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 route starts at the rifle range cadet hut and goes 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 10 mile loop has over 1500ft of elevation, you’ll be doing it 5 times so that is around 7500ft of climbing. 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 route 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.
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!
50 miles
Before 19/05/2024 £70
After 19/05/2024 £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 have a pacer?
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!
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 immediate aid station area. We have a big space we effectively have to ourselves at this event so there is plenty of space to be in close to the aid station. Just walk 10m away from the gazeboes to let the other runners come through without getting in their way.
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!
My training hasn’t gone to plan and I want to withdraw
It happens. Injuries, life events… forgetting you’ve booked it! You can see our specific withdrawl policy for the TrailFest events here. They are a little different to our other events but still much better than most other events companies. I think they are more than fair and as such they will be adhered to.
Are there cut offs?
Yes.
14 hours for the 50 mile.
That is roughly 16.8 minute miles, 3.6mph. 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 who are capable of 50 hilly miles. The cut off is there to ensure we’re off-site before dark.
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 17:40 (11hr40 on the race clock)
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 3 complete laps you wish to stop you can do a small out and back (a mile total) 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 3 you cannot decide to stop after and get your 50k medal, you’ll be a 50 mile DNF. The end of lap 3 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. If you need to clarify this please contact me directly.
Has the event been run before?
Yes! We’ve held a 50 mile (and 50k and 10 mile) event at Cannock Chase since 2021 along with numerous other events at Cannock Chase Forest. This year we’re re-branding it to TrailFest to allow you to get more support and adulation on your run around the Chase. The hope is those of you with runners in your family who aren’t ultra runners can also get involved in the day (and then sit around waiting for you to finish!!)
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 gpx of the route can be found here or by clicking the map at the bottom of this page.
The route may have to be changed, Cannock Chase Forest is an active forest after all, but this will be communicated with as much notice as possible. Recces of routes is always advisable but there is zero expectation of this. The route will be FULLY marked. We are often applauded for our marking, there will be lots of it.
The dream for myself as an organiser is you have the gpx on your watch/phone for emergencies but you never have to use it.
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 keen to get an early season 50 miler in 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.
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 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.
