Birch Challenge
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!
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.
Cani-X friendly? But I thought you didn’t allow dogs?
We didn’t! However we are running some test events over the winter at suitable venues for cani-x. Check the rules for running with a dog here but we’re hoping it will be a success!
We’ve got a special entry for cani-x runners (on the enter here link above) and your dog will of course get their own medal.
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 03/02/2022 £30
After 03/02/2022 £35
Save 10% by joining the Big Bear Brigade!
Where is it?
Birches Valley Forest Centre at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire (WS15 2UQ). It is managed by Forestry England.
Parking is £8 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’ve heard you do nice medals. What will it look like?
We used to like a surprise but actually it’s nice to know what you’re running for!
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! ”
