The Grim Reaper - 10, 40, 70, 100-miles

The route is a 10-mile loop that covers beautiful grass trails through ancient woodland, limestone tracks, quiet estate roads and a stretch along a disused Victorian railway line. It also skirts around the picturesque estate lake before reaching the start/finish point in front of the castle itself.

We class this as an ‘undulating’ trail course with no major hills to contend with, making it ideal for those new to ultra-running, looking to take the next step to a longer distance or aiming for a PB. The course will be fully marked.

Trail shoes are recommended, especially in damp/wet conditions

Elevation
550ft per lap.

All finishers receive a medal. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third in all male & female solo races. Trophies will also be awarded to the winning team in both team relay races.

• Beautiful, waymarked trail route
• Free camping
• Spectators welcome
• Fully qualified medics
• Pacers allowed in 70 & 100-mile races after 50-miles
• Professional timing company
• 5-mile aid station
• 5-mile toilet

Medics
There will be fully qualified medics onsite throughout the event.

Aid Stations
If you are running one of the ultra-distances you are expected to be self-sufficient and manage your own supplies. You are encouraged to bring your own tent/shelter which can be left close to the start/finish point. There will be an Aid Station at mile 5 stocked with limited snacks & water. There will also be a toilet located at the aid station.

Food Drink
There will be hot food and hot/cold drinks available to purchase throughout the event (from 8am until 2pm on Saturday).

Camping
Runners are permitted to camp on-site on the Friday and Saturday nights. The camp area will be close to the start/finish line making it ideal for storing supplies for the race.

100 & 70-miles: 7am (Saturday, 23rd May)

40-miles: 8am (Saturday, 23rd May)

10-mile Day: 10am (Saturday, 23rd May)

10-mile Night: 9pm (Saturday, 23rd May)

The more, the merrier. There is a small car parking charge of £5 per car (not per person) of which 100% goes to the Grimsthorpe & Drummond Castle Trust Limited (reg charity number: 507478). You are free to walk the whole course to cheer on competitors. There will be food and drink available to purchase.

Pacers (70 & 100 mile runners only)
Permitted from mile 50 and on foot only. Only one pacer per runner at any one time.

Crew
Whilst you are welcome to walk the whole course, a crew point is only permitted at the start/finish location. Anyone found breaking this rule will be disqualified.

Cut-Off Time
The 70 and 100-mile races have a strict cut off time of 28-hours. The 40-mile race has a strict cut off time of 27 hours.

Mandatory Kit List: 40, 70 & 100 Mile solo races only
Mandatory kit is applicable from 6pm. Prior to 6pm you are free to carry what you want. Everyone starting a lap after 6pm MUST be carrying ALL mandatory kit. We WILL be checking anyone we feel isn't carrying the right gear.

Fully charged mobile phone, including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Directors. Both numbers will be supplied to you prior to the race.
Survival blanket (1.4m x 2m minimum)
Headtorch/primary light source – minimum of 75 lumens
Back-up light source
Long sleeved baselayer, separate to what you are wearing at the start
Waterproof jacket
Water bladder/vest/bottle capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre of water
PLEASE NOTE: We are operating a cupless race so you must bring a cup with you. These will be available to purchase on the day.

There will be a well-stocked running shop on site should you forget anything.

Mandatory Kit List (10-mile night race only)

Headtorch or chest torch (for 10-mile night and team runners starting a lap after 6pm).

All finishers receive a medal. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third in all male & female solo races. Trophies will also be awarded to the winning team in both team relay races.

Prizes may be awarded depending on sponsors. We will update this section accordingly.

Withdrawals
If you need to withdraw for any reason we are unable to offer a refund, however, you can defer your place to 2027 up to 4-weeks prior to the race (April 26). After this our race day costs, which are based on numbers, have been incurred.

If you would like to transfer your place to another runner, please email [email protected] with the runner's name, address, date of birth, gender and any medical information. Transfers after May 3 will incur a £5 admin fee.

*Should the 2027 event not go ahead, due to unforeseen circumstances, your deferral is void and no refunds will be given.

Qualification Standard
Whilst there is no official qualification standard, we suggest the following:

40-mile runners: Comfortable running 15 to 20-mile distances regularly.

70-mile runners: Comfortable running marathon to 50km distances regularly. There is a very generous cut-off limit so those walking still have a good chance of finishing.

100-mile runners: Have completed at least a 50-mile distance within a year of the event, with a finish time of at least 13-hours.

Entries
You cannot change the distance you have selected upon entry. If you enter the 100-mile race and decide to drop out at mile 70, you are classed as a DNF. Likewise, if you enter the 70-mile race, finish this distance and feel good enough to attempt the 100, you cannot upgrade to this distance.

Rules
Runners must follow the marked course at all times. Any runner found cutting the course will be instantly disqualified.
Your bib numbers must be on the front of your shirt/shorts and visible at all times.
Runners may not stash food/supplies on the course.
Littering will mean instant disqualification.
Runners are responsible for the actions of their pacers!
Pacers are permitted from mile 50 only and must be on foot.
Only one pacer at any one time.
Runners must carry mandatory kit equipment at ALL times.
You must comply with all instructions given at the race briefing.
If you are unable to finish the race you MUST inform the race directors.
Walking poles are permitted
Runners/walkers in the 10-mile solo races only can have a dog with them. However, this is not a canicross event, therefore they must start at the back of the field and be comfortable not to 'race'. Dogs MUST be kept on a lead as there is Livestock on the Estate.