The Beacon Bash
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The Beacon Bash
The Beacon Bash takes place on Sunday December 6th 2026 and starts from Appley Bridge Scout Hut, Appley Lane North, WN6 9AD.
The route is just over 20 miles with 2345 feet of elevation. The bulk of the course runs on footpaths with some short sections on road and several main road crossings. The route is marked with black and yellow tape, but participants must navigate using the provided roadbook or a GPS route published on Strava. There are no marshals on the course; a water stop is provided at 12 miles at the top of Parbold Hill. An intermediate cut-off at the Parbold Hill stop may direct late participants onto a shorter route, and there is a finish cut-off.
Entrants are allocated a registration window and a start window based on anticipated run speed, and must register and start within their allocated windows. Timing chips are issued at registration; wearing the timing chip and keeping the event number visible are compulsory. Waves are organised with estimated completion times ranging from three to seven hours.
Compulsory kit includes a waterproof jacket, a spare base layer, a charged mobile phone, food and water for the full route, and a means of navigation such as the roadbook or GPS. Trail shoes with aggressive tread are required due to muddy sections. The event runs in winter conditions and may be cold and wet. No dogs are allowed. Roadside parking is available along Appley Lane North and Appley Bridge railway station has parking about 200 m from the start. Morning refreshments are available at the scout hut for a small donation to the scouts, and free hot food and drinks are provided for competitors at the finish; a wrist band is required for refreshments. An emergency contact number is provided for the day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
