Bluebell Challenge
The Bluebell Challenge is a 6 hour challenge event at Hartshill Hayes Country Park. The park is a hidden gem and offers spectacular scenery and terrain. The route is “lumpy” but that just adds to it’s beauty. The event is planned with the hope you’ll be running through a woodland blanketed in bluebells too. 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.
Course description
In summary, it's hilly! Really hilly. That isn't to sound tough or macho - it's a numerical fact! Each lap has over 280ft of up... and down...! It's a great course, mainly through the mature woodland with bluebells in full bloom hopefully. There is a killer set of steps you get to run down and some stunning views across countryside at the start of each lap. This is a truly rewarding course and the blanket of bluebells (that should be there if nature plays ball!) will really add to the event. There is a very short section of tarmac (around 20m) followed by some compact trail but the vast majority of the course is woodland trail.
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 01/01/2021 £23
Before 05/04/2020 £28
After 05/04/2020 £33
Where is it?
Hartshill Hayes Country Park (CV10 0TH) is run and managed by Warwickshire County Council.
It has sufficient parking (£2.50) and a toilet block. The concession stand may be open for the event but isn't normally on a weekday (we'll keep you well fed don't worry!).
It is 10 minutes from Nuneaton and 20 minutes from Junction 3 of the M6. The closest train station is Nuneaton. It appears to be Warwickshire’s best kept secret..
How far is the race?
You decide how many 2.88 mile 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 9 laps (+ a tiny one) and a half marathon will be 4 laps (+a tiny one).
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained Warwickshire County 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’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
“It is a brutal and challenging course with lots of ups and downs over differing terrain. However it is very pretty and as long as you have realistic expectations of how far you can go it is great. You are not going to PB on this course! ”
