We were thrilled to host our fourth annual Trail Run on 25th April 2026 in the beautiful North Norfolk village of Matlaske. The event has become a highlight of the Little Lifts calendar, bringing together an incredible community to support our small but mighty breast cancer charity.
This year, 350 runners and walkers took part in our three trail distances: 10km, 20km, and 30km. Each follows stunning routes through usually private countryside trails and even bluebell woods.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone involved, the event has so far raised more than £25,000, including over £9,000 raised directly by participants through fundraising.
We were delighted to welcome Rogers and Norton, our fantastic race sponsors. Their support meant the event costs were covered, allowing every pound raised to go directly towards supporting people affected by breast cancer.
Members of the team even took on the course themselves! Including Louis (Marketing Manager) and Michele (Director), who ran our 20k route.
Despite a frosty start, the weather could not have been better, with bright sunshine and blue skies throughout the day. The Norfolk countryside looked spectacular, with vibrant yellow rape fields and beautiful bluebell woods creating an unforgettable backdrop for runners and supporters alike.
The day began with energetic warm-ups led by the brilliant Harps, whose music and enthusiasm got everyone ready for the start line.
Watching runners set off in waves was a special moment for the Little Lifts Team after months of planning. As participants disappeared onto the trails, volunteers and organisers worked behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.
We were incredibly lucky to have such fantastic support from our HQ volunteers, who helped manage the raffle, merchandise and cake stalls, where our brand-new boob t-shirts sold out! Huge thanks also go to Jon from Total Race Timing for overseeing the technical side of the event so seamlessly. Our marshals on course made sure everyone taking part was kept safe too!
Waiting for runners to start reaching the finish line is incredibly exciting. As we began spotting them coming through the last 500 metres in the distance, the Little Lifts Team and all the supporters came alive!
It was a fantastic sight to see so many smiling faces as our runners made their way to the end, often holding hands with their friends or colleagues, as they crossed the finish line. And of course… any excuse to get the air horn blasting!
Tor is our new Events Manager, who joined the Little Lifts Team late last year (2025). This was her first event, and she loved every second. She said:
“We cannot thank everyone enough for making this day so fantastic! It really felt like a huge celebration, with a real festival vibe, as people laughed and smiled as they crossed the finish line!
What a day it was! Lots of hard work behind the scenes, and on the day, but so worth it!
Seeing such a wonderful group of people coming together to support our small but mighty charity was so heartwarming. It was just perfect.”
Many of this year’s runners were taking part in support of loved ones affected by breast cancer.
Among them was Will, whose sister Laura and wife Anna also took part after both his mum and Anna’s mum were diagnosed with breast cancer in the same month.
Will said: “I just wanted to send a final thank you to you and the whole team for such an amazing event at the weekend. It was my first ever trail run, and hopefully the first of many. Everything was so well organised, and I absolutely loved the cake stops at the water stations, not to mention the dogs with the volunteers, which were a brilliant morale boost.”
The whole day was summed up perfectly, by another of our incredible runners and fundraisers, Charlie, who said: “…it was such a wholesome day! I could feel so much love and support from each and every person there.”
For the third year in a row, our runners have blown us away with their fundraising efforts! Collectively raising over £9,000 to support people affected by breast cancer. Thank you for going the extra mile to support what we do.
In total, over £25,000 was raised to support people affected by breast cancer. It means so much to us to see a collective of over 400 people enjoying this special event, knowing that their kindness will help us to support hundreds of people facing breast cancer treatment.
Winners of the 10k
Winners of the 20k
Winners of the 30k
Winners of the Team 10k
Winners of the Team 20k
Top Fundraisers
We extend a special thanks to our incredible event sponsors, Rogers & Norton. Without their kindness, this event would not be possible.
It was also wonderful to have members of their team get involved, taking on our trail routes.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr and Mrs Courtauld of Barningham Estate for once again allowing us to use their beautiful land as the start and finish location for the event, with the stunning Barningham Hall providing the now-iconic backdrop to the Trail Run. Big thanks also go to Mannington Hall and Wolterton Hall, along with all the generous landowners who make the event possible.
A huge thanks also goes to Georgie and Jon Rodwell of Norfolk Cordial, whose expert knowledge of the Norfolk trails continues to make this event possible year after year.
Additional thanks go to:
Lastly, we couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. Thank you for keeping our runners safe and motivated.
James, whose team won the 20km Team Challenge, said:
“The Trail Run is always a highlight, and this year was another top event. Your energy certainly helps power the runners over the finish line. Can’t wait to see you again in 2027!!!”
Sounds good to us James!
But for now, if you would like to support our work and help us continue supporting people affected by breast cancer, take a look at the upcoming events on our events page and join us at a future fundraiser:
You can also view and purchase photos from the day by visiting the 2026 Trail Run photo gallery here.
22/05/26