The Big Pilgrimage
BE
From BigFeat Events
5.0 ·
4 reviews
Sunday 20th August 2023
Past event
07:30
Southampton
£38.00–£58.00 · 3 races
Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at The Big Pilgrimage, organized by BigFeat Events, taking place on Sunday, August 20, 2023, in the picturesque city of Southampton. This Gold-rated RaceCheck reviewed event follows the newly discovered Pilgrim Trail known as 'The Old Way,' which traces an ancient route from Southampton to Canterbury, as highlighted on the Gough Map dating back to 1360.
Starting at Mayflower Park, the historic site where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to America, participants can choose from several distances, including the scenic 15-mile route that culminates at the stunning Titchfield Abbey. For those seeking a greater challenge, the marathon and 54K events finish at the historic Fort Nelson, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel atop Portsdown Hill. Along the way, runners will traverse beautiful coastal and countryside trails, passing iconic landmarks like Netley Castle and Titchfield Abbey, collecting stickers to create a unique race number. Each finisher will also receive a bespoke medal, making this event a true celebration of heritage and athleticism. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vibrant pilgrimage adventure!
Starting at Mayflower Park, the historic site where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to America, participants can choose from several distances, including the scenic 15-mile route that culminates at the stunning Titchfield Abbey. For those seeking a greater challenge, the marathon and 54K events finish at the historic Fort Nelson, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel atop Portsdown Hill. Along the way, runners will traverse beautiful coastal and countryside trails, passing iconic landmarks like Netley Castle and Titchfield Abbey, collecting stickers to create a unique race number. Each finisher will also receive a bespoke medal, making this event a true celebration of heritage and athleticism. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vibrant pilgrimage adventure!
The Big Pilgrimage
This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
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Previous editions
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Reviews
5.04 reviews
CS
Clair Sparkes
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2023 edition · 3 years ago
I entered this race, partly as it fitted neatly within my marathon training block, partly because it's not too far from where I live, and partly because a friend of mine did it last year and really enjoyed it. I've never run with Big Feat Events before but can happily report that I would definitely do this again, although I think I will tackle the marathon next year, rather than the 15 mile event. Firstly, what did I like: the support from the organisers was superb and everyone was so so friendly, the snacks and drinks were abundant so I never felt like I'd run out of oomph, the scenery was marvellous and the little ferry ride was a welcome break. Having Titchfield Abbey as a finishing point was definitely a highlight and seeing a few familiar faces on the way gave me a lift when I flagged a couple of times due to the heat! What was not so much fun, well, of course the shingle but then I suspect everyone says this lol! All in all a fab day. Looking forward to next year, let's hope the weather is nice again. Thank you BigFeatEvents for a well organised, fun, event.
So glad you enjoyed it Clair, hopefully see you for the marathon next year!
BE
BigFeat Events
SW
Stephanie Willing
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2022 edition · 4 years ago
Very well organised. Probably the best aid stations I've encountered in a trail marathon.
Great fun collecting the stickers along the way!
Great fun collecting the stickers along the way!
CG
Claire Gwillym
Reviewing the 2022 edition · 4 years ago
A very well organised and friendly event. I had a lot of fun!
AL
Alice Lane
Reviewing the 2021 edition · 5 years ago
Great race, well organised and signposted. Loved the pilgrim fathers theme and the landmarks where they travelled. Organising the pink ferries from Hamble to Warsash was a really original idea. Beautiful views of the coast and park areas. Last few miles to Titchfield (for 14 mile event) was tough but finish at St Peter's Church was very rewarding. Highly recommended. Thanks to all of the organisers xx
Races
-
The Big Pilgrimage 15 mile
Entries closed£38.00
-
The Big Pilgrimage Marathon
Entries closed£48.00
-
The Big Pilgrimage 54k
Entries closed£58.00
Event information
Fast multi-terrain course taking in the best of the Meon Shore and surrounding countryside. On your way you will pass fabulous pilgrimage landmarks such as Netley Castle and Titchfield Abbey. Participants will collect a sticker at each one to make a collectable race number with a difference!
