Grim Reaper Running Festival
Bourne, United Kingdom • 23-24 May 2026
Event overview
The Grim Reaper Running Festival takes place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2026 at Grimsthorpe Castle Estate near Bourne, South Lincolnshire (PE10 0LY). The event offers multiple race options over a 10-mile loop and includes camping on the Friday and Saturday nights close to the start/finish area. All finishers receive a medal; trophies are awarded to first, second and third in male and female solo categories and to winning relay teams.
Course, distances and logistics
- 10 miles (day and night)
- 40 miles
- 70 miles
- 100 miles (solo)
- 100-mile team relay (teams up to 5)
The course is a marked 10-mile loop combining grass trails through ancient woodland, limestone tracks, quiet estate roads and a disused Victorian railway line, and it skirts the estate lake. Elevation is about 550 ft per lap. Trail shoes are recommended, especially in damp or wet conditions.
There will be qualified medics onsite and an aid station at mile 5 with limited snacks, water and a toilet. Ultra runners are expected to be largely self-sufficient and may leave tents/supplies at the start/finish for lap access. Camping is free for entrants. Cut-off limits apply for the ultra distances (40, 70 and 100 miles); mandatory kit rules apply for ultra races from 18:00 onwards, including a charged mobile phone, survival blanket, primary and backup lights, spare baselayer, waterproof jacket and at least 1 litre of water. Pacers and crew rules, littering and course-cutting penalties are enforced; dogs are permitted only in the 10-mile solo races and must be on a lead. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.