Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, as Love Trails Festival returns to the breathtaking Gower Peninsula in July, promising an unforgettable experience that’s not just for runners! Set against the backdrop of lush green landscapes and pristine beaches, this year’s Love Trails Festival is all about embracing the great outdoors, celebrating music, adventure activities, trail running, movement and yoga.
Taking place on 11-14 July, Love Trails Festival 2024 is the ultimate summer getaway, perfect for those who want to escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in a weekend of fun and discovery.
Known as the world’s first running & music festival, the festival offers outdoor runs exploring the amazing local trails (with distances and paces for all abilities), while the event has grown to offer hiking and swimming adventures, a whole range of movement workshops, and even action sports activities. This event is not just for seasoned runners – it’s for anyone who’s up for great music, good vibes, and a whole lot of adventure.
Music that Moves You: Get ready to dance your heart out under the night sky with a killer lineup of live bands and DJs. Love Trails offers an eclectic mix of genres, from high energy house and drum & bass, through to folk, jazz and afrobeat. 2023 saw headliners including High Contrast, Biig Piig and Barry Can’t Swim, with 2024’s line-up yet to be announced.
Adventure Awaits: The Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers a multitude of adventures. Try your hand at surfing, paddleboarding, or rock climbing. Not feeling too adventurous? Relax on the beach, take in the stunning coastal views, explore the charming villages nearby or just soak in the wood-fired hot tubs on the festival site. There’s something for everyone!
Trail Running for All: Love Trails Festival offers a variety of running options suitable for all levels. You can join guided runs, enjoy stunning coastal routes, or simply take a leisurely jog through the lush trails. It’s all about celebrating movement, nature, and the joy of running.
Yoga, Movement & Mindfulness: Take a breather and center yourself with daily yoga sessions and movement workshops set against the backdrop of the Gower’s serene beauty. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a complete beginner, these sessions will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
Lucy Bartholomew, Ryan Sandes, Billy Yang, Sophie Power, Anya Culling, Mark White, Emma Stuart, Andre Coggins, Midnight Runners, The Outrunners and Friday Night Lights are among the speakers and run crews confirmed for 2024.
Lace up your trail shoes and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Love Trails Festival 2024! This year’s running line-up is a celebration of the passion for trail running, bringing together elite athletes, runs for all abilities, inspiring talks, gripping adventure films, hands-on workshops, and captivating speakers.
Love Trails is the world’s first trail running and music festival, transforming the Gower Peninsula, Wales into a natural playground for revellers and adventure junkies alike. Combining the collective euphoria of watching live music on a big stage, the ‘runner’s high’ and the liberating freedom of the rugged Welsh coastline, it’s a magical event like no other.
So what’s in store over the weekend?
🌍 **Elite Athletes Unite:**
Prepare to be awe-inspired as the Love Trails Festival welcomes elite athletes from the world of trail running. International trail running sensations Lucy Barthlomew and Ryan Sandes are among those confirmed to talk at the festival, joining them over the weekend will be England marathon runner, Anya Culling and SheRACES founder Sophie Power. These trailblazers will share their experiences, tips, and stories that have fueled their remarkable journeys. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a beginner, there’s something to learn from these running legends.
🏞️ **Runs for All Abilities:**
The Love Trails Festival is committed to inclusivity, offering a variety of runs catering to all abilities. From scenic beginner-friendly routes to challenging trails that will test even the most seasoned runners, there’s a run for everyone.
This year there will be a number of timed runs, participants will be able to run, jog or hike a 5km, 10km, ultra trail race or the Love Trails® Festival 25km Golden Trail Race which is officially being added as part of the Salomon Golden Trail Race Series.
There will also be a number of new multi-discipline runs, which combine combine running with other unique experiences. Rack up some mindful miles with a guided meditative run, join an immersive guided trail run with movement puzzles, locomotion, breathwork, play and connection or take part in run to wild swim.
For those who are in it for the music, you’re in luck. We’ve got a special guest DJ lined-up to head out on a run with you – and to bring the vibes afterwards.
And once again, Midnight Runners will be bringing people together as they kick start the party with their iconic 5km, bootcamp run. Think boomboxes, beats and burpees to get you pumped ahead of a stellar music line-up.
🎤 **Inspiring Talks & Speakers:**
Immerse yourself in a world of inspiration with our line-up of captivating speakers. From renowned athletes, through to scientists, practitioners and adventurers, each speaker has a unique story to share. Look forward to insightful discussions on topics ranging from mental toughness, gratitude and inclusion, through to nutrition and training and gain valuable insights that will elevate your running experience.
🎥 **Gripping Running & Adventure Films:**
Get ready for a cinematic experience like no other. The Love Trails Festival will showcase gripping running films that capture the essence of the trail running community. Be prepared to be transported to breathtaking landscapes, witness incredible feats, and feel the adrenaline of the trails on the big screen.
🏃🏾 **Hands-On Workshops:**
Enhance your trail running skills with hands-on workshops led by experts. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique, learn about gear essentials, or delve into the world of trail nutrition, our workshops provide a unique opportunity to refine your craft and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
🗣️ **Featured Speakers:**
Among the standout speakers at this year’s Love Trails Festival are:
🌟Lucy Bartholomew – Australian ultra-runner sponsored by Salomon, known for plant-based lifestyle, achievements in various ultra races.
🌟Allie Bailey – ultrarunner who has finished over 200 marathons and ultramarathons all over the world. The first woman to run 100 miles across frozen Lake Khövsgöl in Mongolia and to run the full length of the Panama Canal.
🌟Anya Culling – Elite athlete, lululemon sponsored, England marathon representative, LiRF running coach.
🌟Billy Yang – Renowned filmmaker and storyteller in the trail and ultra running community, known for capturing the essence of the sport.
🌟Sophie Power – GB ultrarunner, founder of SheRACES, advocate for women’s rights in sports, winner of the 2023 24-hour World Championships.
🌟Ryan Sandes – International trail running sensation, winner of all 4 races in the 4 Desert Series, accomplished ultrarunner.
🌟Trina Dawkins – Blogger, ultra-runner, advocate for health and well-being through movement, focusing on inclusivity.
🌟Bethan Taylor-Swaine – Feminist sociologist of sport, Ph.D. in women’s representations and identities in ultra-marathon, advocate for inclusion and diversity.
🌟Mark White – Founder of Run Grateful & Your Town Runners, social entrepreneur, impacting the world positively, sober life advocate.
🌟Emma Stuart – Ultramarathoner with wins in events like Lakeland 50 and TOR330, farm animal veterinary surgeon, advocate for mental training in running.
🌟Hillary Allen – Trail runner and motivational speaker, overcame severe injuries to continue pursuing athletic goals.
🌟Simon James – International Mountain Leader, Alpine Trail Running Guide, Running Coach, founder of Run the Wild, outdoor enthusiast.
🌟Andre Coggins – Part of Mafia Moves, a community promoting movement, experiences, education, and empowerment through running.
🌟Matt Bagwell – Co-founder of Oxygen Advantage™, ultramarathon runner, breath training coach, advocate for well-being and performance.
No matter your fitness level or your love for running, this event promises to be an extraordinary experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Gower Peninsula.
For more information and to book your tickets, visit lovetrailsfestival.co.uk. Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime.
