How far is it?
The Salcey 50 can either be 50 miles (6 laps + a short lap) or 50 km (4 laps). You need to decide your distance before you enter but if you enter the 50 miles and need to stop at 50km on the day this will be allowed.
However… if you start lap 5 you must complete lap 6 (and the short lap) or you’ll be a DNF.
Course description
It’s got variety. Around half of the route is on crushed stone pathways. However, most of these are quite old so although you wont need massive lugs to run on these segments it’s not like running around town!
There are many segments on grassland and single track trail. These will be muddy. Depending on the weather leading up to the event and how wet the winter has been these will either have sections in ankle deep mud or thigh high water! Salcey Forest is essentially flat and is a clay soil so the drainage is simply shocking. Leave those white trainers at home!
As mentioned above, the whole of Salcey forest would be described as flat. 84% of the route is “flat” according to the map software below. Of course even going up a curb after 48 miles feels like Everest but each lap only has around 350ft of elevation.
Can I have a pacer?
Short answer is no.
Pacers are generally only involved in longer ultras or when you're running through the night. If you've got a friend or loved one who runs or walks with you for a minute or 2 as they pass you a jaffa cake, no big deal. Want to run across the finish with your 3 year old you've made wait all day for you? Not a problem (we aren't horrid!). Want to run back 200m and help your mate get to the finish inside the cut off after you've completed your run? Hero. We would hope everyone is sensible enough to understand the difference between running with your mate for a bit and pacing. No pacing but run with your mate for a minute.
Can I have a crew?
Of course, it's an ultra and crews are important. That said you need to understand they are your responsibility. If your crew misbehave, cause parking issues, are rude to our team or others involved in the race then you will be DQ'd. We know you're a highly trained athlete and must have your Jam Tarts at exactly the time you said (!!) but they need to act responsibly. We will send out crew instructions before the event. Once we create them we'll have them available on this site 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!
Salcey 50 miles
Standard entry - £65
Late Entry (after 26/02/23) - £75
Salcey 50 km
Standard entry - £55
Late Entry (after 26/02/23) - £65
Non - affiliated entries pay £2 more
Save 10% on your entry by joining the Big Bear Brigade!
Where is it?
Salcey Forest is a Forestry Commission site with a cafe and toilets near Northampton. Use the post code NN7 2HX for Sat Navs. You will be directed to the overflow car park on the day, 400m from the start and main visitor centre.
You do have to pay to park (£6 for the day 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
If you want to see what the venue is like watch the venue preview here.
Are there cut offs?
Yes.
12 hours for the 50 mile and 111/2 hours for the 50km.
For the 50 mile route that is roughly 14.5 minute miles, 4.1mph. This may seem easy but consider the course, time of year and terrain. It’s by no means an easy cut off. For the 50k it’s roughly 22 minute miles, 2.7mph. That is obviously a lot more generous! However 11 1/2 hours is a long time on your feet if that’s the speed you’re planning to go at!
This might rule some people out, especially for the 50 miler. We apologies. We host many events that are truly inclusive in terms of pace, speed and distance. However, we have lots of moving parts with an event like this and so a cut off will be in place and enforced. We know the enforcement doesn't always happen at some events, to be clear, it will here. There will be cut offs for starting the last laps. These will be advised closer to the event but will be based on the above paces.
Anyone leaving HQ who is likely to finish after 6pm will be required to have a head torch and back up light too. Light fades quickly and early in the woods.
We'll confirm these details as we create the athlete pack with all the FAQ's.
Permission and Licences
Permission for this event has been obtained from Forestry England. This event will be licensed and permitted by the Trail Running Association, permit number pending.
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! The previous results and course records can be found here.
Can I walk it?
If you're quick! Whether you run, hike walk or crawl as long as you are on 2 feet and meet the cut offs then that is fine with us!
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 Salcey 50 returns in 2023 after a hugely successful 2022 and it promises to be another awesome event! Salcey Forest has hosted many Big Bear events over the years and we loved taking you to other parts of the Forest. You’ll go to tracks away from the main visitor centre along some single track trail, wide open forest floor and crushed stone pathways.
What are your refund/withdrawal rules?
You can find them here
I have a question.
No problem, check out our FAQs
