitely require the right gear to handle the terrain and conditions. For us, key pieces included sturdy trail shoes for grip, lightweight but weather-resistant clothing, and small hydration packs to stay fueled and hydrated on the move.
We were fortunate to be gifted some incredible gear from Sportsshoes, including the ASICS Gel Trabuco 13 shoes (below), which made a big difference on the climbs. Having the right kit helps us stay comfortable, confident, and prepared, which is just as important as our fitness when planning for a successful race.
Tell us more about Muslim Runners and the community you’re building…
Muslim Runners is all about empowering underrepresented communities, especially South Asian and Muslim groups, to engage with and thrive in the great outdoors. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to enjoy the benefits of physical activity, nature, and adventure.
We want to inspire many from our communities to lead active lifestyles and push the boundaries of what they can achieve, showing that with support and determination, anything is possible.
How many people from Muslim Runners took part in the Kettlewell event, and how did everyone find the experience?
We had over 15 sign-ups from Muslim Runners for the Kettlewell event, many of whom were first-timers hitting the trails.
The event helped build confidence and a strong sense of community, showing that trail running is accessible and rewarding for everyone. It was inspiring to see how the experience encouraged many to keep exploring the outdoors and take on new challenges beyond the race
Muslim Runners has come a long way in a short space of time. What plans do you have for the rest of 2025?
Muslim Runners has grown rapidly, and we’re excited about what’s next. For the rest of 2025, we plan to get more people involved in trail running and road running events across the country and help the community grow.
Our goal is to inspire and support even more individuals from our communities to embrace an active lifestyle and enjoy the outdoors throughout the year. Keep checking our website activeinclusionnetwork.com
And finally, what advice would you give someone who’s keen to try their first trail race but hasn’t yet signed up?
The beauty of trail running is its serene surroundings and incredible views that make every run feel peaceful and inspiring. If you want to get into it, start by choosing easy trails close to home, wear proper trail shoes for good grip, and take it slow.
Focus on enjoying the scenery and getting comfortable on uneven ground before pushing yourself harder. Joining local running groups or beginner-friendly events can also help you learn and stay motivated.
The Due North Trail Race Series works closely with Sportsshoes.com and ASICS to provide a fantastic, inclusive series of events for runners of all abilities.
The ASICS team was at the Kettlewell event with pairs of both the ASICS Gel Trabuco 13 and ASICS Metafuji Trail for competitors to try on for the day.
The next Due North Trail Series event takes place in Malham on September 6th.
