Where is it?
Salcey Forest is a Forestry England site with a café and toilets near Northampton. Use the post code NN7 2HX for Sat Navs . It is here on What 3 Words.
You do have to pay to park (between £4-£6 at the time of writing). That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world!
The number 33 bus stops inside Salcey Forest (just after 9am) and goes between Northampton and Milton Keynes (check for Sunday times)
It is 18 minutes from Northampton and 9 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1. The closest train station is Northampton.
Can I run with my dog?
Not at any event during TrailFest - Salcey Forest. As the event is run under a UK Athletics/ Trail Running Association license there are no dogs allowed at any of the events.
Course description
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.
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! If you are an unaffiliated entrant you will need to pay £2 extra.
10K
Before 24/02/2024 £18
After 24/02/2024 £23
Save 10% on this entry and every other by joining the Big Bear Brigade!
When does it start?
10 km
Registration Open – 07:00
Event Start – 09:00
Can my friends and family spectate?
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
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?
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.
Can I change distance after I’ve entered?
Yes. If you want to enter the longer distances you will need to pay the difference in entry fee. 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.
You cannot change distance once the event starts. You can change distance on the day but this must be before the events starts.
If you need to clarify this please contact me directly.
Has the event been run before?
Sort of! We’ve held a 50k and 50 mile event at Salcey Forest since 2021 along with many 6 hour challenge and 10K events at Salcey. This is the first time we are holding a 10K here that does.
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, Salcey 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.
