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 (just over!) laps as you wish in the time limit. You can run one lap in 20 minutes, pick up your medal, flapjack and drink 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 route takes you around the perimeter of Amptill Park and then you complete a small internal loop too. Each lap starts with a remarkable run up through the woodland on well trodden unsurfaced paths. Depending on the weather leading up to the event this could be very muddy!
Once you come out of the woodland section you run through a small section of grazing field (there were cows in the field when we visited) and out across more open grassland along the North border of the park. As you complete the lap there is a mixture of crushed stone path and unsurfaced pathways.
It’s genuinely an amazing lap you’ll want to do again and again. It is likely a route you’ll want trail shoes for but how aggressive those shoes would ideally be depends on the weather leading up to the event.
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 08/08/2022 £30
After 08/08/2022 £35
Save 10% by joining the Big Bear Brigade!
Where is it?
Ampthill Park is on the outskirts of Ampthill, Bedfordshire (MK45 2HX). It is 8 minutes from M1 J13.
Parking is plentiful and…. free!!
The nearest train station is Flitwick and buses go from Flitwick to Ampthill.
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.
Permission and Licences
Permission for this event has been obtained from Ampthill Town 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?
No! Be a trailblazer and come and run at our first event at Ampthill Park!
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.
We’re entering a new county and venue with the Caterpillar Challenge at Ampthill Park in 2022. The park is well hidden but an absolute local gem. The route takes in the mature woodlands to the east of the park as well as the more open grasslands to the west. Given the time of the year conditions ! The run through the woodland will make you want to do lap after lap though, it’s truly gorgeous!
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! ”
