Red Kite Challenge
The Red Kite Challenge is being hosted at a new and spectacular venue for Big Bear Events. Fermyn Woods Country Park backs on to a large rarely used woodland. The route will take you through the most beautiful mature woodland where Red Kites nest, a spectacular site if you’re lucky enough to spot them. 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 starts in Fermyn Country Park but the majority of the route is on the adjoining Fermyn Woods. The course is truly off-road with only a small section on the normal stone pathway you'd expect in a country park. The section through the woods consists of some single track running, wide grassy paths and narrow woodland paths. It really is a beautiful course! Depending on the weather this may be suitable for road shoes but it's unlikely. There may well be sections where there is overhanging vegetation and stinging nettles. It's true woodland running! As is always the case the toilet block is about 50m from the aid station on each lap too.
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 01/01/2020 £23
Before 16/05/2021 £28
After 16/05/2021 £33
Where is it?
Fermyn Woods Country Park (Nr. Corby) is a large council run site with the woodland managed by Forestry England.
You do have to pay to park (£5.20 at the time of writing). That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world!
It is easily accessible from the A14, just over 10 minutes away. Use NN14 3HS for your Sat Nav.
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.1-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 (+ a short one) and a half marathon will be a little long at 4 laps (+ a mini lap).
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained from Northamptonshire Council and 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?
No. You’ll be breaking new ground, pioneering, trend setting here!
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
“The lap system was great, not only for the new snacks to look forward to at the end of each one, but to catch up with other members of our group to see how everyone was doing. The organisation was spot on and the atmosphere was really supportive. ”
