TrailFest - Cannock Chase Forest

It’s pretty spectacular… and hilly! The routes start at the rifle range cadet hut and go on a tour of fire roads and tighter single track routes around Cannock Chase. With no road crossings you can just put your head down and enjoy the amazing hills.

Each route is tough. The main 10 mile loop has over 1500ft of elevation, the 10K has around 800ft! There are steep up and down hill sections on loose stones. It’s not scrambling and for experienced trail runners it’ll be nothing of great note. However, for any “tarmac lovers” it might seem a little crazy! It is rewarding though, I promise! The views are spectacular and the escapism is very real!

The routes will be fully marked, although having the route with you is very strongly advised.

The main elements of all the routes can be seen in the video. The forest is a living breathing habitat and as such things change, species need to be protected and pathways rerouted sometimes. We will be based from the Tackeroo campsite and use the block of woodland opposite but this potentially could be changed if it is deemed necessary.

Cannock Chase is in Staffordshire (WS15 2US). It is managed by Forestry England.

Competitor parking will be at the Tackeroo site (here on What 3 Words) and free. Spectators will need to park locally in the many car parks close to the start line.

The nearest train stations Rugeley Trent Valley and Rugeley Town are both approximately 2 miles away

When does it start?
Registration Open – 07:00
Event Start – 09:00

Are there cut offs?
Sort of! 9 hours for the 10K!
That is less than 1 mph. This is probably the longest cut off for a 10K...! The average walking pace is 3-4 mph.
The aid station supporting the 10K will be working to a 2 hour cut off but you are welcome to finish after 2 hours.
Anyone leaving HQ who is likely to finish after 5pm will be required to have a head torch and back up light too. Light fades quickly and early in the woods.
We'll confirm these details on emails sent out in the last 4 weeks before the event.

When does it start?
Registration Open – 07:00
Event Start – 09:00

Are there cut offs?
Yes! 9 hours for the HM!
That is roughly 42 minute miles, 1.4 mph. This is probably the longest cut off for a half marathon...! The average walking pace is 3-4 mph.
Anyone leaving HQ who is likely to finish after 5pm will be required to have a head torch and back up light too. Light fades quickly and early in the woods.
We'll confirm these details on emails sent out in the last 4 weeks before the event.

When does it start?
Registration Open – 07:00
Event Start – 08:00

Are there cut offs?
Yes! 10 hours for the Marathon!
That is roughly 23 minute miles, 2.6 mph. This is a generous cut off. The average walking pace is 3-4 mph.
This might rule some people out, I apologies, sort of! We host many events that are truly inclusive in terms of pace, speed and distance. However, we have lots of moving parts with an event like this and so a cut off will be in place and enforced. We know the enforcement doesn't always happen at some events, to be clear, it will here. There will be cut offs for starting the last lap only. You must leave the HQ for the last lap by 15:30 (9 hours on the race clock)
Anyone leaving HQ who is likely to finish after 5pm will be required to have a head torch and back up light too. Light fades quickly and early in the woods.

We'll confirm these details on emails sent out in the last 4 weeks before the event.

When does it start?
Registration Open – 06:00
Event Start – 07:00

Can I have a crew?
Of course, it's an ultra and crews are important. That said you need to understand they are your responsibility. If your crew misbehave, cause parking issues, are rude to our team or others involved in the race then you will be DQ'd. We know you're a highly trained athlete and must have your Jam Tarts at exactly the time you said (!!) but they need to act responsibly.
Crew instructions are simple, no littering, be polite and stay out of the aid station area.
We get a lot of first time runners, and as such first time crew/support. If your parents or loved ones are crewing you for the first time please try to prepare them for the mess you might be in! I’ve had lots of conversations with parents and partners who think we’ll be sending in an air ambulance because your leg hurts a bit (or to that effect!). Tell them beforehand what you’ll be like so it’s not a shock to them. 50 miles is a long way, it hurts, you’ll hurt, but the reward and satisfaction is proportional to the effort!

Are there cut offs?

