The Big Pilgrimage

BigFeat Events

From BigFeat Events

5.0 · 4 reviews
Sunday 22nd August 2021 Past event
Southampton
£27.00–£37.00 · 2 races
Half Marathon, Marathon

Event summary

Join us for an unforgettable experience at The Big Pilgrimage, organized by BigFeat Events, on Sunday, August 22, 2021, in the picturesque city of Southampton! This unique point-to-point run follows the newly discovered Pilgrim Trail known as 'The Old Way,' which traces an ancient route from Southampton to Canterbury, as outlined on the historic Gough Map dating back to around 1360.

Participants can choose between an exhilarating 14-mile race that concludes at the charming St Peter's Church in Titchfield, Hampshire's oldest church, or tackle the marathon distance that finishes at the scenic Fort Nelson atop Portsdown Hill. Runners will traverse stunning coastal and countryside trails, starting from Mayflower Park, where the Pilgrim Fathers once embarked on their journey to America. Highlights of the route include crossing the Solent Way and the Itchen Bridge, taking a special pink ferry to Warsash, and passing by remarkable landmarks like Netley Castle and Titchfield Abbey—each offering a collectible sticker for your unique race number! Don’t miss out on the chance to earn a bespoke medal as a reward for your adventure. Sign up now and be part of this extraordinary journey!

This event has taken place

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Reviews

5.0

4 reviews

CS
Clair Sparkes Verified entrant

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!
BigFeat Events
BigFeat Events
SW
Stephanie Willing Verified entrant

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!
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 14 mile

    £27.00

    Entries closed
  • The Big Pilgrimage Marathon

    £37.00

    Entries closed

Event information

Organiser's description

The Big Pilgrimage is a 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 14 mile event finishes at the beautiful St Peter's Church, Titchfield, Hamphire's oldest Church! The marathon event finishes 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.

Location

Town Quay, Southampton SO14, UK

BigFeat Events

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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