What is TrailFest?
It’s a day of moving around wonderful woodland for all abilities, speeds and experiences. Whether you’re an experienced ultra runner looking for a tough 50 miler or a newbie trail runner looking to do their first 10K TrailFest is for you!
We’ve got 5 distances for you to chose from - 10K, half marathon, marathon, 50k and 50 miles. Each distance has it’s own event page for the event specifics but most of the information applies to all of them and is listed here.
The idea of the day is to bring everyone together and to experience the fun of trail running in an amazing forest. Being around others doing what seems impossible can often make it seem a lot more possible too!! If you want to come and run your personal best or bimble about with your mates we’ve got the perfect distance for you.
Where is it?
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
Can I run with my dog?
Not at these events. As the event is run under a UK Athletics/ TRail Running Association license there are no dogs allowed at any of the events. It will also (hopefully!) be warm and as such unsuitable.
Course description
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.
Where is the distance specific information?
Here! We’ve got 5 distances for you to chose from - 10K, half marathon, marathon, 50k and 50 miles.
What does it cost?
We operate a tiered pricing approach. The earlier you enter, the cheaper the event but never ever will you pay a booking fee!
10K
Before 22/05/2024 £18
After 22/05/2024 £23
Half Marathon
Before 22/05/2024 £30
After 22/05/2024 £35
Marathon
Before 22/05/2024 £45
After 22/05/2024 £50
50K
Before 22/05/2024 £55
After 22/05/2024 £65
50 miles
Before 22/05/2024 £70
After 22/05/2024 £80
Unaffiliated entrants pay £2 extra. Why not join your local running club or sign up the Big Bear Brigade and save 10% off entries for ever!
Can I run as many laps as I want?
Not at this event. This may seem an odd question to answer but given the majority of our events are 6 hour lapped events it’s one I’m sure people will have!
Has the event been run before?
Sort of! This format replaces out Cannock 50 events from previous years. We’ve run at Cannock Chase many times in the past with 50 milers, 6 hour lapped events and evening 10K’s but the TrailFest set up is a new one! Be part of something special and join us for the first one!
I’m unsure what to expect at TrailFest?
It’s a new format for us but it wont be a new experience - as we’re very proud of the experience at all of our events!
We’ve tried to make as much video content as possible so you can see what our events are like. Have a look at our YouTube channel. The key is that these event are for everyone. There is no such thing as too slow!
I’ve heard you do nice medals. What will it look like?
Once it’s in our hands we’ll share the design with you!
I’m not that fussed by a medal, drink and flapjack…
In that case our partnership with Trees Not Tees may be of interest! When you sign up to this event you can select to have no finish line swag and instead we’ll donate the cost of this to Trees Not Tees who will plant a tree in their Scottish woodland on your behalf! You can find more info about this initiative here.
Is there a gpx of the route?
The route gpx files can be found on the event specific pages.
I still have questions…
Then why not join our Big Bear Events Facebook group and ask our ever so experienced runners in there or email us directly here. We want you to enter with the confidence you’ll have a great (if not tiring!) day so are happy to answer any question we’ve not covered off here.
