Cheddar Gorge Challenge (Marathon, Half, 10km, 6km, Fun Runs)

Join us for running in the most incredible of settings and with the most incredible of FEAST stations

It is true, these routes are a bit up and down, but we will power you along with the best feast stations; haribo, chocolate, mini cheddar - be rude not to, soreen loaf (vegan), tribe bars (GF, DF, vegan), water, electrolyte and flat coke, plus more!

• Bespoke Custom Medal
• Really friendly, inclusive atmosphere, perfect for your first race

There are on site toilets, coffee and food vans.

There is a bag drop.

There are no changing rooms

All our finishers receive a top of the range custom medal as well as a buffet of fresh fruit and other tasty treats. We also recognise a few of the speedy runners on the following basis.

Prize Categories

Top 3 male and top 3 female
First U20 male and female
First 20-39 male and female
First 40-49 male and female
First 50-59 male and female
First 60-69 male and female
First 70+ male and female

The final number of prizes awarded is determined by the number of finishers for each gender in a given race distance. If there are more than 100 finishers then the full range range of awards are made as shown above. If there are less than 50-100 finishers then the top 3 finishers overall will be awarded a prize. If there are less than 50 then only the winner will be awarded a prize. We do not have any winner's prizes for any of the children's events as would like to keep this participation focused.

There is no on the day prize giving because of the multi wave, multi start time format of the events. Prize winners will be contacted mid week via email.

Rubbish Out On the Course: We have special permission from the National Trust, the Somerset Wildlife Trust and Mendip AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) to hold these events around Cheddar Gorge. Please respect the fact you are running in such a beautiful area and do not drop any litter! If you can run will a full gel packet or drinks bottle, please run with it empty until the next Drinks Station. We reserve the right to give out time penalties to runners who are caught littering, and to disqualify repeat offenders. Thank you for understanding.

Cut off Time: There is 3hrs time limit for runners to start the 2nd lap of the marathon. Each lap is 13.2 miles but GPS reception is patchy so please do not rely on these too heavily to track your progess. There is no time limit for the other distances.

Race Numbers: No race numbers are being posted out, all numbers will be available to collect on the day.

• The routes are not suitable for canicross (time of year) or buggy runners because of the terrain.
• Spectators are very welcome. The best place to view the races from is the start/finish.

There will be a 1km course along flat fields around the event village. There is no minimum age for this run. We will also have a 3km event which will include a good mix of trails and hills, there is a minimum age of 10 for this race. All racers of course will still take home a top quality medal and be able to help themselves to our buffet of refreshments

The race starts at Black Rock with views of the route ahead along the Cheddar Gorge stretching out into the distance.

A great variety of terrain makes this an all round challenge with a mix of open meadows, rocky outcrops, a few steps and cliff edge running.

Cheddar Gorge is one of the Seven Wonders of the UK and running around the gorge is very special experience - definitely a race not to be missed!

Course Description

Starting from the event village, the first 1.5km is nice and flat and long range views through Cheddar Gorge open up as you run along. There is a little descent to bring you past the first drinks station, hopefully you don’t need a drink 1 mile in! The drinks station is positioned for you on the return leg, around 7.5km in.

2-2.5km is a gentle downhill, leading into some more technical sections with little rises through woodlands. After 2.5km there is a split, the 6km runners branch off and make a right turn and start their climb up the valley. 10km runners process straight ahead, through a kissing gate and then on to start the climb of the infamous Hell Steps. Not one, but two rather large flights of steps which will bring you to the most amazing view.

Once off the cliff top path the route meanders through some woodland for the big reveal at 3.5km, a great view of the gorge mouth with views across the Somerset levels

From here there is a gradual descent to the 4km marker with more wonderful views, and to take you even closer, we even hop over the perimeter wall for a brief moment. You are not actually as close as it may appear as you approach the wall ;-) Just before the 5km marker runners will make their way to the first drinks station. Just a reminder we are now expecting runners to be self sufficient; for covid reasons and environmental reasons, so whilst you are always welcome at a drinks station, please carry your own water too.

