The race is starts and finishes in the Ramscombe valley. The Long course also goes through Ramscombe at halfway making it a great race to spectate. Most to of the course is on gravel trails but some parts maybe muddy.

Aid Stations

There will be at least one aid station on course for all races. There will be refreshments at the end for all. All aid stations will this includes water, sweets, fruit and savoury bits to.

Course Markings

The course will be well marked with plenty of signs with reflective elements, as well as marking the turning we also have signs to warn a turn is coming up and to block off wrong directions. As well plentiful signs we have a breadcrumb style trail which lets you know you’re on the course.

Terrain & Course

Most of the course is stone tracks made for the access of forestry vehicles to the woods. These are wide and normally dry though like most surfaces can get puddles when it’s rained. Older tracks can get muddy or broken up so there may be lose stones in some areas. Unless it’s repaired the first big climb for the main race is an example of this which is why we’re running up it rather than down. The course does go onto the odd bit of trail but footing for an off road race is good and unless it’s been particularly wet personally road shoes that can cope with stones underfoot or light trail with some cushioning would probably be ideal. Like most multi terrain or trail races there are tree routes and other obstacles in some areas.

While the technical challenge for an off road course is not high both races for their distances have a high level of ascent. Generally you’re going gently up or down most of the night.  The long course has two steeper climbs and the short course one, we normally walk these when doing the test runs. The good news is that a short of walking gets a much longer period of running downhill. It’s the ups and downs that make this course both challenging and rewarding.

8.5 Mile Course

10km Course

6k Course

Spectating

The Dark Woods race has a central valley where the runners on the long race start, pass through at the half way point and at the end making it a good race to spectate at. We will be taking all our event shelters so if the weathers inclement there will be some cover from the elements. We’re hoping to have food and drink available for purchase at this location.

There’s a second good spectating point 600 metres from the start where it should be possible to watch the start, walk to and then see at 5k before walking back to the race HQ to see them at around 7.5k.

More Information

You will need to wear a head torch to race and carry spare batteries or a backup torch, a limited number of which will be available to hire or buy on the night.  We recommend emailing to book.

Please note there is a £2 parking charge per car. This is one of the ways the forestry commision raise money to manage the woods.

All finishers will receive a finishers medal for the 6k, 10k or 8.5 miles.

Age limits 15 and above for 6 km and 10k, 16 and above for the 8.5 miles.

Time Limit 2h 15 for 8 miles, 1h 30 for 6k, 1h 45 for 6 miles

Race Limit 350 (combined total)

Costs

6k is £17 affiliated or £19 unaffiliated

10km £18 affiliated or £20 unaffiliated

8.5 miles £20 affiliated or £22 unaffiliated

Race License & Insurance

ARC provide our race license and event insurance. Our permit number is ARC 19/620.

Canicross – 10km, probably starting shortly after the main 10km race, 16 places available