Can a beginner do a 6-hour challenge event?
Yes.
Simple as that really! Not only can beginners do our 6-hour events we’d suggest the format is actually perfect for those new to running or running longer distances. You don’t have to commit to a big scary new distance, see how the day goes. If you’re a slower new runner you have to have ZERO worries about being last, or missing cut offs. There is only one cut off at 6 hours, and that is to start your last lap, not finish it. That means the final lap can be a true victory lap, with no pressure on you at all! Breaking the big goal down into smaller chunks is actually a proven method of tackling big goals- How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
What do people say?
We use Racecheck to collect reviews. It’s an independent race review platform and a great way to see what other people just like you think of our events, and thousands of others too. We’ve had over 2000 5 star reviews over the years and won “Top Rated Event” on multiple occasions but this is a snapshot of some of the more relevant reviews….
One of the best races I’ve ever done. Incredible energy and great support! I'm looking forward to the next one. I would highly recommend this event. It was superb fun even in the cold weather. It was just brilliant from start to finish!
Mr Cooper ~ Dormouse Challenge 2025
First time at a Big Bear event and already booked my second one. Very well organised and lots of nice friendly support to help you along. You can do as many laps as you want with no pressure. This time I managed 5 hours and next time I will try for the whole 6.
K Johnstone ~ Crocodile Challenge 2026
What a fantastic event. Really well organised, with a brilliantly stocked aid station, a lovely course and genuinely friendly staff and volunteers. I especially appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, turn up, do what you can, no pressure, just enjoy it. It's easily one of my favourite events I've taken part in, and I'll definitely be back for more next year.
B Smith ~ Badger Challenge 2026
If you want to read more check out the reviews here for Badger Challenge, Swan Challenge and Kingfisher Challenge to get an idea of the glowing reviews our runners leave us. It’s one of the things we’re most proud of!
What about…?
I’m really slow though…
Frankly, I don’t care! Neither does anyone else. Unless you’re the 100m world record holder, someone is always faster than you, just some more so than others! I cannot emphasise enough how much your speed does not matter to anyone else. We all share the trails and enjoy the aid station at whatever pace we want. Some want to run hard for 6 hours, most take it steady and enjoy themselves.
I’m worried I might fail?
Not here. As long as you complete just over 5k in 6 hours you’re going home with a medal and a Big Bear drink and you’re a hero to us. If you don’t hit the goal you’d set yourself that day, chalk it up as a learning and move on to the next one. There is no “minibus of shame” or having to get yourself back home from the middle of nowhere or anything like that.
We actually find a lot more people go further than they planned to… however, that is 100% up to you!
I don’t have any of the fancy kit? Can I still do it?
Yup. You’ll need a decent pair of trainers of course and basic sports kit (good fitting sports bra for ladies too) but otherwise everything else is optional. By all means spend a fortune on kit, but there is absolutely no need for specialist kit at our events. The vast majority of our venues will be ok for road shoes even in wetter months too, just check the course descriptions to make sure. Of course a decent paid of light trail shoes could be handy on some of our winter courses, but rarely is is essential. £200 moth-tec T’s (it’s a thing!!) are not needed to enjoy our events.
I’ve never done an organised event. I’m a bit worried it won’t be for me…
Obviously we’re going to say you’ll love it. But don’t take our word for it. Go to Racecheck (example of Swan Challenge) and read the reviews of those who have done it before. 5 reviews you can lie about, 50 is a big lieing operation but over 2000 reviews? You have to trust them! Check out our social media and the comments on our posts. Ask questions in the facebook group. Maybe come and volunteer first to see what you think first hand.
Not every event set up is for every one. However if you’re after a low-pressure event where you’re treated as an individual with care and respect for everyone I’d be amazed if you didn’t enjoy yourself. Only one way to find out!!
Will I be left at the back?
No. Again, it’s another beauty of the format. If you’re used to a point to point road half marathon (for example) the back is very clear and often the last runner is followed by a medic on a bike.. not much fun. After an hour at our 6 hour events it’s impossible to work out who is “last”. Someone has probably already gone home, the faster runners are on their 3rd lap, most people have done 1 lap and some have just started as they did the school run first… but they’re all just going around a lap at different speeds. The only “last” is the last one to finish, often actually the person who has completed the furthest distance, so they might be last… and first?!
Do I have to actually run the whole time?
No! Pretty much no-one does.
That doesn’t mean they sit down and have a picnic (although some do!) but most people take little breaks, be that at the aid station or on the course. Short breaks are actually a good tactic when going long.
We wanted to bring some of the joys of ultra running to the shorter distances “permission” to walk, real food, enjoying the trail more than competing against each other. you shouldn’t have to do 50 miles to be able to do that! Walking breaks - or never running a step - are 100% fine at our 6-hour events.
Decided it’s for you? Go to our event page and pick out your next one!
Find your next event!
Looking for more help and guidance on Big Bear events? Check out our Big Bear Guides library or head to our YouTube channel. You can keep up to date with events here at Big Bear Events by signing up to our Very Important Bear mailing list here too.