How are the medals different for this event?
This event will be a little different. We’ll be collecting all of our woodland based medals and repurposing them for the Woodland Challenge. So the lanyard will be event specific with the time and location on but the medal may be from a previous Fox, Badger, Hedgehog Challenge etc. You can pick your medal as you finish.
We’ve got loads of woodland themed medals from past years and this seemed like a great way to put them to good use!
Where is it?
The start is at St Andrews Rugby Club, Ashlawn Road, , CV22 5QQ. The What 3 Words location is here. You’ll clearly see the HQ set up as you arrive.
There is a large FREE car park at the Rugby club. There is no cafe but we’ll have portaloos at HQ for you.
The nearest train station Rugby and is approximately 2 miles away
What’s a 6 hour event?
I’ve made a short video here to try to explain a little.
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 6:30 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 friends.
Course description
The route takes you down on to the Great Central Way, an old railway line managed by Sustrans and Rugby Borough Council. The route is a simple out and back along the railway. The route is gently uphill on the way out and then gently downhill on the way back. At the end of each lap you have to go up “the zig zags” to the HQ, a short sharp climb!
Although the route is effectively straight and flat it isn’t boring. It’s a wonderful route popular with locals for a wander or dog walk. Given it’s an urban greenspace it’s densely populated with wildlife so you’re likely to spot something jumping or flying about in the distance. Running across the old Hillmorton station platform adds something different too.
Video coming soon
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 03/05/2025 £37
After 03/05/2025 £42
Unaffiliated entrants pay £2 extra. Why not join your local running club or sign up the Big Bear Brigade and save 10% off entries for ever!
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.3-mile out and back course means your race can be just over 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! (Our all-time 6 hour record was set here, 52.8 miles!) You decide how many laps you are 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.
Has the event been run before?
Yes, but not since 2019! You can find the previous results here.
I’m unsure what to expect at a 6 hour event?
We’ve made some videos to try and help newcomers understand Big Bear Events and 6 hour events a little more here. We’ve got lots of videos on our You Tube channel that might help you see what we’re all about!.
I’ve heard you do nice medals. What will it look like?
This event will be a little different. We’ll be collecting all of our woodland based medals and repurposing them for the Woodland Challenge. So the lanyard will be event specific with the time and location on but the medal may be from a previous Fox, Badger, Hedgehog Challenge etc. You can pick your medal as you finish.
We’ve got loads of woodland themed medals from past years and this seemed like a great way to put them to good use!
I’m not that fussed by a medal…
In that case our partnership with Earth Runs will be perfect! Rather than give you a medal you don’t really want (and to help reduce waste) we’ll give you a Big Bear Tree Token. Not only will a tree be planted for each token given out but the token is also full of wildflower seeds for you to grow at home!
Can I run with my dog?
No, our canicross season goes from October - March.
Is there a gpx of the route?
The route gpx can be found by visiting plotaroute.com here. The route may be subject to last minute changes and there will be plenty of markings up on race day so you do not need to have this - but I know some of you like to anyway!
I really want to take part in the event but the day isn’t convenient for me! What can I do?
We’ve partnered with our friends at Skamper to offer On-demand events! It’s not quite the same as being there on the day but it’s the next best thing! Using the Skamper app you can be directed around the route on a day of your choosing. When you sign up we’ll send you the medal in the post that was given out on the day of the event. This way when you finish you’ll be able to claim the medal you’ve earned for the run straight away! Why not load your car boot with snacks and goodies, get some mates to join you and have your own Big Bear event!
Full details on our Big Bear On-Demand events is here.
I still have questions…
Then why not join our Big Bear Events Facebook group and ask our ever so experienced runners in there or email us directly here. We want you to enter with the confidence you’ll have a great (if not tiring!) day so are happy to answer any question we’ve not covered off here.
