The Drop - Oxford

Welcome to The Drop – possibly the most thrilling and challenging race in the UK, inspired by a dash of military know-how! Are you ready to push yourself to the limit?

Choose your challenge: a 15-mile or 10-mile journey, solo or in a team of your choosing.

How it Works:

- Registration: Hand over all electronic devices, watches, navigational aids. In return, you’ll receive a race number and an emergency bag.
- The Journey Begins: Board the bus, don blackout blindfold (or an alternative if needed), and prepare to be driven to an undisclosed drop-off location.
- The Challenge: From there, you’ll need to find your way back to the event centre. The distance is measured as the crow flies.

What You’ll Have:

- No map
- No GPS
- No route
- No help
- No compass

From the moment you step off the bus, you are on your own. Run, walk, or crawl – just find your way back using nothing but your wits, determination, and sense of direction.

Important Notes:

- Distances are measured as the crow flies – the actual route may be longer (please read that again!).
- Only 75 palces available. 
- Blindfolds will be replaced with blackout safety goggle if needed, if you have any concerns, we have an alternative solution.

Rules (Break Them and You’re Out):

- No GPS: You can record your progress, but the device must be sealed in the emergency bag provided at registration (you take this with you with all your stuff sealed away).
- No unauthorised maps: You may only use maps we provide – if we choose to provide any at all!
- No shortcuts: You must complete the race using only your own two legs.
- Emergency bag integrity: Breaking the seal on your emergency bag will result in disqualification.

FAQ's

It is your responsibility to have checked through the FAQs ahead of event day, here you will find all the event info: start times, cut off times, required kit etc, the link is in the menu bar! 

Are you ready to face The Drop and prove you’ve got what it takes? The ultimate test of resilience and resourcefulness awaits!

 

Live GPS Tracking

Our live GPS tracking system is provided as an optional feature for your convenience and safety. While it’s not included in your entry fee, you’ll have access to it and can share your progress with others using a password we’ll send a few days before the event.

Key Information:

- Accuracy: The GPS trackers are accurate within 5 metres but can be affected by tall buildings and black spots. There may also be a slight delay between your actual location and what appears on the map. You might notice your position "catching up" after a gap.
- Placement Matters: For the best performance, place the tracker in an outside pocket with a clear view of the sky. Poor placement can weaken the signal, resulting in less reliable tracking – this applies to all GPS systems.

Sharing Your Location:

To share your tracking:

- Send friends or family the event website link.
- Provide them with the login details we’ll send you via email.
- They can use your bib or tracker number to view your progress.
- Viewers can customise the map, showing only your tracker or including others for extra fun. (We’ve heard it’s entertaining to see someone take a wrong turn!)

Important Notes:

- Tracker Returns: All trackers must be returned to a staff member at the end of the event. If not, a £175 replacement fee will apply.
- Features for Safety: As organisers, we have access to additional safety features not available to participants.

Enjoy the thrill of the race and the excitement of being tracked in real-time!