Birch Challenge
(Day -1 & Day 1)
This is our jewel in the crown event! Voted “Best Off-Road Event 2019” via RaceCheck scoring 4.95/5 from runners feedback. The venue is spectacular with a good runnable surface throughout, rolling hills, mature woodland and stepping stones over a stream. You might not want to stop after 6 hours! 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!
When is it?
We have added an extra day (Wednesday 21st October) to allow more people to enter the event. We’re restricted to events of 30 people by Forestry England due to their Covid restrictions and this seemed the best way to increase the numbers we could have run with us at Cannock Chase this year! We’ve called the additional event “Birch Challenge (Day -1)” as it’s the day before the original event, we thought calling the event day 2 might be confusing. For clarity the medal you receive will have the Thursday date on. Time restrictions and the waste make it impractical to get new lanyards printed for the new date.
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
The course is brilliant. It's hilly, with 1 large incline and lots of rolling hills but towards the end of each lap is the amazing spectacle of crossing a river via the stepping stones. The route follows the recently established 5k fixed running route. Conditions under foot are good as the pathways are well established. Some of the pathways are quite stony so ultra thin shoes aren't recommended.
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 01/04/2020 £23
Before 01/04/2020 £28
After 22/09/2020 £33
For the late launching Birch Challenge (Day -1) event the following pricing is applicable.
Before 09/10/2020 £28
After 09/10/2020 £33
Is this part of the Forest Series?
It is! You can enter the Pine, Oak, Poplar and Oak challenges together for a slightly reduced rate here. All 4 events are across the National Forest, the medals interlink and we’ll have some awards for some that finish all 4 events.
Where is it?
Birches Valley Forest Centre at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire (WS15 2UQ). It is managed by Forestry England.
Parking is £6 for the day. You can pay by card or coin.
The nearest train stations Rugeley Trent Valley and Rugeley Town are both approximately 2 miles away
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.3 mile off-road loop means your race can be 5k or 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.
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained Forestry England.
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
“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! ”
