Black Trail Runners Charity registration number: 1194094 Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025 ## **Black Trail Runners** ## **Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Contents** |Trustees report|Page 1| |---|---| |Independent examiner's report|Page 7| |Receipts and payments accounts|Page 8| |Statement of assets and liabilities|Page 9| |Notes to the accounts|Page 10| _Page 1_ ## **Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Trustees annual report** ## **Section A: Reference and administration details** **Charity registration number** 1194094 **Principal address** 7 Bell Yard London WC2A 2JR **Trustees** Malcolm Allen _Resigned 9 April 2025_ Sabrina Pace-Humphreys _Resigned 31 July 2024_ Simbarashe Mugomba Phil Young Grace Natoli Renee McGregor _Resigned 14 October 2025_ Mzukisi Tandathu _Resigned 25 April 2025_ Kester Webb _Appointed 13 October 2025_ Andy Quicke _Appointed 13 October 2025_ Liam Cooper-King _Appointed 22 November 2025_ Leah Scott _Appointed 22 November 2025_ **Professional advisors** Baljit Chohan _Legal advisor_ Kirsty McDonald _Independent examiner_ ## **Section B: Structure, governanace and management** ## _Governing document_ Black Trail Runners (“the charity”) is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), not having share capital. It operates in accordance with a constitution adopted 15 April 2021. If the charity is wound up, the members have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities. ## _Management_ The trustees make the key decisions about the conduct of the charity. The trustees give their time voluntarily and do not receive any remuneration for acting as trustees to the charity. The day-to-day management of the charity is carried out by the trustees, supported by a self employed Chief Operating Officer, Community Administrator and a Social Media Manager. In order to deliver on its objectives to encourage the participation of members of the Afro Caribbean community in trail running, the charity enlists the services of four England Athletics qualified run leaders who lead on community social runs on a self employed basis. _Page 2_ ## **Black Trail Runners** ## **Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Trustees annual report (continued)** ## _Recruitment and appointment of trustees_ Trustees are appointed in accordance with the charity’s governing document which states that there must be a minimum of five charity trustees. Members and trustees are responsible for the appointment of new trustees. The trustees have complete control of the application of funds and how the budget is apportioned and spent. Each trustee is made aware of their duties as a trustee upon appointment and accepts their responsibility to keep up to date with changes in statutory requirements that affect the role and responsibilities of trustees. Upon appointment a new trustee will be provided with: - a copy of the current version of the constitution; - a copy of the charity’s latest report to the Charity Commission and the statement of accounts; and - the charity’s business plan ## _Risk management_ Business decisions and the associated risk factors are discussed and considered at monthly meetings. As part of this process the internal controls that are in place are reviewed. Internal control risks are minimised by a clear system of delegated authority and control, and procedures for the authorisation of all financial transactions. The trustees are satisfied that these are currently adequate to manage and reduce the risks identified. ## **Section C: Objectives and activities** ## _Charity objectives_ The object of the CIO is the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation for members of the Afro-Caribbean community by the provision of facilities for trail running. The charity does this by addressing three critical areas that create barriers to inclusion and participation for our members. These are in the fields of: **Access, Skills, and Representation** . _Page 3_ ## **Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Trustees annual report (continued)** ## _Activities undertaken to meet charity objectives_ The main activities undertaken during the 2024/2025 financial year which address the charity's objects and critical areas include: **Black to the Trails** – On 11th May 2024 Black to the Trails took place once again. Statistics show that it is still the United Kingdom’s most ethnically diverse trail running event. The trail running festival - an event concept ideated by Black Trail Runners - is run by the charity for Black and People of Colour as well as white allies who want to see a more ethnically diverse trail running sector and UK outdoors. Black to the Trails is a carnival of trail running featuring four accessible races, food, music and entertainment for the cultures represented. The event brings together not just