Fox Challenge
The Fox Challenge is based at the beautiful Sywell Country Park. The lap is once around the reservoir with areas through woodland and others where you can look at the expanse of the water, amazing views for the majority of the route. The course and venue are new for 2021 but all the ingredients are there for Sywell to become a must-run venue. 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
Sywell Country Park is a great venue with good ground underfoot all the way round the reservoir. The overall elevation is only around 150ft with a good chunk of that the climb up the damn wall at the start of each lap! The rest of the lap is gently rolling places. The time of year means the woodland sections might be “grubby” underfoot but road or light trail shoes would suffice. there are areas with relatively new stone pathways that may be uncomfortable with minimal shoes.
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 07/09/2021 £30
After 07/09/2021 £35
Save 10% by joining the Big Bear Brigade!
What are your Covid plans?
You can view all of our Covid plans here, they may change as the situation changes of course. We’ll do right by our entrants though, always.
Where is it?
Sywell Country Park, Northampton is run and managed by Northamptonshire County Council.
Parking costs up to £5.20 depending on how long you stay. There is a cafe and toilet block near to the HQ on site.
Sywell country Park (NN6 0QX) is on the ouskirts of Northampton and 13 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1 and Junction 8 of the A14. The closest train stations are Northampton and Wellingborough.
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.1-mile lap at Sywell Country Park means your race can be 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! You decide how many laps you are 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 mini lap) and a half marathon will be 4 laps (and an even smaller mini lap!).
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained from Northamptonshire 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?
Nope! This is the first time we’ve had an event at Sywell Country Park. You’d be a trailblazer!!
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
“A really great event for novice runners and experienced alike. Its like Parkrun but goes on for 6hrs, the other participants offer support and encouragement and the volunteers and organisers are fabulous. Well marked routes and amazing aid station. Proper toilets and coffee shop also very close to the start and finish line.”
