At this stage you probably don’t need to be doing any event specific training, but it’s always good to be keeping a solid base level of fitness. It might be a good time to be thinking about your goals for the event. If you want to be smashing some PB’s maybe look at speaking to a coach about setting a plan up for you (I can personally recommend Josh Merrett Strength and Fitness as someone who has helped me). Although you wouldn’t want an event specific plan to be starting quite yet, by the time you make contact and get everything sorted you might be getting towards the time you’d want a plan to start.

If the event is a long way from home do you need to sort out accommodation? The earlier you book the cheaper your rates and you’ve got time to plan if there happens to be a big conference on locally and hotel space is difficult. Don’t leave it to the last minute!

A pre-event visit to the venue can really help. The routes for all of our events are on the relevant event page. Just visiting the venue, getting a feel for the place, where the toilets are, parking etc really helps settle any anxieties for some.

I’ll always set up so it’s easy to spot us and we’re more often than not next to a toilet block but if it makes you feel better why not do it!?

The vast majority of the venues also have a very nice café too so a coffee and cake treat post run is always good.

If you’re looking to get a real understanding of Big Bear why not see if you can volunteer in the coming months? Our 10K’s aren’t particularly different to any other but it’s always nice to meet me and the team beforehand.

It also means when you’ve got that finishers high in 5 months you’ll be able to go home and sign up for an event for free with your volunteer credit! Double winner!!

There is no kit list for our 10k’s - except a head/chest torch for the Head Torch 10Ks! - but you’ll still need basic kit. Trainers, shorts, top etc. You’ll struggle to do any event without comfortable functional kit.

We stock some branded kit here (soft flasks, collapsible cups etc) but for more specialised pieces of equipment our friends at Coventry Runner can kit you out. Supporting your local running shop is really important, there aren’t many left. Luckily ours is also great!

5 months is also plenty of time to badger your mates in to joining you. Running with friends is always great so get them to sign up too!

Our events are very social. As much as we celebrate the people who come over the line first, and treat competition seriously, it’s very much about everyone having a good time.

At all of our events the quicker Bears hang around and clap the slower ones over the line and offer encouragement. Our courses aren’t designed with PB’s in mind or to give some sort of competitive advantage but to be great routes for an enjoyable run in the evening.

We try to get the cafe on-site to stay open too so you can enjoy a hot chocolate or ice cream after (depending on the time of year!!)

I’ve tried my best to answer any questions or queries you might have here. Everything from toilets, to parking to food. It’s a bit of a read (grab a cup of tea!) but there is lots of detail in there that will hopefully help alleviate some stress’ and anxieties. I want to you to come to the event feeling ready to run/walk - not fretting about where you’re going to park!