The Drop - Chester

The Drop - Chester

The Drop is a stripped-back navigation challenge held at Up & Running Chester, 29-31 Bridge St, Chester CH1 1NW on 18 October 2026. Participants are taken to an undisclosed location and must find their own way back to the event centre without route markers or guidance.

Available distance options include:

• 15 miles core Drop - longest option, measured as the crow flies.
• 10 miles core Drop - same rules in a shorter format.
• 6 miles non-locals only - dropped 6 miles from the finish; local entries may be moved.

At registration participants hand over all electronic devices, watches, and navigational aids. They receive a race number and a sealed emergency bag to carry for the duration. Deployment is by bus; participants wear blackout blindfolds or approved alternatives and are driven to an unknown drop location. Time starts when blindfolds are removed.

Key rules state no GPS outside the sealed emergency bag, no unauthorised maps, travel on foot only, and breaking the emergency bag seal leads to disqualification. A live GPS tracking system is used for safety and sharing; access is password-protected. Trackers are typically accurate to within 5 metres, require good placement, and must be returned or a replacement fee of £175 applies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.