How far is the race?

You decide! The 3.7-mile off-road loop means your race can be just over 5k or even over 50k 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 7 laps + a mini lap and a half marathon will be 3 laps + a mini lap 8 laps (29.6 miles) will be an ultra marathon. The course isn't flat but there aren't steep inclines. Each lap has around 160ft of elevation, making the marathon distance roughly 1150ft of elevation.

Entry information

No entries on the day

There is a strict entry limit. Once the event gets down to the last places we'll endeavor to make people aware through social media and emails (join the mailing list here). Once the event is full a waiting list will be created. This will be available through the normal entry site.

You do have to pay to park (£3.00 at the time of writing).  This money goes directly to the Forestry Commission, it's a great space that needs money and this is their main revenue stream. That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world!

Course description

The course is on the tracks pathways on "the other side" at Hicks Lodge. If you aren't familiar with Hicks Lodge you can get a good idea from the pictures below. We would suggest running road or trail shoes would be suitable. Running in "racers" probably isn't wise though as there may be the occasional big stone on the pathway that wouldn't be much fun on ultra thin soles. Given the nature of the track there wont be muddy sections. In really bad weather there may be puddles but generally there is good drainage throughout.

Is this event cupless?

Yes. Please read our page on cupless events if you haven't experienced it before. It's obviously good for the environment to reduce plastic use and general waste. Yes, you wont break a world record having to stop to fill a bottle of water or carry a hydration pack but over a marathon distance it would probably add less than a minute to your time. We will have water, isotonic drinks, tea and coffee and real Coca Cola for you, but to be clear - we won't supply disposable cups for drinks. If you'd like to purchase a foldable cup you can when you purchase your ticket, from our merchandise store or on the day at the event.

Why is it called the Oak Challenge?

Why not!? Hicks Lodge has many oak trees and is part of our Forest Series across the National Forest at varying Forestry Commission sites. If you'd like to take part in the Forest Series go to the Forest Series page.

Where is it?

Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. Hicks Lodge is a Forestry Commission site with a cafe, toilets, play area and mountain bike routes and is well sign posted. Use the postcode LE65 2UP for sat navs. It's 10 minutes from Junction 12 of the A42. The closest train station is Burton-on-Trent

Permission

Permission for this event has been obtained from the Forestry England

TRA licence number

TBC

Frequently asked questions

Click here for our frequently asked questions.

Contact

If your question hasn't been answered or if you are still unsure of anything please contact us at racedirector@bigbearevents.net where we'll do our best to help.

Location