The Drop - Cheltenham

The Drop - Cheltenham

The Drop is a navigation challenge held in Cheltenham. Participants hand over electronic devices and navigational aids at registration and receive a race number and a sealed emergency bag. Teams or individuals are transported to an undisclosed drop-off point while blindfolded or wearing blackout safety goggles as an alternative.

From the drop-off location each person must find their way back to the event centre using no map, no GPS, no compass, and no external help. Distances are measured as the crow flies, so the actual route on the ground may be longer than the stated distance.

The event offers these distance options:

• 15 miles
• 10 miles
• 6 miles
• 25 mile Drop Ultra coming 2026

Rules include no use of unauthorised maps, no GPS devices in use (devices may be recorded but must remain sealed in the emergency bag), and no shortcuts; breaking the seal on the emergency bag results in disqualification. Blindfolds can be exchanged for blackout safety goggles if needed.

Live GPS tracking is available as an optional, paid feature separate from the entry fee. Trackers are accurate to about 5 metres but can be affected by tall buildings or signal black spots. Trackers must be returned after the event or a replacement fee of £175 will apply.

Parking is available in the town centre. The nearest railway station and the bus station are both about a five minute walk from the event headquarters. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.