CafeJacs Summer Trail Series

Absolutely. Everyone will receive a finish time, but there is no requirement to treat the event as a competition.

You are welcome to take part simply for an enjoyable Friday evening run, follow the course at your own pace and stay for the social side afterwards.

No. The series is aimed at a broad mix of runners, not just experienced racers.

Some people will be chasing a quick time, while others will be there to enjoy the route, the scenery and the atmosphere. Your pace is your own business.

There is no formal race cut-off. The aim is to give people the freedom to complete the course at a comfortable pace.

We simply ask that everyone makes steady progress around the route and follows any instructions from the event team.

Yes. Walking hills, technical sections or simply taking a breather is completely normal in trail running.

A run-and-walk approach is absolutely fine. If you intend to walk the entire course, please contact us before entering so that we can make sure the event timings will work for you.

Not at all. These events are a good introduction to organised trail running.

You will receive race-day information before the event, the course will be marked and the Trail Monkey team will explain anything important before the start.

Probably, provided you are comfortable covering the distance and are prepared for uneven ground.

Trail running is naturally slower than road running. The routes may include grass, roots, rocks, woodland tracks, hills and short road sections, so there is no need to compare your pace with a road 5km or 10km.

No. You can slow down, walk or stop briefly when needed.

You should, however, be physically capable of covering your chosen distance and comfortable being active on uneven terrain.

No. We expect a mixture of regular trail runners, road runners trying something different and people taking part in their first organised trail event.

Yes. Plenty of people attend Trail Monkey events on their own.

The atmosphere is friendly and informal, and the finish-line tea, cake and social element make it easy to chat with other runners afterwards.

Yes. You can run alongside a friend, provided you are both officially entered and remain considerate of other runners who may wish to pass.

The 5km is the best starting point if you are newer to trail running, returning after a break or unsure how you will find the terrain.

The 10km involves completing two laps and is better suited to runners who are comfortable being active for longer. Trail distances usually take longer than the equivalent distance on the road.

Yes. The routes are approximately 5km, with 10km runners completing two laps.

Yes. You can enter one race, two races or the complete three-race series.

An event T-shirt is included when you enter two or more races, subject to the advertised ordering deadline and size availability.

No. You can choose the distance that suits you for each individual event when entering.

The routes will be approximately 5km and 10km.

Trail courses are measured through natural terrain and may be slightly longer or shorter depending on the final safe and practical route.

Yes. The route will be marked using a combination of signs, arrows and red-and-white tape.

You are still responsible for paying attention and looking for the next marker, particularly at junctions or where the trail changes direction.

If you have not seen a marker for a while, stop and retrace your steps to the last point where you were certain you were on the route.

Do not continue in the hope that the course will eventually reappear. Event contact details and any additional navigation information will be included in the race instructions.

There will be event staff and marshals where they are most useful, particularly around the start, finish and important course locations.

Not every junction will have a person standing at it, so runners must also follow the course markings.

Each venue is different, but courses may include grass, woodland paths, field edges, country tracks, coastal trails, roots, stones, hills and short road sections.

The ground may be dry and firm or slippery and muddy depending on the weather beforehand.

There may be short sections on or across public roads. Roads are not closed for the event, so normal road safety rules apply.

Follow marshal instructions, remain alert and give way to traffic where required.

Trail running events normally continue in typical summer weather, including rain.

If conditions create a genuine safety concern, the route, start arrangements or event may need to be changed. Entrants will be contacted if any significant change is required.

Stop somewhere safe and tell the nearest marshal or another runner. If possible, contact the event team using the number supplied in the race instructions.

Please do not leave the course or go home without telling us, as we need to know that every participant has been accounted for.

Trail shoes are strongly recommended because they provide better grip and stability on uneven ground.

Road shoes may be suitable if conditions are very dry and you are confident on trails, but they may offer less grip on grass, mud, roots and loose surfaces.

No. You do not need expensive clothing, poles or a running vest for a short summer trail race.

Wear comfortable running clothes suitable for the forecast, shoes with suitable grip and bring any water or personal items you expect to need.

You should arrive suitably hydrated and carry water if you think you will need it during the race, particularly in warm weather.

Any race-specific water arrangements will be confirmed in the final event information.

We recommend running without headphones so that you can hear marshals, other runners, traffic and what is happening around you.

If you do use them, keep the volume low and make sure you remain fully aware of your surroundings.

The races are scheduled for summer evenings and most runners should finish in daylight.

If reduced visibility is expected for a particular event, we will include any additional requirements in the pre-race instructions.

All three races are scheduled to start at 6:30pm on Friday evening.

Please arrive early enough to park, collect or prepare your race number and listen to the pre-race briefing. Exact arrival information will be emailed before each race.

Race-number collection arrangements will be confirmed in the event information sent to entrants before each race.

Your race number must be visible while you are taking part.

Parking arrangements vary between the three venues. Full instructions will be emailed before each event.

Some venues have limited space, so entrants may be asked to car-share, use a particular parking area or allow additional time to walk to the start.

Venue-specific toilet information will be included in the final race instructions.

Please check those details before travelling rather than assuming facilities will be immediately beside the start line.

Any bag-drop arrangements will be confirmed for each venue.

Where bags can be left, items will remain entirely at the owner's risk, so please do not bring valuables.

Yes. Each venue will have its own finish-line atmosphere.

St Ouen’s Manor and Hamptonne will include the familiar Trail Monkey tea-and-cake style of finish. Portelet Inn is expected to offer an optional limited post-run food menu at a reduced rate, with final details confirmed closer to the event.

No. You are welcome to head home after finishing.

The social element is there for anyone who would like to stay, have something to eat or drink and spend time with other runners.

Yes. The events are timed and the results will be published online after each race.

No. Timing helps us organise the event and provide results for those who want them, but you do not need to focus on your finishing position or compare yourself with anyone else.

Probably, but there will also be runners throughout the field.

Faster runners are responsible for passing safely and respectfully. If you hear someone approaching from behind, simply allow them room to pass when it is safe to do so.

Someone always finishes last, and it is still a finish.

The event is not only for people chasing podiums or personal bests. Completing the route at a pace that works for you is a perfectly valid reason to take part.

Results will be published on the Trail Monkey results page and emailed to entrants after the event.

Advance entry is strongly recommended and may be required if the event reaches capacity.

Do not rely on being able to enter at the venue. Check the entry page before travelling.

Once the available capacity has been reached, further entries may be closed.

The live capacity information on this page gives an indication of how entries are progressing.

Please contact us as early as possible if you need to change distance.

Changes are subject to available capacity and must be agreed before race day so that the entry and timing records can be updated correctly.

Please contact us rather than simply giving your race number to someone else.

Refunds, deferrals and entry changes are subject to the event terms and the amount of notice provided. Unauthorised transfers are not permitted because the entry contains important identity and emergency information.

Not without an officially approved transfer.

Race numbers are connected to the registered runner's details, so swapping numbers privately can create problems with results, insurance and emergency information.