FAQs

IS THE COURSE MARKED?

We do our best to mark the courses with signage (yellow background and black arrows). We also use pink chalk spray on the ground and try to position marshals in places where it would be easy to go the wrong way. 

All road crossing will be marshalled but our helpers cannot stop traffic so you must cross when its safe.

We have tail runners who will run at the back to support slower runners and act as reassurance for other runners.

Maps are available and can be viewed on our website.

GPX files will be available nearer the race dates.

We aim not to lose anyone on the course, so we do our best to make it easy. However, ultimately, it’s your responsibility to navigate the course.

WHAT PRIZE CATEGORIES ARE THERE?

All finishers will receive a fantastic locally made eco medal. In addition we have a prizes for the first male and first female in all our races. We like to reward our winners with something local to remember the beautiful Northamptonshire trails.

What if i can’t race?

Entries are non-refundable but you can swap your entry to another person at any time free of charge. This must be done before the entry closing date via SiEntries. If you signed up with Find a Race we will have to do this manually for you so please get in touch.

  • Get the new person to register on SiEntries and give you their SiEntries ID number
  • Login to SiEntries yourself, go to the My Entries screen
  • Click the “Edit” Button next to the event in which you want to make the substitution
  • Click “Edit / Substitute” on the person you want to remove and select “Substitute”
  • Fill in the new details using their SiEntries ID number, last name and email address
  • Remember to click “Save Entry”

You can also defer your entry to the following year, but this must be done 2 weeks prior to the event date.

What if I want to change race?

You can change your entry to the 10 or 20 mile race using SiEntries. If you signed up with Find a Race we will have to do this manually for you so please get in touch. You will be charged extra for the 20 miler, but you will not be refunded for dropping down to the 10 miler. See the above FAQ if you want to swap your 20 miler to another runner and then you can book the 10 miler.

  • Log onto SiEntries and then select the My Entries / Memberships link from the menu.
  • You will see an Edit button under the activity which will allow you access the entry and make changes to it.
  • On the next page click Edit against your Entry Details
  • At this point the course can be changed
  • Then Next once more to confirm you are happy with the chosen course
  • Update your details on the next page (if required) and then click Next
  • Check the Disclaimer boxes and save/continue on to the payment page to make the payment

Can I change my race wave?

Of course! Right up until entries close. Simply login to SiEntries, go to the My Entries tab and click on ‘Edit’ your entry to change wave. If you signed up with Find a Race we will have to do this manually for you so please get in touch.

When will I get my race number?

You will get your race number at registration before the race, which will be open from 8am. Here you will also be reminded of what wave you are in.

Do I need trail shoes?

Not unless it’s been raining a lot and the ground is very muddy. If this route is dry, road running trainers are perfectly adequate.

Mandatory kit?

The only compulsory mandatory kit we ask you to carry is a mobile phone in case of an emergency. This must have the Race Directors numbers on it (we will advise you of these in pre-race instructions). We advise you carry a small hydration pack, snacks if needed and a reusable cup to use at aid stations as there will be no plastic cups (we’re being as eco-friendly and plastic-free as we can). Our lovely marshalls will help you do this! You will also need suncream and a sun hat or visor if it’s sunny and hot (fingers crossed!).

What is at the aid stations?

There will be one aid station on the 10 mile, and two on the 20 mile with water (bring your own cup or water bottle as there will be no plastic cups) flapjack, bananas, sweets and cola, including some vegan snacks and sweets. There will also be a self-service water only table at Elton.

There will be one aid station on the 10k, which is roughly half way around the route near to Apethorpe. Again bring your own cup or water bottle!

If you have any serious allergies please use your own snacks as we cannot ensure there won’t be peanuts, sesame, gluten, animal products etc at our aid stations.

Can my dog come?

Dogs are allowed in any of our races, as longs as they are kept on a short hand held lead at all times, and you pick up any poop! We also ask that you enter the second wave. Please be aware a couple of the fields could have livestock in them. Well-behaved, friendly dogs are also welcome come and spectate at the campsite, but please keep them on a lead at all times and pick up their poop and putting it in the bin.

Disabled Access

Cars are not permitted down the track to race HQ after 8am on race day so please drop off any spectator with disabilities early on. The track is around 300m long, it’s good but gravel / grass and has ruts in that are sometimes puddles. A person in a wheelchair could get down it if they have a sense of adventure, or a person with a limited walking range / ability could do it slowly with help or with sticks. Please contact us HERE if you have specific needs that we have not covered.

What are the cut off times?

All runners need to reach the finish within 2 hours on the 10k, 3 hours for the 10 mile race and 5.5 hours for the 20 mile race. There will also be a tail runner for each distance who will have phone contact with HQ. We have made these cut offs as generous as possible to allow a wide range of ability levels in the race, but please be aware that our marshals are volunteers giving up their own time and need to go home for their tea, so for your own safety and their sanity, these timings will be firmly adhered to. It is a running event, not a long distance walking event.

if I retire from the race?

If you want to retire from the race you MUST make your way to the nearest marshal or aid station and inform one of our official volunteers, not just your mate or that bloke who was running behind you a moment ago! You will also need to call or text one of the Race Directors (these phone numbers will be in your final race instructions).

WHat about injury?

If you or somebody near you becomes injured, please stop and ask others for help / stop and assist them. If you can walk, please go to the nearest checkpoint or marshal who will help with medical assistance.

If you or they cannot walk, ring one of the Race Directors number provided at registration. If you can’t get a signal, get another runner to run to the nearest marshal with the injured party’s details and start the assistance process from there.

In a life-threatening emergency ring 999, and then ring one of the Race Directors so we can have our medic team on the scene as quickly as possible to help and advise the emergency services.

VOLUNTEERS

Without amazing volunteers, we just could not operate. We welcome help with all aspects of the races and regularly ask on Facebook for assistance. Volunteers play a huge part in helping people to achieve their goals and we are extremely grateful.

You might be injured but wanting to still be involved; a friend, partner or relative of a runner or simply wanting to give something back to the runners who may have marshalled for you in previous races. No experience is necessary, just bags of enthusiasm.

Duties you might be asked to cover are:

  • Registration desk
  • Car parking
  • Marshalling a checkpoint: helping fill water bottles, recording race numbers, laying out food for runners to eat
  • Sweeping the race, making sure the last runners are accounted for and collecting the signs (where used)
  • Giving out medals and T-shirts (and well-earned hugs!)
  • Generally cheering and motivating runners

In return for marshalling, we would like to offer a free placed on any of our races.

If you do decide you would like to give a hand, please use the “contact us” page and we promise, you will have a great day and go home with a real feeling of having helped people.