Grim Reaper Running Festival

Event overview

The Grim Reaper Running Festival takes place at Grimsthorpe Castle Estate, Bourne, South Lincolnshire (PE10 0LY) on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026. The festival offers solo distances and a team relay. All finishers receive a medal. Trophies are awarded to first, second and third in male and female solo categories and to the winning team.

Distances

• 10 miles (day)
• 10 miles (night)
• 40 miles
• 70 miles
• 100 miles
• 100-mile team relay (teams up to 5)

Course and logistics

The course uses a 10-mile loop around the estate. The loop includes grass trails through ancient woodland, limestone tracks, quiet estate roads, a stretch along a disused Victorian railway line and a section beside the estate lake. The route is fully marked. Elevation is about 550 ft per lap. Trail shoes are recommended in damp or wet conditions.

There is an aid station at mile 5 with limited snacks, water and a toilet. Ultra-distance runners are expected to be self-sufficient and may leave tents or supplies near the start/finish for use between laps. Fully qualified medics will be onsite. Free camping is permitted on the Friday and Saturday nights close to the start/finish area.

Rules and mandatory kit

The 40-, 70- and 100-mile races have strict cut-off times. Pacers are permitted for 70- and 100-mile runners from mile 50 and must be on foot; only one pacer at a time. Crew access is limited to the start/finish area. Littering or cutting the course results in disqualification.

Mandatory kit for the ultra-distances (required from 6pm) includes a fully charged mobile phone, a survival blanket (minimum 1.4 m x 2 m), a primary headtorch of at least 75 lumens plus a backup light, a long-sleeved baselayer, a waterproof jacket and a water container holding at least 1 litre. The 10-mile night race requires a headtorch or chest torch. The race operates a cupless policy; participants must carry a cup. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.