After the 5km point there is another little rise where you can take in the views again over your right shoulder. After some open fields, there is a short, steep and stoney descent - take care here. You will also see runners from the 6km race joining you at the point. Both routes converge and carry on up the other side of the dip.

After a descent you will reach the first drinks station again, there is another drinks station (FS1). 6km and 10km runners need to go straight ahead, as shortly after the drinks station the Half Marathon runners will branch off left (Sunday races). The area ahead is steeped in history; the whole area has been extensively mined from the Roman times through to Victorian. This area is generally flat, though runners will have to clamber over 10ft high walls which form the old mineral settling pools from the lead mines.

Shortly after the 9km point runners will turn right and climb out of this little valley which is called Velvet Bottom. The final km is a lap around the event area to get you up to the full distances.

There is approximately 120m height change on the 6km and 235m height change on the 10km.

Our new route is a 1 lap half marathon around Cheddar Gorge and Beacon Batch, the highest point on the Mendip Hills. Both are very hilly and both have amazing views - have a read of the course descriptions and see the pictures below!

There are also some great updates since 2017, taking out the narrow out and back stations and covering some new ground to make a bigger 1 loop course.

Starting above Black Rock, the first 1km is a gentle meander down hill towards Black Rock, followed by a gentle downhill on a very rocky track. The first climb comes after 1.5km, a short sharp climb off the main track as the route heads towards Cheddar. After 1km, the 6km runners branch off and make a right turn and start their climb up the valley. 10km and Half Marathon runners process straight ahead, hope over a stone stile and start the climb of the infamous Hell Steps. Not one, but two rather large flights of steps which will bring you to the most amazing view looking right down the gorge.

Once off the cliff top path the route meanders through some woodland for the big reveal, a great view of the gorge mouth with views across the Somerset levels. And to take you even closer, we even hop over the perimeter wall for a brief moment. You are not as close as it may appear so do not worry...just be careful with those selfies! (2 mile marker)

The first Feed Station (FS) is a welcome site and will offer a great time opportunity to refresh and replenish following the tough climb. From here there is a gradual rise, which kicks up at the end as runners enter Piney Sleight. Some good flat running ahead for the next 800m or so past the 3 mile marker. Coming up next is a short, steep and stoney descent - take care here. You will also see runners from the 6km race joining you at the point. All routes converge and carry on up the other side of the dip. As you contour around the ridge you will have really nice views across the valley to the event village and festival site.

After making a quick 180 degree turn a decent at the 4 mile mark, there is Feed Station ahead. Shortly after the drinks station the Half Marathon runners will turn left off the main track, where as the 6km and 10km runners will go straight ahead. There are open fields and a slight climb to get towards the 5mile marker shortly after which some ducking and weaving will be required to negotiate a little used footpath which will be nice and slippery if wet.

Up ahead is a road crossing, please pay attention to the marshals instructions and only cross when you feel it is safe to do so. The other side of the road, more fields and more climbing, including a beautiful little woodland valley which we hop through. The false horizon finally comes to an end with an old World War 2 bunker, now a rather odd looking grass mound, but integral in it's day. It used to house generators which powered a huge series of lights in the land ahead which we were laid out to mimic the railways of Bristol and were used as a decoy for German bombers.

Past the bunker and make a right turn into some very boggy land, prime ankle twisting territory so please be careful here. At 6 miles you will make a left turn and head up towards Beacon Batch, the highest point on the Mendip Hills at 325m. Finally there is some flat running along to mile 7, followed by a great big downhill run towards the feed station at mile 8. This was a main road in Roman days and retains the name of the Motorway among the locals and you will be able to see why as you speed down the hill. From here there are great views over the Bristol channel and over towards Wales.

Mile 9 is relatively flat with some stream crossings and undergrowth to negotiate in parts. Followed by another big climb back up to Beacon Batch. That is the last big climb of the route and you could almost say it is downhill to the finish from here, aside from one or two little bumps. The next feed stations is at the two masts on the horizon accessed along a narrow little track. After the feed station comes the only real tarmac road section (11 mile marker) before we hop over the road and back onto the trails.

