Where is it?
Birches Valley Forest Centre at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, WS15 2UQ. The What 3 Words location is here. It is managed by Forestry England.
Parking is up to £10 for the day. You can pay by card or coin.
We hope to be able to offer an event parking fee for a reduced fee but we will have to confirm this closer to the event.
The nearest train stations Rugeley Trent Valley, and Rugeley Town, are both approximately 2 miles away
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.
Can I run with my dog?
Yes!!
We’ve had great success at events with canicross and we’re pleased to add this event too. You must keep your leads short and be considerate of the other runners. We’ll most likely start the canicross runners off with the main field depending on numbers. Please read our general canicross rules here.
Please make sure you enter the canicross race when you click on the enter button above.
Course description
The course is brilliant! It's hilly, with 1 large incline and lots of rolling hills but the views and scenery is spectacular. The route follows the established 5k fixed running route. Conditions under foot are generally good as the pathways are well established. Some of the pathways are quite stony though 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 01/09/2024 £35
After 01/09/2024 £40
Unaffiliated entrants pay £2 extra. Why not join your local running club or sign up the Big Bear Brigade and save 10% off entries for ever!
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.
I’m unsure what to expect at a 6 hour event?
We’ve made some videos to try and help newcomers understand Big Bear Events and 6 hour events a little more here. We’ve got lots of videos on our You Tube channel that might help you see what we’re all about!.
I really want to take part in the event but the day isn’t convenient for me! What can I do?
We’ve partnered with our friends at Skamper to offer On-demand events! It’s not quite the same as being there on the day but it’s the next best thing! Using the Skamper app you can be directed around the route on a day of your choosing. When you sign up we’ll send you the medal in the post that was given out on the day of the event. This way when you finish you’ll be able to claim the medal you’ve earned for the run straight away! Why not load your car boot with snacks and goodies, get some mates to join you and have your own Big Bear event!
Full details on our Big Bear On-Demand events is 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! This was our medal from 2023 but we’ll likely have a new design for 2024…
I’I’m not that fussed by a medal…
In that case our partnership with Earth Runs will be perfect! Rather than give you a medal you don’t really want (and to help reduce waste) we’ll give you a Big Bear Tree Token. Not only will a tree be planted for each token given out but the token is also full of wildflower seeds for you to grow at home!
Is there a gpx of the route?
The route gpx can be found here. The route may be subject to last minute changes and there will be plenty of markings up on race day so you do not need to have this - but I know some of you like to anyway!
