Badger Challenge

Event overview

The Badger Challenge is a six-hour off-road running event held at Beacon Hill Country Park, Lower Car Park, LE12 8TA. Entrants complete as many 3.3 mile laps of the marked loop as they wish within the time limit. Distances can therefore range from a single 5k lap up to well over 50k. A marathon requires eight laps and a half marathon requires four laps. Canicross entrants with dogs are permitted; leads should be kept short and canicross entrants must enter the specific canicross race.

Course and facilities

The route climbs from the lower car park for the first half and descends for the second half, mainly on well maintained crushed stone paths. The trig point is near the summit but is not on the official route. Underfoot conditions are generally decent but can be mucky depending on weather; the course is not technical. A GPX file of the route is available. Parking at the lower car park is charged at £3 for under three hours or £4 for the day, payable by card or coin. The nearest train station is Loughborough, approximately 6 miles away.

Entries, extras and partnerships

The event operates tiered entry pricing and unaffiliated entrants pay an extra £2. Medals are provided, with an alternative Big Bear Tree Token available through a partnership with Earth Runs; each token corresponds to a tree planted and includes wildflower seeds. There is an optional charity link with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity for donations during entry. An on-demand option via the Skamper app allows completion of the same route on another day with the event medal posted to the entrant. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.