Sophie Power's top tips for hitting the trails

Thinking about trying trail running or looking for running trails near you? As a finisher of the famous UTMB, Marathon Des Sables and Spine Fusion, Sophie Power has many accolades to her name across both the roads and trails. But she says trail running is where you can slow down, explore, and truly enjoy your surroundings.

Hear from British ultramarathon runner and founder of SheRACES as she explains her top tips for getting into trail running and finding running trails near you.

How can I find running trails near me?

If you’re searching for running trails near you, there are plenty of ways to discover new routes and enjoy trail running in your local area. Sophie suggests downloading the OS map app, which is an accurate map brought to you by Ordnance Survey that shows you all the footpaths in your local area.

As a RUN:EA member, you can get an exclusive 30% discount on OS Maps, making it even easier to find running trails near you and plan your trail running routes!

"You can plan routes, you can navigate routes if you're not used to map reading. If I want to find running trails near me and I don't know where the local trails are that's a great way to find routes around your local area."

Why not try to walk them first with your kids or friends to get used to the route? Then it's something you can run. This is a great way to build confidence in trail running while getting to know the running trails near you.

Have a go at trail running

Trail running is very different from road running. So, switch the pace right off. Sophie explains:

"I run races on trail kind of a fraction the pace I'd run them on road if they're muddy or hilly. Everyone walks the hills, so never be afraid of walking the hills. It's a great time to refuel when you're on the hill."

Sign up for a trail running event near you

"Have a trail running race to train for and have that to look forward to, - but don't have a time goal, have an enjoyment goal. It's completely different to road running. It's so much more fun."

Finding trail running events or running trails near you can help you stay motivated and give you a goal to work towards.

Sophie is the founder of SheRACES which helps event organisers understand how to make their events more inclusive and gives women equal opportunities to race and have a fair experience. Accredited SheRACES include a women's event on 5 July in the Surrey Hills, covering 10k, 25k, and 50k distances with no cutoffs. She says it's a great opportunity to sign up for a really inclusive event. Plus, there's Haribo at eight stations, which is the most important thing to her!

Sophie summarises:

"It's just a great way to get out in nature, enjoy the countryside, and just take the pressure off your running a little."

Ready to start trail running? Discover running trails near you, build confidence on new terrain, and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace.

For more trail running tips, exclusive benefits like 30% off OS Maps, and expert support on finding running trails near you, visit RUN:EA and sign up for a membership today.