Yes. 12 hours for the 50 km.
That is roughly 23 minute miles, 2.6 mph. This is a generous cut off. The average walking pace is 3-4 mph.
This might rule some people out, I apologies, sort of! We host many events that are truly inclusive in terms of pace, speed and distance. However, we have lots of moving parts with an event like this and so a cut off will be in place and enforced. We know the enforcement doesn't always happen at some events, to be clear, it will here. There will be cut offs for starting the last lap only. You must leave the HQ for the last lap by 15:30 (9 hours on the race clock)
Anyone leaving HQ who is likely to finish after 5pm will be required to have a head torch and back up light too. Light fades quickly and early in the woods.
We'll confirm these details on emails sent out in the last 4 weeks before the event.

When does it start?
Registration Open – 06:00
Event Start – 06:30

Can I have a crew?
Of course, it's an ultra and crews are important. That said you need to understand they are your responsibility. If your crew misbehave, cause parking issues, are rude to our team or others involved in the race then you will be DQ'd. We know you're a highly trained athlete and must have your Jam Tarts at exactly the time you said (!!) but they need to act responsibly.
Crew instructions are simple, no littering, be polite and stay out of the aid station area.
We get a lot of first time runners, and as such first time crew/support. If your parents or loved ones are crewing you for the first time please try to prepare them for the mess you might be in! I’ve had lots of conversations with parents and partners who think we’ll be sending in an air ambulance because your leg hurts a bit (or to that effect!). Tell them beforehand what you’ll be like so it’s not a shock to them. 50 miles is a long way, it hurts, you’ll hurt, but the reward and satisfaction is proportional to the effort!

Are there cut offs?

Yes - 12 hours for the 50 mile.

That is roughly 14.5 minute miles, 4.1mph. This may seem easy but consider the course, time of year and terrain. It’s by no means an easy cut off but also shouldn’t be a barrier to the vast majority (the limit is to allow all but the very last to finish in daylight.
This might rule some people out, I apologies, sort of! We host many events that are truly inclusive in terms of pace, speed and distance. However, we have lots of moving parts with an event like this and so a cut off will be in place and enforced. We know the enforcement doesn't always happen at some events, to be clear, it will here. There will be cut offs for starting the last lap only. You must leave the HQ for the last lap by 16:30 (10 hours on the race clock)
Anyone leaving HQ who is likely to finish after 5pm will be required to have a head torch and back up light too. Light fades quickly and early in the woods.
We'll confirm these details on emails sent out in the last 4 weeks before the event.

Can I change distance after I’ve entered?
Yes. As the 50 miler is longest distance event you can only change to shorter distances. The difference in your price will not be refunded but you can change. If you let me know more than 3 weeks before the event you’re bib will be changed to the corresponding event too. However if the bibs have been ordered then you’ll have to run with the “wrong” colour bib on.
If you wish to change from 50 miles to 50k on the day, or even during the event, you can do. If you decide after 4 complete laps you wish to stop you can do and you’ll be a 50k finisher. You are not eligible for overall prizes however (if you had the fastest time on the day for example). If you start lap 5 you cannot decide to stop and get your 50k medal, you’ll be a 50 mile DNF. The end of lap 4 is stick or twist!
As the other distances use a different course it is not possible to switch distances to any other distance if you start as a 50 mile runner.

The short answer is no.

Pacers are generally only involved in longer ultras or when you're running through the night. If you've got a friend or loved one who runs or walks with you for 100m as they pass you a jaffa cake, no big deal. Want to run across the finish with your 3 year old you've made wait all day for you? Not a problem (we aren't horrid!). Want to run back 200m and help your mate get to the finish inside the cut off after you've completed your run? Hero. If your running buddy happens to turn up unannounced and runs with your for 10 minutes - that’s not ok. Pacing doesn’t have to be pre-planned to be against the rules and ethos.

We would hope everyone is sensible enough to understand what pacing is. It’s not just about setting a running pace but giving someone a motivational lift too. No pacing but please get family and friends to support you loudly and proudly!

Yes please!!

Having friends and family add atmosphere to the day is brilliant not only for you but for others in the events too. All we ask is they respect the event, don’t block pathways and stay clear of the immediate aid station and HQ areas. There are miles of route to be on so there is no need to be in those areas.