FOTO Thornbridge Outdoors 20

The Friends of Thornbridge Outdoors are excited to be organising the Thornbridge Outdoors 20 - a 20.3 mile walk/run, with 850m of elevation, through the fantastic Peak District! 

After enjoying the route participants will be welcomed back to Thornbridge Outdoor by lots of smiling faces and a Thornbridge Brewery beer.

The route:

30+ years ago the "Thornbridge 18" was a March fell race that turned into the successful Grindleford Gallop which continues to this day.  We know that runners and walkers like some variety - so we've moved the event to October and are going clockwise - but have kept much of the brilliant route!

Starting at Thornbridge Outdoors the route takes in a lap of the Thornbridge Estate before heading to:

• Little Longstone
• Longstone Edge
• Eyam
• Froggatt Edge
• Curbar Edge
• Baslow Edge
• Baslow
• Chatsworth
• The finish line at Thornbridge Outdoors

A GPX is available to download here.

A description of the route is available to download here.

Much of the route will be signposted and details of section not marked will be sent in the pre-race email.

Increasing opportunities for young people through outdoor learning:

The Friends of Thornbridge Outdoors (FOTO) support enables more young people to access high quality outdoor learning opportunities, primarily through Thornbridge Outdoors - an adventure learning centre near Bakewell. 

Entering this event will help FOTO to ensure that barriers are removed to create more amazing experiences in the Peak District.

Whilst participants are very welcome to raise sponsorship for FOTO it is not expected.

Race age limits:

• Runners - minimum age 18 years old.
• Walkers - minimum age 16 years old.  Under 18's to be accompanied by an over 18.

Race categories:

Prizes will be given for the following:

• Under 23
• Senior/Open
• V40
• V50
• V60
• Over 70

Prizes will only be awarded to those who follow the route appropriately and finish with the correct equipment as detailed below.

Race timings:
Registration will be open from 6.45am.

Walkers can start from 7am to 8am.

Runners not aiming for a prize (except V70) can start from 8am to 9.30am, but please be mindful of the checkpoint opening times.

There is a mass start for runners at 10am who enjoy a mass start, including those aiming for a prize.

Accommodation options:

If you would like to stay at Thornbridge Outdoors, which is the event HQ, on the Friday and/or Saturday night then there are different options which need to be booked direct with Thornbridge Outdoors.

• Family camping pitches - If you'd like to come and camp in your own tent then it's free of charge for the first 100 people who book.  Please go to Family Camping Tent Pitch to book.
• Bell Tents - we have 9 bell tents that are available for £50 per night.  Please go to Thornbridge Outdoors - Bell Tent to book.
• If you'd rather stay indoors they have 3 person (£45/night) and 5 person (£75/night) rooms available in the Lodge.  Please contact Thornbridge Outdoors directly to book using their enquiry form.

Arrival from 4pm on Friday 2 October and departure by 4pm on Sunday 4 October.

Once you have booked Thornbridge Outdoors will contact you directly with further information.

Equipment requirements:

Given the length of the course, the exposed terrain that it crosses and the changeability of Peak District weather we ask that all competitors carry the following for their own safety:

• Full waterproofs (with taped seams)
• Hat and gloves
• Map of the course
• Compass
• Whistle
• Mobile phone
• Some food

The above is a bear minimum.  When deciding what extra layers to carry please consider the likely weather on the day and remember that help can take hours to come in the Peak District.

The event organisers reserve the right to do kit checks and please remember that prizes and records will only be awarded to those who complete the course with at least the minimum equipment as listed above.

Optional Extras:

The following extras are available to be booked either when you enter, or afterwards by logging back in and editing your entry:

• A post event curry meal with rice and naan at the finish area.  £10.  Bookable until the end of Tuesday 29 September.
• White cotton event T shirts with a large TO20 logo on the front.  £15.  Bookable until the end of Sunday 27 September.

Race day logistics:

We'll be in touch nearer the time with all of the details that you need but key points:

• Car parking will be available in a field at Thornbridge Outdoors unless the ground is exceptionally wet.
• Camping in your own tent, camping in our bell tents, rooms in our self catering Lodge on the Friday and/or Saturday night will be available to book soon via the Thornbridge Outdoors website.
• White Rake checkpoint will have water available.
• Eyam and Baslow checkpoints will have food and water available.
• Please note that dogs are not permitted on the event.  Well behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome at the event HQ but please exercise them on the Monsal Trail rather than around the grounds.  Unfortunately dogs are not permitted in the Lodge or Bell Tents at the centre.

Merchandise:

T shirts will be available to pre-order.  We'll send out details nearer the time.

Sponsors:

Thank you to our kind sponsors for making the event possible:

• Thornbridge Brewery
• Foothills
• Buffalo Systems

Entertaining your supporters!

Thornbridge Outdoors is a great place for supporters to base themselves for the day.  Having waved you off they can:

• Use their own bikes to explore the onsite bike trails and the Monsal Trail which is just outside the centre.
• Enjoy activities in the grounds - but please remember that all young people must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Get stuck into the onsite children's race at 11am.
• Head next door to explore Thornbridge Hall's gardens (entrance fee applies) and Quackers Cafe. 
• Head along the Monsal Trail Hassop Cafe or explore other paths in the area.