Adventures in Middle Earth - Cyclopark Summer Series 2023
In August 2023 we're going to have a brand new, one off, series of events - each day will be a different theme as we journey through Middle Earth, and each day will have a new unique, matching themed medal based on the theme of the day! (We're going to aim to have different things on the aid station too to match the theme (which may end up being a bit random!)) Ten days, ten unique matching medals that will make an awfully impressive set, even if I say so myself!
We are fully committed for some days for the medals - we still have space to sign up - just committed on some of the medals! So folk signing up after July 30th (may) be offered alternative medals from other days in the series which aren't so busy or other related medals! (They're all pretty cool!)
The medal set will be based on "Edwardian Travel Posters" style, which firstly translates well in to medals and will produce a detailed and colourful set of medals of an imaginary journey through the realms of Middle Earth. As a self confessed Tolkien geek I've thought for a long time about how we can have more related bling... and here it is!
There will be a finisher shirt too... which we'll order after the event is complete. This hasn't been designed yet, but will be awesome as always and this series will be the only opportunity to earn it.
The remaining medals will be revealed in due course - but be matching of course!
We're holding it over two weekends and ending on the the Bank Holiday Monday and in the summer school holidays so those who are limited on holiday can take as few days as possible off work.... it is also an option to either do the whole series as a virtual series, or if you can only make a number of the days, to do the remaining ones as virtual runs (just a minimum of 1 mile required to maintain the sequence) so for example it would be fine to run in person on the five weekend/bank holiday days and then run the five week day events virtually, possibly avoiding the need to take any holiday days. (We'll make the wholly virtual option available when we've organised the remaining seven medals)
We're going to use 4 routes for the 10 days
The individual days will be as follows :-
Saturday August 19th - Day One - 3.28 Mile " Lightning Bolt" Route (parkrun option)
Sunday August 20th - Day Two - 5.25 Mile "177 Route"
Monday August 21st - Day Three - 5.25 Mile "177 Route"
Tuesday August 22nd - Day Four - 3.28 Mile "Double Rabbit" Route
Wednesday August 23rd - Day Five - 3.74 Mile "Trail" Route
Thursday August 24th -Day Six - 3.74 Mile "Trail" Route
Friday August 25th - Day Seven - 3.28 Mile "Lightning Bolt" Route
Saturday August 26th - Day Eight - 3.28 Mile "Lightning Bolt" Route (parkrun option)
Sunday August 27th - Day Nine - 5.25 Mile "177 Route"
Monday August 28th - Day Ten - 5.25 Mile "177 Route"
There are three hotels within walking distance and a new Travelodge within crawling distance! So things should be as simple as possible, aside from the running of course, and that is up to you! Each day will be a six hour challenge event, what distance you run each day is totally up to you...
We're making these events a little lower cost than usual, again to try to make them accessible as possible. We're also trying to make them as logistically straightforward as possible for both the runners and SVN! we're not going to have goody bags for these events, but certainly the usual standard of SVN welcome, support and friendliness!
Please explore the races and consider joining us for one or all of them!
Course Information
This can be read on our Cyclopark location page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I park? How do I get there?
Please refer to our Cyclopark information page.
Do I need to pay for parking?
Yes, it's currently £4.00 per day nomatter where you park in Cyclopark. If you are running for a number of days you can pay for a block of parking in advance to save you having to do that each day,
When do I get my race number?
You'll pick this up on race day morning from the race base camp. If you're taking part in more than one day then please keep your number to use on other days.
Are there time limits?
Yes, six hours to run as many laps as you can. You can finish at any time within the time limit and your final distance will be recorded along with your finishing time. Only complete laps within the 6 hours will be recorded or you must have left the aid station for your last lap by 5:59:59 after the start. Any runner completing 26.2 miles will have completed marathon distance and will count as a marathon finish for the purposes of the 100 Marathon Club, if you complete over 27 miles then you've completed an ultra.
As long as you finish one lap of a challenge event then you'll receive an official finish time, medal and goody bag. With timed events there are no DNFs as long as you complete one loop.
Do you have secure baggage facilities
No. We 100% suggest that people leave their belongings in their cars which will be parked just a few yards off the running line. If you don't have a vehicle then we'll have an area around base camp to leave a bag.
Trail shoes? Road Shoes?
Road shoes, its 95% or so on decent surfaces.
Is the course closed to the public?
No. We are using a network of local footpaths and trails and is shared with ramblers, dogwalkers, horseriders and cyclists. Runners do not have the right of way and need to be considerate of other users of the land. Please don't litter, we'll have a bin at the base camp and there are bins at various places along the routes.
Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course?
Yes. Though please be aware that you are running on public footpaths with the general public so make sure that you pay attention to farm vehicles, cyclists, people, dogs, horseriders, wildlife and so on. On a couple of the routes there are road crossings to be aware of too although there is no actual running along roads involved.
Location Information
Please visit our Cyclopark information page for general parking, directions and local area information about public transport, hotels etc.
