Nights in the Forest Easter Schedule

Nights in the Forest does not have a fixed annual Easter schedule; the event runs on a rotating set of dates each year, and Easter dates are announced roughly 2–3 months in advance on the official website and social media. To find the exact Easter dates for the current year, you must check the official event calendar, as they are not published more than a year ahead.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a run or walk. The formulas are:

Pace = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)

Speed = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where:

• Finish time (t) – total minutes from start to finish
• Distance (d) – length of the course in kilometres
• Pace – minutes per kilometre (min/km)
• Speed – kilometres per hour (km/h)

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km

Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows an average pace of 5.00 min/km and an average speed of 12.00 km/h.

What the Event Actually Is

Nights in the Forest is a night-time running and walking event held in forest locations across the UK. Participants choose a distance – typically 5 km, 10 km, half marathon, or full marathon – and complete loops on a marked trail after dark. The course is lit by glow sticks, headlamps are required, and there are aid stations at regular intervals. It is not a competitive race in the traditional sense; most people run or walk at their own pace, and the atmosphere is described as friendly and supportive.

The event is organised by a company that runs similar night trail events in different parks. Each venue has its own course, and the number of laps depends on the distance you choose. For example, a 10 km race might be two laps of a 5 km loop, while a marathon could be eight laps of the same loop. The exact route is published before the event, but it is always on forest trails, not roads.

How Easter Dates Are Set

Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, so it can occur anywhere between 22 March and 25 April. Nights in the Forest typically schedules one or two events during the Easter weekend, but the exact date depends on the venue and the calendar. Historically, they have held events on Easter Saturday or Easter Sunday, but this is not guaranteed every year.

Announcements are usually made in January or February for the upcoming spring season. The official website has a “Events� or “Calendar� page where you can filter by month. Social media posts also announce when booking opens. If you are planning ahead, the safest approach is to check the website in early January and sign up for their newsletter, which sends out date announcements directly.

How to Find the Exact Easter Schedule

To get the precise Easter dates for the current year:

1. Go to the official Nights in the Forest website.
2. Click on the “Events� or “Races� menu item.
3. Select the venue you are interested in – they have events at multiple forests.
4. Look for the date list; Easter events are usually labelled with the holiday name.
5. If no Easter date is shown, it means the event is not scheduled for that weekend at that venue.

You can also follow their official Facebook or Instagram page, where they post a “season launch� graphic with all dates. Some third-party race listing sites (like RunBritain or SiEntries) also show the events, but the official site is the only reliable source.

Common Misconception: Easter Means a Special Theme

Many people assume that an Easter weekend event has chocolate eggs, bunny costumes, or a special medal. In reality, Nights in the Forest does not run a themed Easter edition. The event is identical to any other weekend – same course, same glow sticks, same medal. The only difference is the date. If you are hoping for an Easter egg at the finish line, you will be disappointed. However, the aid stations do usually have sweets, and some participants bring their own treats to share.

Another misconception is that the event is cancelled if it rains. It is not – the event runs in all weather except extreme conditions like thunderstorms or high winds. The trail can be muddy, so trail shoes are recommended. If the event is cancelled due to weather, you are usually offered a transfer to another date or a refund, but this is at the organiser’s discretion.

How to Choose Your Distance and Prepare

If you are new to night trail running, start with the 5 km or 10 km distance. The course is well-marked, but it is still dark and uneven underfoot. For longer distances, you need to train on similar terrain and practise running with a headlamp. The event provides glow sticks on the course, but you must bring your own headlamp – it is mandatory. A spare battery or a backup light is strongly advised.

Your average pace matters for planning, especially for longer distances. Use the calculator above to estimate your finish time based on your training pace. For example, if you run 10 km in 50 minutes, your pace is 5 min/km. For a half marathon (21.1 km), that would be roughly 1 hour 45 minutes, not counting aid station stops. The aid stations are every 5 km, so add 1–2 minutes per stop if you plan to pause.

Costs and Booking

Entry fees vary by distance and venue, but typically range from £25 for a 5 km to £55 for a full marathon. Booking opens months in advance, and popular venues sell out quickly, especially for Easter weekend. There is no on-the-day entry – you must register online beforehand. Late entries, if available, usually cost more. Check the official website for the exact pricing for your chosen event.

If you cannot attend after booking, most events allow you to transfer your place to another person for a small fee, or defer to a later event. Refunds are rarely given, so read the terms before buying. Some participants also choose to fundraise for charity, and the event has a charity entry option that may have a lower upfront fee but a minimum fundraising pledge.

Safety and What to Bring

Safety is the organiser’s priority, but you are responsible for your own gear. The mandatory kit list includes:

• A working headlamp (min 100 lumens recommended)
• A backup light or spare batteries
• Trail or off-road running shoes
• A waterproof jacket (UK weather is unpredictable)
• A mobile phone in a waterproof case

The course is marshalled and there are first-aid stations, but you should not rely on them for minor issues. Tell someone your estimated finish time, and carry a small amount of food if you are doing the marathon. The event provides water and energy drinks at aid stations, but not gels or solid food beyond sweets and fruit.

If you feel unwell during the event, stop at the next aid station and tell a marshal. Hypothermia is a real risk on cold, wet nights – wear layers and avoid cotton, which stays wet. The organisers will close the course after a set cut-off time (usually 6–7 hours for the marathon), so maintain a pace that lets you finish within that limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an Easter event every year?
Not necessarily. Nights in the Forest schedules events based on venue availability and demand. Some years there is an Easter weekend event, some years there is not. Always check the official calendar for the current year.

Can I walk the event?
Yes, walking is allowed and encouraged. The event is not timed competitively, and many participants walk the 5 km or 10 km distances. For longer distances, you must maintain a pace that beats the cut-off time, which is usually around 15 minutes per km.

What happens if it rains?
The event goes ahead in rain. Only extreme weather (lightning, high winds, or flooding) causes cancellation. If cancelled, you are typically offered a transfer to another date or a partial refund, but this is decided by the organiser on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to bring my own headlamp?
Yes, a headlamp is mandatory. The course is lit with glow sticks, but they are not bright enough to run by. You will not be allowed to start without a headlamp.

Are there age limits?
Yes, participants must be at least 15 years old for the 5 km, 16 for 10 km, and 18 for half marathon and above. Proof of age may be required at registration.

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?
Generally no, but you can transfer your entry to another person or defer to a later event, subject to a small admin fee. Check the terms and conditions for your specific event.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2