Bespoke race medal, route fully marked and marshalled. Ferry crossing Hamble-Warsash included. Transport to the start available as an option at checkout.
For the 15 mile event, parking is at The Great Barn, Mill Lane, Titchfield, PO15 5RB, with coaches transporting you to the start at Mayflower Park. For the Marathon and Ultra events, the parking is at Fort Nelson, PO17 6AN. These options can be selected at checkout.
Mayflower Park
Town Quay
Southampton
SO14 2AQ
Town Quay
Southampton
SO14 2AQ
Please where possible car share or use public transport to attend the event. When parking, be mindful of others and ensure event car parks are used and not verges/side roads. Permissions are granted for these events on the condition that we are as respectful as possible to members of the public, who will also be visiting our lovely locations. Arrive in good time for your event.
Bag drop will be available at the start and will be transported from the start to your chosen finish point to be collected at the end.
Your chipped race number must be worn and visible at all times. Please bring your own safety pins to secure. If you retire early from the race then a BigFeat marshal must be made aware so we do not send out a search party! Course maps are available on our website in advance, please familiarise yourselves.
Bag drop will be available at the start and will be transported from the start to your chosen finish point to be collected at the end.
Your chipped race number must be worn and visible at all times. Please bring your own safety pins to secure. If you retire early from the race then a BigFeat marshal must be made aware so we do not send out a search party! Course maps are available on our website in advance, please familiarise yourselves.
15 Mile finish – Titchfield Abbey, PO15 5RA
Marathon and Ultra Finish – Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Rd, Portchester, PO17 6AN
Marathon and Ultra Finish – Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Rd, Portchester, PO17 6AN
54K – 8 hours
Marathon – 7 hours
14 mile – 4 hours
Marathon – 7 hours
14 mile – 4 hours
Organiser's description
The Big Pilgrimage is a Gold-rated RaceCheck reviewed point to point run which follows the start of a newly discovered Pilgrim Trail called 'The Old Way'. This ancient trail from Southampton to Canterbury was recently found on Britain's oldest road map, the Gough Map c.1360 and follows beautiful coastal and countryside trails.
The run starts at Mayflower Park, Southampton, the point at which the Pilgrim Fathers departed to America aboard the Mayflower. Following the Solent Way across the Itchen Bridge, you travel along the shoreline to Hamble, where runners take specially scheduled pink ferries over to Warsash. From here, you continue to follow the shoreline to Hill Head Harbour before taking scenic trails northwards towards Titchfield, Wickham and beyond, finally climbing up to Portsdown Hill with beautiful views across the English Channel. The 15 mile event finishes at the beautiful Titchfield Abbey! The marathon and 54K events finish at historic Fort Nelson atop Portsdown Hill.
On your way you will pass fabulous pilgrimage landmarks such as Netley Castle and Titchfield Abbey. Participants will collect a sticker at each one to make a collectable race number with a difference! Bespoke medal awaits you at the end.
The run starts at Mayflower Park, Southampton, the point at which the Pilgrim Fathers departed to America aboard the Mayflower. Following the Solent Way across the Itchen Bridge, you travel along the shoreline to Hamble, where runners take specially scheduled pink ferries over to Warsash. From here, you continue to follow the shoreline to Hill Head Harbour before taking scenic trails northwards towards Titchfield, Wickham and beyond, finally climbing up to Portsdown Hill with beautiful views across the English Channel. The 15 mile event finishes at the beautiful Titchfield Abbey! The marathon and 54K events finish at historic Fort Nelson atop Portsdown Hill.
On your way you will pass fabulous pilgrimage landmarks such as Netley Castle and Titchfield Abbey. Participants will collect a sticker at each one to make a collectable race number with a difference! Bespoke medal awaits you at the end.
BE
BigFeat Events
We are a new and exciting UK based trail running and multisport event specialist. Whatever your ability or experience, we have a race that will test both to the limit, giving you an amazing adventure, that will definitely be hard to forget. Whether it's a half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon, sportive or swim, we encourage you to set your sights BIG!
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Since
2021
Events
60+
Avg. review
4.8