There is another road crossing ahead so please take care. You are now at the top of Velvet Bottom and a slight downhill ahead brings you to the point there the 10km route meets you. Routes converge and head up and across the valley shortly after the 12 mile marker and take a flat path along the top ridge of velvet bottom towards the finish line ahead!

The route has 4 feed stations over approx 13.2miles, and approx 535m of height change.

The Cheddar Gorge Marathon is a 2 lap course taking in biggest and most beautiful climbs around the Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge. Runners will run along valley floors that have been the site of british industry from Roman all the way through to Victorian times; and the 10ft dam walls (of the old lead mining settling pits) which you will negotiate bear testament to this. Also on the course you will see World War II bunkers, breath taking views over to the Welsh Mountains, conquer the mighty Hell Steps (twice!) and enjoy stunning running along gorge edge.

The marathon is two laps of the half marathon route so will follow half marathon signs as described below. Starting above Black Rock, the first 1km is a gentle meander down hill towards Black Rock, followed by a gentle downhill on a very rocky track. The first climb comes after 1.5km, a short sharp climb off the main track as the route heads towards Cheddar. After 1km, the 6km runners branch off and make a right turn and start their climb up the valley. 10km and Half Marathon runners process straight ahead, hope over a stone stile and start the climb of the infamous Hell Steps. Not one, but two rather large flights of steps which will bring you to the most amazing view looking right down the gorge.

Once off the cliff top path the route meanders through some woodland for the big reveal, a great view of the gorge mouth with views across the Somserset levels. And to take you even closer, we even hop over the perimeter wall for a brief moment, but don't worry, you are not as close to the egde as you might think....just be careful with those seflies! (2 mile marker)

The first Feed Station (FS) is a welcome site and will offer a great time opportunity to refresh and replenish following the Hell Steps. From here there is a gradual rise, which kicks up at the end as runners enter Piney Sleight. Some good flat running ahead for the next 800m or so (3 mile marker). Coming up next is a short, steep and stoney descent - take care here. You will also see runners from the 6km race joining you at the point. All routes converge and carry on up the other side of the dip. As you contour around the ridge you will have really nice views across the valley to the event village and festival site.

After making a quick 180 degree turn a decent at the 4mile mark, there is Feed Station ahead. Shortly after the drinks station the Half Marathon runners will turn left off the main track, where as the 6km and 10km runners will go straight ahead. There are open fields and a slight climb to get towards the 5mile marker shortly after which some ducking and weaving will be required to negotiate a little used footpath which will be nice and slippery if wet.

Up ahead is a road crossing, please pay attention to the marshals instructions and only cross when you feel it is safe to do so. The other side of the road, more fields and more climbing, including a beautiful little woodland valley which we hop through. The false horizon finally comes to an end with an old World Way 2 bunker, now a rather odd looking grass mound, but integral in it's day. It used to house generators which powered a huge series of lights in the land ahead which we were laid out to mimic the railways of Bristol and were used as a decoy for German bombers.

Past the bunker and make a right turn into some very boggy land, prime ankle twisting territory so please be careful here. At 6miles you will make a left turn and head up towards Beacon Batch, the highest point on the Mendip Hills at 325m. Finally there is some flat running along to mile 7, followed by a great big downhill run towards the feed station at mile 8. This was a main road in Roman days and retains the name of the Motorway among the locals and you will be able to see why as you speed down the hill. From here there are great views over the Bristol channel and over towards Wales.

Mile 9 is relatively flat with some stream crossings and undergrowth to negotiate in parts. Followed by another big climb back up to Beacon Batch. That is the last big climb of the route and you could almost day it is downhill to the finish from here, aside from one or two little bumps. The next feed stations is at the two masts on the horizon accessed along a narrow little track. After the feed station comes the only real tarmac road section (11 mile marker) before we hop over the road and back onto the trails.

