Poplar Challenge
The Poplar Challenge takes place at the ever expanding Sence Valley Forest Park. This hidden gem has lakes, pine forests and a few nasty climbs hidden too! The beauty of the climbs however is the stunning views you earn at the top. 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
The course is mainly on a crushed stone pathway, with some sections on grass pathways and through a pine forest! Depending on the weather leading up to the event it may be very muddy in places. There are 2 distinct climbs but of course that means 2 lovely downhills too! The rest of the course is a mixture of flat and “rolling” allowing for some spectacular views across the lakes. The route is new for 2020 taking in the new Centenary Woodlands. The HQ and lap start and finish will be next to the toilet block at the top car park.
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 01/04/2020 £23
Before 11/10/2020 £28
After 11/10/2020 £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?
Sence Valley Forest Park is located in Ibstock, Leicestershire. It is a basic country park with toilets but there is no cafe.
There is ample free (!!) parking for the runners but please follow instruction on where to park as to not disrupt the nursery on site.
Use the postcode LE67 6NW 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 how many 3.3 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 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps.
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained 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
“It was an interesting course, undulating, amazing scenery & enough cross over points that you saw plenty of other participants. The volunteers were second to none and the feed station top notch!”
