How far is the race?

You decide! The 3.3 mile off-road loop means your race can be 5k or over 50k and anywhere in between. You decide how many laps you're going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If you're looking to cover a marathon distance you'll need to complete 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps. 

Entry information?​

No entries on the day

There is a strict entry limit. Once the event gets down to the last places we'll endeavor to make people aware through social media and via the mailing list. Once the event is full a waiting list will be created. This will be available through the normal entry site.

Parking is £6 for the day. You can pay by card or coin. It might seem expensive but this is the sites main income and once you get there you'll appreciate it takes a lot of management! 

Course description

The course is brilliant. It's hilly, with 1 large incline and lots of rolling hills but towards the end of each lap is the amazing spectacle of crossing a river via the stepping stones. The route follows the recently established 5k fixed running route. Conditions under foot are good as the pathways are well established. Some of the pathways are quite stony so ultra thin shoes aren't recomended. You can see a video of some of the route here.

Is this a cupless event?

Yes. Please read our page on cupless events if you haven't experienced it before. It's obviously good for the environment to reduce plastic use and general waste. Yes, you wont break a world record having to stop to fill a bottle of water or carry a hydration pack but over a marathon distance it would probably add less than a minute to your time. We will have water, isotonic drinks, tea and coffee and real Coca Cola for you, but to be clear - we wont supply disposable cups for drinks. If you'd like to purchase a foldable cup we have them for sale when you purchase your ticket, you can buy one from our merchandise store or you can buy one on the day.

Why is it called the Birch Challenge?

Why not!? Cannock Chase has many birch trees and is part of our Forest Series across the National Forest at varying Forestry Commission sites. If you'd like to take part in the Forest Series go to the Forest Series page.

Where is it?

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire. The event is at the Birches Valley Forest Centre - Birches Valley, Rugeley WS15 2UQ

Permission

Permission for this event has been obtained from the Forestry Commission

TRA licence number

TBC

Frequently asked questions

Click here for our frequently asked questions.

Contact

If your question hasn't been answered or if you are still unsure of anything please contact us at racedirector@bigbearevents.net where we'll do our best to help.

Birch Challenge Feb 2021

• 09/02/2021, 09:00

  Birch Challenge 2021

  Enter £28.00

Location