Childcare!?
Yes! I’m very excited to be able to do this, as far as I’m aware it’s quite a unique proposition. I wrote about it a little here.
You MUST be entered before Monday 5th June to be able to book the childcare before the spots are released to the general public
We’ve teamed up with, the very popular, Acorn Early Years to be able to offer childcare for children aged 4-13 for the day. They host Forest School Summer Camps at Salcey Forest throughout the holidays. Their Forest Schools sell out within hours of being launched - all the proof you need that they’re good!
The forest school runs from 08:30-16:30 at Salcey Forest. This means you can drop your little one(s) off with Acorn, wander over and register with us (in peace!) run for as long as you wish in the Big Bear Challenge, grab a coffee and cake from Grounds Cafe after your run, then pick them up on the way home - just don’t forget to take them with you!! All in the middle of the Summer holidays too - hopefully a welcome respite at the right time!
The amazing people at Acorn Early Years are going to give entrants to the Big Bear Challenge early access to the booking platform to ensure those who are reliant on the childcare can get in ahead of the other parents of Northamptonshire! You will receive details via email around 10-12 weeks before the event with details on how to sign up to this. If you miss this window the chances of getting a spot are incredibly small. The cost per child is £38 for the day, in line with their standard fees.
You must enter the Big Bear Challenge to be told when you’re able to sign up for the Summer School. It will be shared directly with the entrants, not via social media etc. If you enter the Big Bear Challenge and then miss out on the Summer School spots you can always transfer to a different event or get vouchers, under the same transfer rules as any of our other 6 hour events. You will not be able to get a refund of any childcare booking though.
What’s a 6 hour event?
I’ve made a short video here to try to explain a little.
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 6:30 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 friends.
Course description
The route is along well maintained pathways. There isn't a meter of asphalt and the pathways are mainly crushed stone or very well trodden open forest floor. Obviously being in the middle of a forest the narrower ones are covered in tree detritus and can become a bit muddy and grimy, especially when wet. On a dry day road shoes will be perfectly acceptable, on a wet day trail shoes may be a better bet as some parts can become a bit slippy.
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 10/07/2023 £32
After 10/07/2023 £37
Where is it?
Salcey Forest is a Forestry England site with a cafe and toilets near Northampton. Use the post code NN7 2HX for Sat Navs.
You do have to pay to park (between £4-£6 at the time of writing). That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world!
It is 18 minutes from Northampton and 9 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1. The closest train station is Northampton. The number 33 bus stops inside Salcey Forest (just after 9am) and goes between Northampton and Milton Keynes.
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.5-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 7 laps (+ a mini out and back) and a half marathon will be 3 laps (+ an out and back).
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. We’ve run at Salcey Forest many times in the past. You can view previous results and the course records here.
I’ve heard you do nice medals. What will it look like?
Once it’s in our hands we’ll share the design with you!
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.
Can I run with my dog?
No.
Given the time of year it’s potentially deadly or at least very dangerous to run with most dogs. We will aim to have more canicross events on during the winter months
The Big Bear Challenge is our first event in the summer holidays and the only event I know of with childcare on site! With it’s mature woodland, flat pathways and changing scenery there is a reason we come back here year after year. It’s the best way to spend some time in the forest going for your own goals or just having a sociable bimble with your friends.
What are your refund/withdrawal rules?
You can find them here
I have a question.
No problem, check out our FAQ’s
“The lap system was great, not only for the new snacks to look forward to at the end of each one, but to catch up with other members of our group to see how everyone was doing. The organisation was spot on and the atmosphere was really supportive. ”