individuals but communities from across the UK who have - to date - not been catered for in the trail running industry. Black to the Trails sold out months in advance and is a must-attend event in the trail running calendar. The event, held at National Trust Dunstable Downs Estate, attracted 70% ethnically diverse people and 70% female participants. **Black Trail Runners Social Runs** – We hosted a variety of social runs, led by England Athletics qualified Black Trail Runners BTR social run leaders. These runs provided opportunities for both existing - and new - members of our community to explore the trails together at various locations. In total 35 Black Trail Runners social runs were held in London, Birmingham, Sussex, Bristol and Cardiff engaging 266 participants in total. **Trail Taster Day** – We hosted a trail taster day in January 2025 that focussed on pole running. This was a skill that members highlighted as an area of weakness. We partnered with Camino Ultra and My Race Kit on this event. 32 Black Trail Runners members attended. Our community partner, Adidas, was also present with their Test and Trial Van. **Partner Races** – We benefited from partnerships with various race organisers. Due to our work, we have built relationships with event organisers which mean - as part of a package of initiatives - we were offered discounted and free entries. These spaces were offered to members based on various criteria such as ability, ethnicity or if they have benefited from the scheme in the past. In the period we promoted 20 x partner events to our members. **Infinite Trails** – An international mountain trail event and the flagship European trail race funded by Adidas TERREX, Black Trail Runners main sponsor . A Black Trail Runners team is invited each year as a guest of TERREX to test the ability of the Black Trail Runners community against elite global talent. In 2024, three Black Trail Runners were invited to experience the 'entry' event of a 15km mountain race. Their efforts were documented in film and photography and shared across numerous social channels to inspire the Black running community and beyond. All athletes were shown the potential of MTN running and exposed to landscapes and cultures that expanded their understanding of landscapes and geography. _Page 4_ ## **Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Trustees annual report (continued)** **Kit Loan Scheme** – The financial resource involved in purchasing trail running kit is a barrier to entry for some of our members. We allocate funding to purchase products that are available for members to loan for trail events. Our kit scheme currently consists of a tent, poles, rucksacks, head torches, compasses etc. This scheme is promoted to members via social channels. The scheme was used during this period. **Race Fund** – A race fund is available to members following a simple application process. Due to the financial outlay of participating in some trail events – transportation, kit, registration fees etc – often being high, we offer our members a contribution to partial, or full, costs. We continued to invite applications to be made. **Speaking Engagements** – Members and trustees were invited to speak about the objective of the charity, initiatives worked upon and future plans at a variety of festivals, shows and community events including Kendal Mountain Festival. **LiRF and CiRF Qualifications** – Data shows that there is a lack of representation when it comes to Run Leaders and Run Coaches of Black ethnicity. We promoted the opportunity for our members to request financial support to undertake UK Athletics Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) and Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) qualifications. The aim being to upskill our members to increase representation of run leaders and coaches of Black ethnicity within the sector. Once qualified they are also invited to apply to become a Black Trail Runners Social Run Leader (a paid for position) lending their skills to our community members who are looking for expert advice. **Black Trail Runners Merchandise** – A selection of ‘original’ t-shirts, vests, hoodies, socks and head wraps are available to members to purchase via our website. Also, as part of our partnership with Adidas TERREX, we are also able to offer co-branded Black Trail Runners merchandise via a 3rd party website which is linked to www.blacktrailrunners.run. These branded goods allow our members to further represent the charity when at trail running events and promote the importance of community cohesion and representation. ## _Public benefit statement_ The trustees of the charity have given due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and have taken reasonable steps to ensure that this guidance has been considered in the activities undertaken by the charity to deliver its charitable