How far is the race?

You decide! The 3.1-mile off-road loop means your race can be 5k or even over 80K and anywhere in between. You decide how many laps you're going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If you're looking to cover a marathon distance you'll need to complete 8 laps (+ a short one) and a half marathon will be a little long at 4 laps (+ a mini lap). The course is generally flat with 2 longer climbs making up most of the elevation. Each lap has around 190ft of elevation, making the marathon distance just over 1600ft of elevation.

Entry information

No entries on the day

There is a strict entry limit. Once the event gets down to the last places we'll endeavor to make people aware through social media and emails (join the mailing list here). Once the event is full you'll be able to join the waiting list on this page.

You do have to pay to park (£3.20 for 4 hours and £5.20 for up to 8 hours at the time of writing).  This money goes directly to the country park, it's a great space that needs money and this is their main revenue stream. That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world!

Course description

The course starts in Fermyn Country Park but the majority of the route is on the adjoining Fermyn Woods. The course is truly off-road with only a small section on the normal stone pathway you'd expect in a country park. The section through the woods consists of some single track running, wide grassy paths and narrow woodland paths. It really is a beutiful course! Depending on the weather this may be suitable for road shoes but it's unlikely. There may well be sectiosn where there is overhanging vegetation and stinging nettles. It's true woodland running! As is always the case the toilet block is about 50m from the aid station on each lap too.

Is this event cupless?

Yes. Please read our page on cupless events if you haven't experienced it before. It's obviously good for the environment to reduce plastic use and general waste. Yes, you wont break a world record having to stop to fill a bottle of water or carry a hydration pack but over a marathon distance it would probably add less than a minute to your time. We will have water, isotonic drinks, tea and coffee and real Coca Cola for you, but to be clear - we won't supply disposable cups for drinks. If you'd like to purchase a foldable cup you can when you purchase your ticket, from our merchandise store or on the day at the event.

Why is it called the Red Kite Challenge?

If you run and look up you'll know why! Each time we've visited we've seen loads of red kites flying and there is a large statue of one within the country park. Hopefully they'll make an appearance with you all running through, they are truly magnificant birds! If you are lucky enough to see one swooping in close up you'll appreciate them even more.

Where is it?

Fermyn Country Park is run by Northamptonshire County Council and has a childrens play area, cafe and toilets. It is easily accesible from the A14, just over 10 minutes away. Use NN14 3HS for your Sat Nav.

Permission

Permission for this event has been obtained from Forestry England and Northamptonshire County Council

TRA licence number

TBC

Frequently asked questions

Click here for our frequently asked questions.

Contact

If your question hasn't been answered or if you are still unsure of anything please contact us at racedirector@bigbearevents.net where we'll do our best to help.