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The Great Barrow Challenge

29-Jun-2017 Barrow, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK (England)

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Trail Race Race Terrain

51KM / 32Miles
10 Days - 200+ Runners

Alternate Distances: 42KM/26M 21KM/13M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Advanced

Entry From £486 GBP

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The Great Barrow Challenge is the first and ONLY 10 day event in the UK, Multi Terrain. The event began 6 years ago and has gone from strength to strength purely on word of mouth. For the last few years we have had 200 runners, 2015 looks to break 500+.

The events (marathon 26.2 miles and Ultra's 32 miles) start at 8am each day from our own ourpose built sports facility in the Suffolk countryside just 8 miles from Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket so no driving each day to the start line.

We have 5 different routes which we rotate twice, each route is unique and has its share of beauty and difficulties. All routes are marked with stickers at each turn, plus you get written instructions (probably written by Carlsberg) and maps. Marshals are along the course with food and checkpoints and roving marshals keep you safe.

The 10 days cost £486 full board which includes basic accommodation, all food, unlimited tea, coffee etc, ice baths, sports massage, medals each day and finishers trophy, plus other goodies.

Places fill fast and we already have teams from Qatar, Australia, Portugal and Ireland so don't hesitate to book. We allow you to transfer your deposit and even balance in the case of injury (see T&C's on site). Just £50 secures your place.

Half marathons available on the weekends with 4th July party on the final day (running as cowboys and indians).

You are guaranteed a warm welcome so don't be shy and come and run a great event!

Glen Moulds

Race Director

Event Organiser
Glen Moulds

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SarahCrunning

10:52 11-07-17

I ran the final ultra of the 2017 Summer 10 in 10 series. I had planned to have an easy July as I had big races in June and August but found myself with itchy feet. This was my compromise - an event within an hour's drive of my home, that was fairly cheap, could be entered last minute and was relatively short and runnable (compared to my other races). The packages for runners completing several races or even all ten look exceptional value, but that wasn't on my agenda this year.

There are a couple of all-road races this year, but I chose a route that had plenty of off-road sections. I don't know that it's a route I would travel a long way or pay a lot of money for, but it was pleasant and for Suffolk reasonably undulating - this was the Circle route. The best thing about the event was the low-key and friendly feel. A lot of runners take part but the field for each day is small and ranges from the very fast to runners who know they will be walking sections of the route. Lots of people were running in groups and it felt more social than competitive. This was perfect for me as this wasn't a key race and I was looking more for a change of scenery and a chance to do a long run with places to refill my bottles and snack.

The volunteers were lovely. The checkpoints had sweet and savoury options. They aren't the banquets you get at some bigger races, but more than adequate for the distance.

I ran the marathon route with a friend and the marathon finish is the final checkpoint for the ultra. I saw very few others completing the extra 6 mile loop and it did feel slightly like an afterthought - I crossed the line, told them I was doing the ultra, they looked for a route description and sent me back out. This might not have been ideal if I was aiming for a fast time, but the benefit is that you can decide when you reach base whether you want to do the extra distance or not and I got lots of cheers as I ran back out. The extra loop is the same on all ten days which I imagine could get boring if you were completing 10 in 10 ultras, but it was fine for me. It crossed the marathon route at a couple of points and it was nice to see other runners. The route is marked but I found it helpful to have the GPX of the marathon on my watch and a route description for the ultra loop as it isn't possible to put the marking stickers everywhere.

I finished the 32 miles feeling good and like I'd had an enjoyable day out. I like the personal feel of finishing a small race where you cross the line alone and get a medal and a hug from the race director and lots of support from those waiting at the finish.

These routes are very runnable but varied enough to be enjoyable. There is a great atmosphere and it's good value. They are popular with the 100 marathon club and it's inspiring to see older runners who have marathon and ultra achievements in triple figures. They probably aren't for anyone looking for challenging terrain or spectacular views but they are pleasant and would be ideal for a first ultra. I plan to return in December to finish off my racing year.

Sheila

05:28 27-06-16

Just completed my first Quad 4 in 4 marathons with the GB Team. This event covers 10 in 10 marathons, 4 in 4 & single days. There are 5 different routes - so I did the first 4, all are a mixture of trail & road - given the wet weather conditions this year - the routes were extra challenging. These are by no means easy routes, but while self navigated with the help of written instruction and sticker colour coded markers - they are both interesting & scenic - in my opinion its a lot easier to do different routes for multi days. The organisation is excellent, its an 8am start with lots of parking & camping option - lots of facilities, friendly RD & marshals (all runners) a real runners event - nice medals each day & trophy for Quad & 10 in 10 finishers. Hoodies availale extra. I have done a few single days with these guys earlier this year - so knew I'd be in safe hands for my first Quad - defo consider the 10 in 10 in 2017!

Tango5tavy

11:17 12-03-15

I did this event last year, and am hoping to ‘give something back’ this year by becoming an ambassador to the event (Team Tango). It’s such a huge challenge to take on for anyone, but such a HUGE achievement as well. I did the 10 marathons in 10 days. I currently hold the course record for the 10 and 10. Time of 29hours 46minutes 19sec (averaging 02:58:38sec).
I'm not going to lie as it was not an easy going courses. You have some hills, little bit of mud if it's been raining. It wouldn't be a challenge or exciting without that in it. The highlight for me not just for my fastest time of 2:44:17sec but it would have to be when all but one of the 10 and 10 runners had finish. We all went back and jog the last bit in with the final person. See you have that sense of achievement doing it yourself but also as a team.
The Great Barrow Challenge is an event open to all abilities. This event is a good way for anybody to raise money for whatever charity they like, with no pressure of a minimum amount…. or just do it for ‘fun’ like me.
2015 looks to be a fantastic year, with some new equipment and a good opportunity for me to meet new people into the sport and hope to inspire them to do great things too.
If you're entering 2015 please under team name put: Team Tango
It will show that I'm supporting the event and you'll be joining a great team 😉🇬🇧

The Great Barrow Challenge