purposes. The charity delivers a benefit to the public through the pursuance of its principal objects: To promote the activity of trail running to members of Afro Caribbean descent by working on initiatives that address Access, Skills and Representation barriers. _Page 5_ ## **Black Trail Runners** ## **Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Trustees annual report (continued)** ## _Financial period_ 2024/2025 was the charity’s fourth financial period. Its focus was to continue building its community of members and, through positive promotion of the mission and objectives, to continue to ignite and build relationships with potential funding bodies, sector organisations and private entities who might want to allocate funding to the charity and therefore play an important role in encouraging more people of Afro Caribbean descent to the activity of trail running. ## **Section D: Achievements and performance** The trustees consider the key achievements to include the following: **Black to the Trails** – The charity ideated, planned and managed another succesful delivery of the United Kingdom’s most ethnically diverse trail running event - Black to the Trails. The event attracted 70% people from ethnically diverse communities and 70% female participants - figures never before seen at a UK trail running event. The ongoing success of this event is instrumental in the charity continuing to secure funding for future events and to sustain growth goals. Black to the Trails is the charity's highlight annual mass-participation event. **BTR Partnership Scheme** - In January 2025 we launched a tiered Black Trail Runners partnership scheme. This scheme creates an opportunity for commited event organisers to work closely with us to further engage Black and People of Colour in trail running. The scheme consists of three levels: Gold, Silver and Brronze - with a different commitment from both the charity and the event partner for each. To March 2025, 7 event organisers have signed up as are official partners. **Membership Numbers** – To 31 March 2025, 1440 people are active registered members of our community and campaigning charity. This period saw memberships growth of 47.24%. We also saw continued growth across our social media channels including Instagram, Strava and Facebook. **Access** – Through our activities we have enabled members to explore outdoor spaces never visited before due to issues with access, skills and representation. Our two trail taster days gave further opportunity for our members to do this. **BTR Partner Events** – We have continued to work with race organisers who have offered gifted/discounted places for our members and, owing to this, members of the Black Trail Runners community have represented at 20 trail and road events such as London Marathon, Infinite Trails, Ultra X Spring Trails, Race to the King, Maverick Races, Beyond Trails, Centurion Running Events and Peak Divide to name but a few. This representation shows us that we have inspired people of Afro Caribbean descent both nationally and globally. _Page 6_ ## **Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Trustees annual report (continued)** **Skills** – We continue to be led by our members in order to fully understand barriers to participation in trail running when it comes to skills development. During social runs we addressed skills barriers such as kit choice and nutrition. If expertise did not exist within our community then, where possible, we employed the assistance of experts from historically marginalised communities to address these gaps for our members. **Representation** – Black Trail Runners continues to generate opportunities to represent. Be it trail events, via speaking opportunities or across traditional and social media. The success of this work is seen in the variety of global brands seeking to partner with us and lend their resources to help us address barriers to participation and inclusion. **Brand partnerships** – In 2024/2025 we embarked on another three-year community partnership with global sports brand, Adidas TERREX. Monies from this funding were allocated to core charitable work including project expenses, staff and infrastructure costs. We also received funding from London Marathon Events, ringfenced for our 3rd ‘Black to the Trails’ Event. ## **Section E: Financial review** ## _Reserves policy_ The trustees regularly monitor and review the level of reserves, conducting at least an annual assessment. The surplus for the year was £14,554 (2024 - £17,806). As of April 2025, the charity’s unrestricted reserves were £50,867 (2024 - £37,177) and restricted reserves were £10,863 (2024 - £10,000). The current surplus is due to the timing of funding received from our major partner. These reserves will be utilised for staff costs, Black to the Trails 2025 and ongoing Black Trail Runners owned events. Now that a three-year funding agreement with our major donor has been secured, the charity will aim to reduce reserves to a more typical level in the next financial year. ## **Declaration** The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above. _Signed Print name_ _Signed_ _Print name_ _Date_ _Page 7_ ## **Black Trail Runners** ## **Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Black Trail Runners** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Charity”) for the year ended 6 April 2025 which are set out on pages 8 to 10. