TrailFest - Salcey Forest Forest

The majority of the routes are along well maintained pathways. There isn't a meter of asphalt (except 2 road crossings for the longer events!) and the pathways are mainly crushed stone or very well trodden open forest floor. Obviously being in the middle of a forest the narrower ones are covered in tree detritus and can become a bit muddy and grimy, especially when wet. There are a few sections across grassland. If we are experiencing a wet winter expect these to be muddy or waterlogged. Plan to do this event in trail shoes, if it’s suitable for road shoes we’ve had a dry winter!

It’s got it all. There are stretches of crushed stone pathways, grass paths, single track woodland, thick forest and a small section of grassland. The ground conditions are very dependent on the winter we’ve experienced before. 2022 was glorious soft trail in perfect conditions. After the wettest March for 40 years, 2023 was a bit of a mudfest! However so were 99% of other trails in the UK.

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.

It’s got it all. There are stretches of crushed stone pathways, grass paths, single track woodland, thick forest and a small section of grassland. The ground conditions are very dependent on the winter we’ve experienced before. 2022 was glorious soft trail in perfect conditions. After the wettest March for 40 years, 2023 was a bit of a mudfest! However so were 99% of other trails in the UK.

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.

It’s got it all. There are stretches of crushed stone pathways, grass paths, single track woodland, thick forest and a small section of grassland. The ground conditions are very dependent on the winter we’ve experienced before. 2022 was glorious soft trail in perfect conditions. After the wettest March for 40 years, 2023 was a bit of a mudfest! However so were 99% of other trails in the UK.

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.

It’s got it all. There are stretches of crushed stone pathways, grass paths, single track woodland, thick forest and a small section of grassland. The ground conditions are very dependent on the winter we’ve experienced before. 2022 was glorious soft trail in perfect conditions. After the wettest March for 40 years, 2023 was a bit of a mudfest! However so were 99% of other trails in the UK.

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.

It’s got it all. There are stretches of crushed stone pathways, grass paths, single track woodland, thick forest and a small section of grassland. The ground conditions are very dependent on the winter we’ve experienced before. 2022 was glorious soft trail in perfect conditions. After the wettest March for 40 years, 2023 was a bit of a mudfest! However so were 99% of other trails in the UK.

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.

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.

If you’re worried what they’ll be able to get up to while you run.. On-site is the rather spectacular Grounds Cafe, cycle hire, new kids playground, Gruffalo trail and much more. Salcey Forest is enjoyed by families every weekend

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!