The popular Sperrin Harriers Winter League will not take place this season as key forest trails are still unsafe and out of action.
In a statement on the club’s Facebook page, organisers confirmed that “unfortunately Sperrin Harriers are unable to host the winter league race series for 2025/2026.” The decision follows extensive storm damage earlier this year which left large sections of forest trails unusable. After discussions with the forestry service, the club was advised that clean-up and repair work will take several more months, ruling out the usual winter schedule.
The Winter League has become a fixture on the running calendar across Mid-Ulster and beyond, drawing club runners and newcomers alike for a series of trail races through the colder months. Traditionally, the league provides runners with a chance to maintain fitness and motivation when daylight is short and road races are scarce. Many athletes use the series as a springboard towards spring marathons and half marathons.
Club officials acknowledged the disappointment for regular participants. “We know this news is disappointing as the winter league is always a great event to get runners through the winter months and help to build up training for upcoming race events in the spring,” the post read.
The Sperrin Harriers added that they hope to bring the Winter League back in 2026/27, but the timeline depends on forestry service progress. “We hope we can continue back with the winter league again next year, but we will have to rely on updates from the forestry services,” they wrote.
While this year’s cancellation leaves a gap in the local trail-running scene, the club hinted at fresh plans to keep runners engaged. “Don’t worry, we have some very exciting news coming soon regarding a new exciting race event we are planning,” the statement concluded, complete with a row of smiling emojis.
The Sperrin Harriers Winter League typically includes a series of off-road races held across scenic forest locations in Counties Tyrone and Londonderry, renowned for their friendly atmosphere and challenging terrain. Last year’s edition attracted hundreds of runners from across Northern Ireland.
Runners hoping for a winter challenge will need to look elsewhere for now, but the club’s promise of an upcoming event offers a glimmer of good news. Details of that new race are expected to be announced on the club’s social media in the coming weeks.
For updates on the future of the Winter League and the new event in the pipeline, keep an eye on the Sperrin Harriers Facebook page