Protein Rebel Running Festival 2026

Date: Sunday 7th June 2026

Official miles: 5 miles 

Strava says: 5.5 miles

Elevation: 344 ft / 105 m

Weather: light shower then clear

Start: Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre

Route type: 2 loops

Conditions: soft

Website link: Protein Rebel Running Festival

Describe the route in three words: mixed trail fun

Protein Rebel Running Festival

I was delighted to be invited to be on the panel of speakers at the Protein Rebel Running Festival this year and I would be mad not to participate in the 5 mile trail race beforehand. 5 mile races are certainly not my forte but luckily for me, Sarah Page and I got chatting on the start line and we ended up sticking together for the whole thing… well I should say that Sarah decided to stick with me! There were many an opportunity where she could have left me for dust but clearly my incredible conversation was just too good for her to finish up in front of me. Phrases I found myself saying:

“I normally walk up these!” (referring to a hill)

“Can you tell me your life story rather than ask my questions? I need to breath!”

“Oh my gosh we’ve only done 2 miles we have to go round again?”

“I never normally run this fast!”

“My shoelace has come undone, I’ll have to style it out to the finish”

“This is the point where you could run off and leave me for dust”

Thank you Sarah for dragging me round and keeping me distracted with chit chat!

The route was really enjoyable, a mixture of sandy tracks, grass, gravel and a fabulous windy bit through some trees. Sarah and I came in joint second ladies and I could see the clock ticking close to 45 minutes so we agreed to up the pace a bit to see if I could get in just under 45 minutes, which I did! All runners received the most incredible good bag which included Protein Rebel products (one of each of their gels and Sustain electrolytes), a gel flask, hydration flask, wooden keyring, Twisted Running discount voucher and a Buds Balm which I have used a lot since and really like it!

I was delighted that my niece Lucy decided to do the run too, it was her longest run to date, very proud of her!

After the race, I was on a panel with Dr Hussain Al-Zubaini, Sarah Page and Alex Sweet. We were interviewed by Rob and Emma from the Couch to Coached Podcast and discussed all things ultra, backyard, nutrition and training.

Don’t forget, if you would like 15% off your first order at Protein Rebel, use the discount code LizzieG15

Results

Chip time: 44m 58s

Overall: 18 /88

Lady: 2 / 43

Strava link: click here

Protein Rebel Running Festival 5 mile trail run results: click here

Write up on Hart Road Runners Blog – click here