Dark Skies Surrey Hills
From Wild Running Ltd
- Date Sat 18th January 2025
- Time 16:30
- Location Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley Lane, Dorking. RH5 6AA
- Price £10.82 - £29.93
- Races 7 races
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Dark Skies Surrey Hills event, taking place on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, in the picturesque Dorking, Surrey! Organised by Wild Running Ltd, this exciting night trail features an undulating course that invites participants to yomp through the stunning, muddy hills of the Surrey countryside. Choose from a thrilling 10-mile race, a challenging 10K, or a fun 5K race, complete with canix options for furry friends. There's something for everyone, including a 1K/2K kid's race for children aged 3-11, making it a perfect family outing!
As part of the vibrant Wild Run Series 2024/25, which spans across Devon, Somerset, and Surrey, the Dark Skies event promises to be a highlight of the running calendar. Runners will traverse the beautiful Denbies Estate, soaking in the serene night sky. Plus, participants have the option to purchase a medal to commemorate their achievement, with a portion of proceeds going to a local charity for those who choose not to opt-in. Don’t miss this chance to embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories under the stars!
As part of the vibrant Wild Run Series 2024/25, which spans across Devon, Somerset, and Surrey, the Dark Skies event promises to be a highlight of the running calendar. Runners will traverse the beautiful Denbies Estate, soaking in the serene night sky. Plus, participants have the option to purchase a medal to commemorate their achievement, with a portion of proceeds going to a local charity for those who choose not to opt-in. Don’t miss this chance to embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories under the stars!
Dark Skies Surrey Hills
Sat 18th January 2025
Organiser's Description
The Dark Skies returns for an undulating yomp through Surrey’s muddy, rolling hills in Dorking. It’s a thrilling night trail 10 mile, 10K, and 5K race (with canix races), as well as a 1K/2K kid’s race for 3-11 year-olds.
Passing through the Denbies Estate in the Surrey Hills, they are part of the Wild Run Series 2024/25, spanning Devon, Somerset and Surrey.
**We have made medals an optional extra, which you can purchase on the event registration page as an add on. This is partly due ti then amount of wastage generated through no shows and failure to collect on the day but we will also make a donation to a local charity (TBC) for anyone who does not opt in to a medal.**
Passing through the Denbies Estate in the Surrey Hills, they are part of the Wild Run Series 2024/25, spanning Devon, Somerset and Surrey.
**We have made medals an optional extra, which you can purchase on the event registration page as an add on. This is partly due ti then amount of wastage generated through no shows and failure to collect on the day but we will also make a donation to a local charity (TBC) for anyone who does not opt in to a medal.**
Races
-
1K Kids Run
Sat 18th January 2025 (16:30)
£10.82
CLOSED -
2K Kids Run
Sat 18th January 2025 (16:30)
£10.82
CLOSED -
5k
Sat 18th January 2025 (17:25)
£20.38
CLOSED -
10k
Sat 18th January 2025 (17:30)
£25.68
CLOSED -
Canix 10K
Sat 18th January 2025 (17:30)
£25.68
CLOSED -
10 Miles
Sat 18th January 2025 (17:50)
£29.93
CLOSED -
Canix 10 Miles
Sat 18th January 2025 (17:50)
£29.93
CLOSED
Reviews
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
4.0
4 reviews
Prior to the run, the customer service was excellent. I decided to reduce my 10 mile race to the 10K and it was done quickly and easily.
The pack pick up was quick and easy. Unfortunately there was a bit of a delay to start the race, and it was very cold out so we were all gagging to get going.
The first half of the race there were a couple of long and steep hills, and an area which was single file and meant you had to walk a bit. There were a few gates to go through, which slowed you down a bit. So if you’re looking for PBs, this might not be the race for you.
The second half of the race though was where the legs really got going. I was nice and warm by this point, the ground was solid (with the exception of a few muddy areas) and it was lovely and flat or a slight downhill which meant I was able to keep running for the final 5K.
It was really cool doing a race in the dark, and I was a bit worried about getting lost but there were reflective arrows and ribbons that made sure you were on the right track with marshals at places that could get confusing.
Overall, it was a great race and I might even feel good enough to give the 10 miler a go next year!!
One thing that I would say that would improve it is if we got a free hot drink after as there was a refreshments stall (part of the wine estate). Even if an extra £3 was added to the entry price, I think it would be nice to get a hot drink at the end as a well done.
This was a real feel-good event. No need to stress about a time, you’re there for the joy. The course is a good mix of hills and more hills with some forest trails thrown in for good measure. A bright head torch is essential as is downloading the GPX file to your watch or buddy up with someone who has or knows the course as spotting the markers was sometimes tricky and getting lost would have spoilt the fun. Thanks for putting on a great event!
Thanks Freya. All good points! Ceri
I hadn't done a trail race before, but felt like this one was slightly disorganised. 15 minutes delayed start to the race followed by queuing and at some points literally standing still waiting to get through gates (I don't know if this is normal for a trail race) really didn't let me get into my race pace.
Confusion over the route for the last 500m (there was no signage) of the race also was very annoying as I initially went the wrong way.
Also to note, my running app only clocked 9k when I was down to run the 10k race.
I believe this all can be understood as race planning growing pains, and hopefully will be sorted out by next year.
Really lovely race. Great atmosphere, the location was awesome... A great mix of terrains. Only missing 1* because with about 1km to go the signage all but disappeared and basically everyone I spoke to got lost. The group I was in wandered through the car park and to the finish line which was a disappointing end to an otherwise flawless race. I would still race again.
Dark Skies Surrey Hills
