Oak Challenge
This event will no longer take place due to Lockdown 2.0. We are back at Hicks Lodge 10/11/21
All entrants have been emailed, if you haven’t received it please contact info@bigbearevents.net
The Oak Challenge is based at the superb Hicks Lodge. You’ll be running through open land and through woodland giving plenty of variety for each lap. The surface is good all year round, a welcome treat for a November trail event. 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 (ish!) 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
The course has been tweaked for 2020 meaning it will take in “both sides” of Hicks Lodge. You’ll start with a run around the lake and then cross the road on to the otherside where you’ll run up to a beutiful viewing spot and wind your way back down into the forest. The route continues to wind through the forest back to the road crossing and the HQ. The conditions underfoot are good as the whole event is on purpose built stone pathways. Running in "racers" probably isn't wise though as there are sections on rather big stones that wouldn't be much fun on ultra thin soles. Given the nature of the track there wont be muddy sections. In really bad weather there may be puddles but generally there is good drainage throughout.
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 09/08/2019 £23
Before 06/04/2020 £28
After 06/04/2020 £33
Is this part of the Forest Series?
It is! You can enter the Pine, Oak, Poplar and Oak challenges together for a slightly reduced rate here. All 4 events are across the National Forest, the medals interlink and we’ll have some awards for some that finish all 4 events.
Where is it?
Hicks Lodge is near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. It is a Forestry England site with a cafe, toilets, play area and mountain bike routes and is well sign posted.
You do have to pay to park (£5.00 at the time of writing). This money goes directly to the Forestry England, it's a great space that needs money and this is their main revenue stream. That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world!
Use the postcode LE65 2UP for sat navs. It's 10 minutes from Junction 12 of the A42. The closest train station is Burton-on-Trent
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.7-mile off-road loop means your race can be just over 5k or even 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 7 laps + a mini lap and a half marathon will be 3 laps + a mini lap 8 laps (29.6 miles) will be an ultra marathon. The course isn't flat but there aren't steep inclines. Each lap has around 160ft of elevation, making the marathon distance roughly 1150ft of elevation.
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained from the 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’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
“Yet another great day out with Big Bear events. Well organised, very friendly, great course and best of all flapjack and beer. What more could you want.”
