Women only?!
That’s right! This is a new thing for us. I’m really keen to encourage more women in to ultra running and to give them an experience of running at night. The hope is this format might encourage those who are a little nervous or intimidated at other events to enter. It is of course open to all women of all abilities and experiences.
I’m a man and I want to run in it though!
If the format of a 6pm start works we’ll return with the Owl Challenge in 2024 and it will be open to everyone. If you want to read more on why I’ve decided to put on a women only event please read my blog on it here.
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 and goodies 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.
Can I run with my dog?
No, unfortunately not a this event. As much as it is likely to be cooler at this time of the evening it’s still the summer so the potential for hot temperatures at 6pm is high and not a risk I’m willing to take.
Course description
The route is along well maintained pathways. There isn't a meter of asphalt and the pathways are mainly crushed stone or very well trodden open forest floor. Obviously being in the middle of a forest the narrower ones are covered in tree detritus and can become a bit muddy and grimy, especially when wet. On a dry day road shoes will be perfectly acceptable, on a wet day trail shoes may be a better bet as some parts can become a bit slippy.
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 16/05/2023 £32
After 16/05/2023 £37
Join the Big Bear Brigade to save 10% on your entry!
Where is it?
Salcey Forest is a Forestry England site with a cafe (we’ll confirm and toilets near Northampton. Use the post code NN7 2HX for Sat Navs.
You do have to pay to park (between £4-£6 at the time of writing). That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world!
It is 18 minutes from Northampton and 9 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1. The closest train station is Northampton.
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.3-mile off-road loop means your race can be 5k or even over 80K 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.
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained from 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. We’ve run at Salcey Forest many times in the past. We’ve run here during the day and in the dark at the Gato Sports Head Torch 10K events too. However this is a different format for us. You can view previous results and the course record here.
Does this event qualify for the 100 Marathon Club, 100 Half Marathon club and other such clubs?
It’s very unlikely. As it’s a women only event technically it isn’t open to all and so is unlikely to “count”. Those decisions aren’t in my hands though and there are a million other reasons to come and have fun in the forest!
I’ve heard you do nice medals. What will it look like?
They’re being designed and made at the moment - expect a good quality uniquely designed medal you’ll be proud to show off!
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.
The Owl Challenge will be an amazing event at the phenomenal Salcey forest. The 6pm start will give you a relatively even split of daylight and night time over 6 hours. With it’s mature woodland, flat pathways and changing scenery there is a reason we come back here year after year. It’s the best way to spend some time in the forest going for your own goals or just having a sociable bimble with your friends.
What are your refund/withdrawal rules?
You can find them here
I have a question.
No problem, check out our FAQ’s
