Dormouse Challenge

Dormouse Challenge : Salcey Forest, NN7 2HX

The Dormouse Challenge is a six-hour off-road event held at Salcey Forest on Wootton Road. The course is a loop of 3.5 miles on well maintained pathways with no asphalt; surfaces are mainly crushed stone or compacted forest floor. Narrower sections may be covered in tree detritus and can become muddy or slippery when wet. On dry days road shoes are acceptable; on wet days trail shoes may be preferable.

Participants complete as many laps of the loop as they wish within the six-hour time limit. The organiser gives lap examples: a marathon requires seven laps plus a short out-and-back, and a half marathon is about four laps. A single lap is a valid finish and entrants receive the event medal and a Big Bear drink. There is an option to receive a Big Bear Tree Token instead of a medal; a tree is planted for each token and the token contains wildflower seeds.

Canicross is permitted. Leads must be kept short and entrants should use the canicross-specific race entry; canicross runners are integrated with the main field but alternatives are noted for dogs that do not cope with that environment.

The venue has café and toilet facilities. Parking requires payment and a special day rate of £3.80 has been arranged. The number 33 bus serves Salcey Forest and the nearest train station is Northampton. A GPX of the route is available and the event format is suitable for rucking. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.