New Race to Take Place Through Dean Clough and Other Historic Buildings in Halifax

Ever thought a running race could be a history tour? Well, get ready for something completely different. This coming Easter Monday, the town of Halifax is hosting its very first ‘Urban Trail’, a groundbreaking event that will see 500 runners weaving their way not just past, but through some of the most famous and historic buildings in the area.

It’s a race, a fundraiser for a brilliant cause, and a sightseeing trip all rolled into one, and it’s the first of its kind to ever happen in the UK. This special bank holiday event is shaping up to be an unforgettable day for the whole town.

What is an urban trail?

It sounds a bit fancy, but the idea is actually pretty simple and a lot of fun. The concept comes from France, where ‘trails urbains’ are hugely popular. Instead of just pounding the pavements on a set road course, an urban trail shakes things up by making the city’s landmarks part of the track itself. Imagine a normal 10k race, but instead of just running past the local cathedral, the route takes a detour right through the main entrance and out the other side. That’s the unique twist of this event.

The course for the Halifax race will guide runners through the doors of magnificent buildings, down ancient corridors, and across spectacular galleries. It's a chance to see the town's heritage from a completely new perspective, with the sound of trainers echoing where footsteps have fallen for centuries. The entire event is a fantastic fundraiser designed to collect much-needed money for Overgate Hospice, adding a powerful community purpose to this exciting race.

A route that runs through history

The planned race route is a spectacular showcase of Halifax’s finest architecture and history. Starting at 9:30 am in Shibden Park, the 500 runners will embark on a journey that blends parkland paths with urban streets before heading indoors. The list of participating buildings reads like a 'best of' list for the town. The historic estates on the course include the iconic Dean Clough, the beautiful Shibden Hall, the magnificent Halifax Minster, the world-famous Piece Hall, and the grand Town Hall. Each of these historic buildings will open its doors to the runners. Can you picture it? One moment, a participant is navigating a street in the town, the next they are dashing through the stunning art galleries at Dean Clough or experiencing the incredible atmosphere of the Piece Hall from a runner's point of view. It’s a unique experience that connects the competitors directly with the amazing heritage of Halifax. The organisers hope this innovative route will capture the imagination of everyone involved.

An idea that captured the town's imagination

An event like this doesn't just happen overnight. It has taken more than a year of careful planning to bring this French-inspired race to Halifax. Race Director Andrew Bibby has been thrilled by the reaction from the town. He said: “The idea of an urban trail like this has obviously completely captured people’s imaginations, and we’ve been blown away by the response we’ve received. We’re looking forward to a really special bank holiday event in the town which will show off everything that Halifax has to offer and of course raise much needed funds for Overgate.”

Getting permission to have hundreds of runners stream through precious historic buildings might seem like a tough ask. But the support has been overwhelming. “Not everyone might be expected to agree to have 500 sweaty runners running through their buildings, but without exception we’ve had nothing but support and co-operation,” he adds. To make sure everything runs smoothly and safely, sixty marshals, including volunteers from the Halifax Rotary Club, will be positioned along the route to guide the runners and manage the crowds.

Dean Clough welcomes the race

One of the standout locations on the route is the incredible Dean Clough complex. Once the world's largest carpet factory, it has been transformed into a bustling centre for business and arts. Jeremy Hall, Chairman and Managing Director at Dean Clough, shared his excitement for the event. He said, "We are delighted to be a host venue for this fantastically creative new race in Halifax.

It is such a wonderful idea to organise this very worthy fundraiser with a running event that passes through some of the finest heritage estates in our town. We are looking forward to showcasing how Dean Clough has been transformed from what was once the largest carpet manufacturing business in the world, to become a thriving and award winning new business and visitor destination." This part of the race will be a highlight for spectators too, as friends and family can watch the runners pass through the impressive art galleries inside the former mill buildings.

Cheer on the runners this Easter Monday

Unsurprisingly, all 500 entries for this unique race were snapped up quickly. The event is officially full. But, for any latecomers hoping for a last-minute spot, there's a waiting list. As with any big race, a few runners might have to pull out due to an unexpected injury, so a few places could become available. Even if you don't have your running shoes on, the organisers are calling for the people of Halifax to come out and support the event. Spectators are encouraged to line the route and cheer everyone on.

Key viewing spots will be at the historic buildings themselves, particularly the Piece Hall, Halifax Minster, the Town Hall, and Dean Clough. Residents along the route, which includes streets near Bank Top Southowram, Akroyd Park, and Claremount Rd, are also invited to step outside and make some noise. It’s set to be a brilliant atmosphere for a fantastic cause, making this Easter Monday a bank holiday to remember.

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