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity trustees of the Charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Basis of independent examiner’s report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ## _Signed_ _Date_ Kirsty McDonald CA 40 Canal Terrace Inverness IV3 8QQ _Page 8_ ## **Black Trail Runners** ## **Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Receipts and payments accounts** **----- Start of picture text -----**
2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Total funds
funds funds
£ £ £ £
A1 Receipts
Donations and legacies 19,555 - 19,555 10,546
Grants and sponsorship 62,750 25,500 88,250 58,592
Entry fees 6,469 - 6,469 5,131
Partnership income 5,050 5,050 -
Income from other 2,096 - 2,096 -
charitable activities
Sub total A1 95,919 25,500 121,419 74,269
A2 Asset and investment sales
Receipts from sale of fixed assets - - - -
Sub total A2 - - - -
Total receipts 95,919 25,500 121,419 74,269
A3 Payments
Cost of events 19,876 21,987 41,862 22,556
Event travel and subsistence costs 2,033 - 2,033 4,410
Marketing expenses 6,306 - 6,306 1,278
Software and web costs 4,091 - 4,091 1,524
Storage costs 1,014 - 1,014 1,084
Subscriptions and fees 2,048 - 2,048 924
Training and certifications 45 - 45 200
Wages and remuneration 42,392 2,650 45,042 24,294
Accountancy and bookkeeping 3,681 - 3,681 -
Sundry expenses 743 - 743 193
Sub total A3 82,229 24,637 106,866 56,463
A4 Asset and investment purchases
Purchase of fixed assets - - - -
Sub total A4 - - - -
Total payments 82,229 24,637 106,866 56,463
Reconciliation of cash balances:
Net of receipts/(payments) 13,690 863 14,554 17,806
A6 Cash funds last year end 37,177 10,000 47,177 29,371
Cash funds this year end 50,867 10,863 61,731 47,177
**----- End of picture text -----**
_Page 9_ ## **Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Statement of assets and liabilities** ## **B1 Cash funds** **----- Start of picture text -----**
|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total current|Total prior| |Details| |funds|funds|year|year| |£|£|£|£| |Bank current account|50,867|10,863|61,731|47,177| |Total cash funds|50,867|10,863|61,731|47,177| |B2 Other monetary assets| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total current|Total prior| |Details| |funds|funds|year|year| |£|£|£|£| |Other debtors|750|-|750|-| |Total other monetary assets|750|-|750|-| **----- End of picture text -----**
## **B3 Investment assets** No investments assets held as at 6 April 2025 or 6 April 2024. ## **B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use** **----- Start of picture text -----**
||||| |---|---|---|---| |Cost current| |Details|Fund to which asset belongs|Cost prior year| |year| |Podcast equipment|Unrestricted funds|2,879|2,879| |B5 Liabilities| |Amount due|Amount due| |Details|Fund to which liability relates| |current year|prior year| |Independent examination fee|Unrestricted funds|550|1,100| |accrual| |Event cost accruals|Unrestricted and restricted|10,541|2,666| |funds| **----- End of picture text -----**
Signed on behalf of all the trustees _Print Name_ _Signature_ _Date_ _Page 10_ ## **Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2025** ## **Notes to the accounts** ## **C1 Remuneration of trustees and key management personnel** Remuneration of £24,620 was paid to a member of key management personnel in relation to project and event management services provided (prior year - £3,200). No further remuneration was paid to any trustee or any person connected with a trustee during the current or prior period. ## **C2 Trustees expenses** Expenses totalling £862 were reimbursed to 4 trustees during the period (2024 - £3,797 reimbursed to 5 trustees). ## **C3 Restricted funds breakdown** |_Fund_
_Fund description_
Kit loan scheme
SPPED/TSP
BTTT
SITR
_An event held for both members_
_and non members aiming to get_
_people together to run as one_
_The charities highlight, mass_
_participation, event of the year._
_A trail running event taking place in_
_the USA that members of BTR_
_participated in._
_A kit loan initiative for BTR_
_members to loan trail running kit._|_Opening_
_balance at_
_6 April_
_2024_
_Receipts_
_Payments_
_Closing_
_balance at_
_6 April_
_2025_
57
-
(57)
-
1,044
-
(1,044)
-
7,971
25,500
(22,608)
10,863
928
-
(928)
-
10,000
25,500
(24,637)
10,863
| |---|---|