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Fairlands Valley Challenge

21-Jul-2019 Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK (England)

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Mixed Race Race Terrain
50KM / 31Miles
1 Day - 1000 Runners

Alternate Distances: 42KM/26M 29KM/13M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Intermediate  

Entry From £20 GBP
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The Challenge is an off road and self navigated challenge through the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside around Stevenage.

 

This is the 25th year of this event.

 

RUN or WALK our classic off-road courses

Half Marathon, 18miles, Full Marathon or 50k Ultra.

The event will be held under ARC rules.

This year the Challenge will be held on Sunday 21st of July 2019.

Participants will be free to start shortly after 08:00 and before 10:00 and must check in at the Start before leaving.

Mass starts will be.
8:00 Ultra
8:15 Full Marathon
8:30 18 mile
8:45  Half Marathon

19:00 Finish/Cut-Off

 

Number pickup is at registration on the day.

 

Final Instructrions will be available for download here and emailled close to the event.

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Event Organiser
Jon Sypula

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Fairlands Valley Challenge

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SarahCrunning

12:47 23-09-18

I ran the 50k route in both 2015 and 2018. The trails are pleasant, the price is cheap and the volunteers are great and manage well-stocked checkpoints. The route is undulating, but not hugely hilly, and there are some sections of road. It is all runnable - nothing technical or tricky. It has a nice, low-key feel and the number of distances on offer, the flexible start times and the presence of both runners and walkers means that you get to meet a great variety of people.

My main criticism of the 50k route is that it feels like a decent marathon with an extra couple of loops added on for the sake of making up the distance. It also makes navigation quite confusing as checkpoints 5 and 6 are in the same place and you run over some bits twice but in different directions. Most people got a bit of bonus distance I think.

If you are looking for a good value day out, then this race could tick the boxes. However, if I was to enter again, I would probably opt for the marathon route rather than the 50k.

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