Big Bear Challenge
The Big Bear Challenge is our traditional season starter! The course and venue are new for 2021 through some beautiful woodland on established pathways. So if you’re looking to come along for your first 10K, aiming for a marathon or looking to see how far you can go in 6 hours then sign up to this event!
Wasn’t there a different event on this day?
Yes. We changed venues due to expected Covid issues at Ryton Pools and are much more hopeful that the event at Coombe Abbey Park will go ahead. Of course nothing is certain during these times however!
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.
Course description
Coombe Abbey Park is a beautiful venue to run at! The majority of the route is on stone pathways. Given the time of year expect it to be mucky however, mainly due to winter leaf decay, however there aren’t any sections you’ll be knee high in mud. The route used for this event will be the winter route, avoiding the closed meadow, and so will involve a circuit of the grass field, conditions hear will depend on the weather leading up to the event.
What does it cost?
We operate a tiered pricing approach. The earlier you enter, the cheaper the event but never ever will you pay a booking fee!
Before 01/09/2020 £23
Before 02/01/2021 £28
After 02/01/2021 £33
Where is it?
Coombe Abbey Park, Coventry is run and managed by Coventry City Council.
Parking costs up to £5 depending on how long you stay. There is a cafe and toilet block next to the HQ on site.
Coombe Abbey Park (CV3 2AB) is on the ouskirts of Coventry and 6 minutes from Junction 2 of the M6. The closest train station is Coventry.
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.3-mile lap at Coombe Abbey Park means your race can be just over 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! You decide how many laps you are 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.
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained from Coventry City 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! You can find the previous results here.
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
“A really great event for novice runners and experienced alike. Its like Parkrun but goes of for 6hrs, the other participants offer support and encouragement and the volunteers and organisers are fabulous. Well marked routes and amazing aid station. Proper toilets and coffee shop also very close to the start and finish line.”
