Dormouse Challenge

Northampton, United Kingdom • 21 Nov 2025

Event overview

The Dormouse Challenge is a six-hour loop event at Salcey Forest on 21 November 2025. Competitors run as many laps of a 3.5-mile off-road loop as they choose within the six-hour time limit. The format supports short or very long efforts; examples given include a single lap or multiple laps that can exceed marathon distances. Canicross is permitted; canicross entrants should use the canicross-specific entry and keep leads short.

Distances referenced

  • 3.5-mile loop
  • 5k (one lap)
  • Half marathon : four laps (about 14 miles)
  • Marathon : seven laps plus an out-and-back

Location, course and entry

The event takes place at Salcey Forest, postcode NN7 2HX. The Forestry England site has a café and toilets. The surface is entirely off-road: mainly crushed stone or compacted forest floor with tree detritus on narrower sections. Road shoes are acceptable when dry; trail shoes are recommended when parts are wet or slippery. The number 33 bus stops inside Salcey Forest. Salcey Forest is about 18 minutes from Northampton and 9 minutes from M1 Junction 15; the closest train station is Northampton.

Entry uses tiered pricing: before 21/10/2025 the fee is £37, after that it is £42; unaffiliated entrants pay an extra £2. There is a negotiated parking fee of £3.50 for the day. Alternative options include on-demand participation via the Skamper app and a tree-planting token option instead of a medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

4 mi
3.5-Mile off-Road Loop
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Experience Irchester Spooktacular, a night time Halloween run through woodland trails with costumed marshals and fancy dress prizes. Choose a 5k or 2k family run and collect a spooky medal and treats while supporting local foodbanks.

Scenic multi terrain course through wooded trails and rolling farmland at Coombe Abbey, with 8 mile and 8 km options. Places are limited and entries include a race memento and hot chocolate at the finish, with cash prizes for top finishers.

Near Market Harborough, run a 5 mile out and back through the atmospheric Oxendon Tunnel with moody lighting; bring a headtorch. Pick night or dawn for a sunrise reveal and earn interlinking medals if you take on both.

Enigma Fireworks is a running event taking place on November 7th and 8th, 2025, at Caldecotte Lake in Milton Keynes. The event features both a marathon and a half marathon on each day, with participants completing scenic laps around the lak..

Run the Dirt Half Challenge in Leighton Buzzard this November, a scenic trail half marathon along canal towpaths, woodland and the Greensand Ridge. Finish with a lap of Tiddenfoot Waterside Park for a memorable autumn outing.

Enjoy hilltop views and rolling countryside at the Sundon Saunter near Barton le Clay on 16 Nov 2025. Pick 13, 18 or 27 mile routes with checkpoints and a light finish meal; event is full and has a waiting list.