Badger Challenge
What’s a 6 hour event?
It is an event that enables all abilities of runner to run together (or hike/walk!). Ultimately you can run as many 5k laps as you wish in the time limit. You can run one lap in 20 minutes, pick up your medal, flapjack and beer and go home! Alternatively you can head out on your 15th lap at 14:55 and finish in 6hr30 having covered over 50 miles! It’s completely up to you. There is no pressure from us,but we’ll also see if you want one more lap! The format is great for people looking to run further than they’ve ever done before, do a long training run for future events or to enjoy a sociable event with your mates.
I thought this event allowed Canicross entries?
We did for the event last year. However that was the last canicross event of the season in early April. I feel that late April has too high a chance of being too warm for dogs to be running. Of course it may be -1C and snowing, as is April, but making a decision 9 months before an event involves guess work!
Course description
What a fantastic location. The views at the top are breath taking, although you might not have much breath to take by the time you’ve got there!! The course is distinctly up for the first half and down for the second. You climb from the lower car park start point along well maintained crushed stone pathways towards the trig point. The Trig point isn’t actually on the route (it’s additional distance if you want to visit it for the photo opportunity!) you glide down the other side of the park and back to the start. Underfoot will be good but potentially “mucky” dependant on weather. It’s a tough route but not technical underfoot.
What does it cost?
We operate a tiered pricing approach, the earlier you enter, the cheaper the event!
Before 20/03/2023 £32
After 20/03/2023 £37
Save 10% by joining the Big Bear Brigade!
Where is it?
Lower Car Park, Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire (LE12 8TA). It is managed by Leicestershire County Council.
Parking is £3 for less than 3 hours and £4 for the day. You can pay by card or coin.
What 3 Words location is ///fled.sock.blip
The nearest train station is Loughborough and is 6 miles away
What is event day like?
I have tried my best to give a detailed description of the event; before, during and after here. I’m fully aware people get nervous and apprehensive, especially with smaller events that are a bit niche!
I promise I’ll be here to set your mind at rest. Ask the many experts in the Facebook group or email me directly. Just don’t sit worrying or have unanswered questions before the day!
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.3 mile off-road loop means your race can be 5k or well over 50k 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 and a half marathon will be 4 laps.
Permission and Licences
Permission for this event has been obtained from Leicestershire County Council.
I’ve heard you do cupless events?
That’s right! Read all about how we do cupless events here
Has the event been run before?
Yes! The Badger Challenge was at Beacon Hill in 2022 and a roaring success (if not a bit windy!!). you can read the reviews at Racecheck and via the widget in the corner.
I’m not that fussed by a medal, drink and flapjack…
In that case our partnership with Trees Not Tees may be of interest! When you sign up to this event you can select to have no finish line swag and instead we’ll donate the cost of this to Trees Not Tees who will plant a tree in their Scottish woodland on your behalf! You can find more info about this initiative here.
What are your refund/withdrawal rules?
You can find them here
I have a question.
No problem, check out our FAQ’s
“Great value for money, no stress, nice, quiet mid week event in a beautiful location! Run by a friendly family outfit, Outstanding aid stations with a medal, home made flap jack and beer to finish! Ticks all my boxes! ”
