Trailblaze - How far can You go?

A Truly Ground Breaking Project.

Trailblaze is a brand-new concept designed to test your limits and fire your spirit. This hand-picked portfolio of tough endurance challenges consists of a selection of stunning trails which pass through some of the world’s most demanding and inspiring landscapes.

The trails differ greatly, but the challenge is always the same; travel as far as you can under your own steam in one complete attempt.

As well as earning rewards for reaching important milestones, known as 'hotspots', there are some amazing prizes up for grabs. The further you make it, the better the prizes get, and the greater your chances of winning.

The question is:- How far can you go?

Where are the challenges?

The Trailblaze folio includes a hand-picked selection of the UK’s most stunning fully waymarked routes, the National Trails.

The National Trails are long distance routes that pass through some of the finest landscapes in England and Wales. Use the search facility on the right of this page to select a trail by location or level, or click on "Challenges" at the top of this page to view the complete list.

The Trailblaze portfolio is growing all the time and ultimately will include a varied assortment of the most beautiful trails from across the globe. Keep up with the latest developments by signing up to our Facebook account.

We are currently seeking international partners to help us achieve our mission to create a global network of Trailblaze challenges. To discuss franchise and/or sponsorship opportunities please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Sounds great!.. When can I start?

Whenever you like! Yes you heard right! Whenever you like!

Each Trailblaze challenge is open twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, for three hundred and sixty five days! This gives you the freedom to start whenever it suits you best – either on your own, or with some friends as part of a fun weekend. You can also make as many attempts at a challenge as you like, and you are free to run entirely at your own pace.

The Trailblaze booking system will open on the 19th February 2011. The first ever Trailblaze trail will officially open on a stunning section of the South West Coast Path on the 22nd April 2011 with a fantastic launch event that is open to both members of the press and public.

Trailblaze will open on a total of eight National Trails between April and October 2011, with many more to follow. Click on "Account' at the top of this page to register for exclusive launch offers and keep up to date with all the latest news.

How does it work?

All Trailblazers carry a small timing tag which is sent straight out to you following registration. You must insert the tag into each of the Trailblaze checkpoints that are located at regular intervals along the trail. Your tag records a list of all of the checkpoints you visit and the times that you visit them.

Once you have finished your results appear in an online leader board as proof of your achievement and a target for your friends and rivals to better.

How far are the hotspots?

Comparing one trail with another is like comparing apples with oranges, some are hilly, some are flat, some are rocky, some are boggy. But we have taken all these things into consideration when planning the checkpoints so you can be sure that earning the green, blue, orange, red or black wristband is going to be just as hard whichever trail you do. The table below gives you a rough idea of the distance from the start of each of the hotspots.

Each trail is represented by a simple to understand schematic diagram that allows you to see the relative distances of each checkpoint or hotspot, the prizes available at each, who the current fastest is, and the names of all the Trailblazers that have made it there so far.

Why Trailblaze?

Trailblaze challenges are great adventures. Listed below are just ten of the hundreds of reasons to start Trailblazing:-

1. Push your boundaries and test your limits

2. Discover amazing scenery and enjoy stunning views

3. Explore new territories

4. Enjoy a quality experience alone or with a friend

5. Motivate yourself to train

6. Escape the pressures of every day life

7. Improve your endurance. Train and prepare for other events

8. Contribute to the upkeep of the National Trails* network

9. Enjoy yourself! Trailblazing is great fun and highly rewarding

10. Win some fantastic prizes**

* On trails showing the National Trails logo 20% of your entry fee contributes directly to the upkeep of the 2,500 miles (4,000km) of National Trail in England and Wales.

**Unlike ordinary running events where prizes always seem to go to those same few racing snakes who win time and again, Trailblaze is much fairer and gives everyone who takes part an equal opportunity to win regardless of speed.

What a great idea! Who is behind it?

Trailblaze has been created by a small team of trail runners, who feel passionately that the joy of running is amplified considerably when combined with beautiful surroundings and epic views.

This is the same team behind the Endurancelife event portfolio, with a huge wealth of experience when it comes to creating and managing tough events in inspiring locations, you can be sure of a top quality experience, from Start to Finish.