Woodpecker Challenge

Brixworth, Northamptonshire

How far is the race?

You decide! The 3.3-mile off-road loop means your race can be just over 5k or even over 60k. 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 (26.4 miles) and a half marathon will be 4 laps (13.2 miles). The course is lumpy and has a few areas with up and downs on grassy surfaces. If there has been lots of rain these areas will be muddy. There are large periods on flat tarmac as well making this a very runable course.

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 emails (join the mailing list here). Once the event is full a waiting list will be created. This will be available through the normal entry site.

You do have to pay to park (£3.00 at the time of writing).  This money goes directly to the country park, it's a great space that needs money and this is their main revenue stream. That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world!

Course description

The course is over a varied terrain. There are sections on mown grass, crushed stone and concrete paths. The mown grass sections are on short hills so if it's wet trail shoes are recommended. We will post pictures on social media in the lead up to the event to help you make the correct footwear choice.

Is it cupless?

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 you can purchase on with your entry, at our merchandise store and on race day at the event.

Why is it called the Yeti Challenge?

No real reason to be honest! We thought we could make some nice yeti themed medals and it links in nicely to our other mythical beast event the Bigfoot Challenge earlier in the year. If you want to dress up as a hairy beast feel free to. Or maybe don't have a shave in the morning!

Where is it?

Brixworth, Northamptonshire. Parking and the event HQ is at Brixworth Country Park. The route is mainly within the Country Park but does also use Pitsford Water. Use the postcode NN6 9DG for sat navs. It's 10 minutes from Junction 2 of the A14. The closest train station is Northampton

Permission

Permission for this event has been obtained from Anglian Water and Northamptonshire County Council

TRA licence number

1390

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.

Location