There is another road crossing ahead so please take care. You are now at the top of Velvet Bottom and a slight downhill ahead brings you to the point there the 10km route meets you. Routes converge and head up and across the valley shortly after the 12 mile marker and take a flat path along the top ridge of velvet bottom towards the event village.

Runners will have to side step the finish gantry after completing 1 lap, restock on goodies, before heading out for lap 2. Runners must have started lap 2 within 3hrs of their race start or you will be withdrawn from the marathon event. There is an additional cut off at mile 21.2, the feed station by the 8 mile marker on the map below, for runners on their 2nd lap. This cut off will be at 4hrs 50mins from the event start.

There are 9 feed stations across the course to keep you well fed over this ~26.4miles course. There is approx 1070m of height change over the full route.

We have borrowed the term from track cycling, which see cyclists take on a range of different events, in a best all rounder style competition. We are very excited to be bringing the format into the running world, in a fun and friendly event which is open to everyone, just like all our events.

Runners will take part in four events, all on one day, and they are awarded points based on their finishing position; 1 point for first, 10 points for tenth etc. The overall standings are based on cumulative points, with the lowest score finishing first overall. All events are given equal weight, so a consistent and measured performance across the events is key. We will also be introducing slightly lower age restrictions on the Endurance events (as this is not a UK Athletics affiliated event), so this could be a great leveller between young speedy runners who will gain a lot of points on the Sprint, and the runners with more stamina who will pick up more points in the longer distance events.

The minimum age for the Bronze is 12 years old, Silver is 14 years old and Gold is 17 years old.

Bronze: 6km + 100m + 1km + Hill Climb, Provisional Start Times 11:10, 13:15, 14:15, 15:15

Silver: 10km + 100m + 1km + Hill Climb, Provisional Start Times 11:20, 13:15, 14:15, 15:15

Gold: Half Marathon + 100m + 1km + Hill Climb, Provisional Start Times 10:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:50

Format
The Endurance event (6km, 10km or Half) will be a usual wave start with ~100 runner starting at one time.

The shorter events (100m, 1km, Hill Climb) will be work from an individual time trail format, eg two runners at a time setting off at 30 second intervals. We pair runners together who should be of similar speed to help push you along, but your head to head result has no bearing on the overall results.

Provisional schedule: Sunday 9th June 2024

Endurance (Half Marathon, 10km, 6km) - Race start from 10:00

100m Sprint - Race start from 13:15

1km - Race Start from 14:15

Hill Climb - Race Start from 15:15

Omnium Event Descriptions
Sprint - a flat(ish) run of between 100m and 200m in length

Hill Climb - a vertical height gain of between 30m and 50m, roughly 500m in length

Middle distance - a flat(ish) run of around 1km

Endurance - a trail run between 6km, 10km or Half Marathon. The distance of the Endurance run determines if you the Bronze, Silver or Gold Omnium classification.

Maybe you’re taking part in several events, perhaps you and the family just want to have a short break over the weekend, or maybe just because?

Only for the weekend, you may camp at the Top of the Gorge event at Warren Farm. Wild(ish) camping will be available in a designated area with toilets, trailer shower and a drinking water tap provided. there is also a communal firepit which can be used as a BBQ (wood kindly provided by the National Trust). Food and drink providers will be on site during the event period. We will accept motorhomes/camper vans, but the designated area is in the field along with the tents, there is no hardstanding for these. To book, please proceed as if you’re booking a tent. Bookings are shown for fixed times but are for a night period. If your event is earlier in the day or on the following morning, then it is fine to come early or stay on beyond the stated times. For example, if you’ve booked for Friday night, you may arrive early on Friday morning and stay until Saturday evening, but you must book for Saturday if you wish to stay Saturday night.

Camping is available only to those taking part in the event, but families are welcome. Camping is only available to those who have pre-booked, on the day/arrival booking will not be possible.

To make your stay even more special can we please ask you to observe the following:
Please respect other campers as you would wish to be respected.
Keep noise to a minimum at night.
Please remove any waste/rubbish
Campfires are permitted in the designated area.
Camping and booking is at your own risk, refunds will not be available.