It is with great sadness that we have no alternative but to cancel the 11th Dirt Half Challenge due to take place on Saturday 14th November 2020.
Unfortunately, we were unable to gain permission from all stakeholders to proceed, even with restrictions in place. We share your huge disappointment regarding this unavoidable cancellation however the well-being of our runners, volunteers, and spectators has always been our top priority.
Existing entrants have been sent an email.
Rest assured that we have been working on a “Plan B” and will share this with you all in the very near future.
Once again, thank you for your valued support and understanding.
The Dirt Half Challenge has won the RaceCheck GOLD Award in 2018 and 2019 for our excellent race reviews. Check them out…
MINIMUM AGE: The minimum age for participants is 17 on race day.
HQ: Cedars Upper School, Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2AE.
RACE VIDEO
RACE ROUTE
The award-winning Dirt Half Challenge will take place on Saturday 14th November 2020. The race starts in Leighton Buzzard and follows the canal towpath north to Stoke Hammond with stunning views, climbs through beautiful countryside to Great Brickhill then passes through the scenic Rushmere Country Park before following the Greensand Ridge back to the start via the canal towpath. This popular trail race sells out every year. The route will be clearly marked and marshaled.
ELEVATION
TIMING
This event will be chip timed using state of the art disposable timing chips attached to the reverse of your running number. Sorry, no late starters.
TIME LIMIT
Time limit is 3 hours 30 minutes
RACE PERMIT
TRA/applied. The race will be run under UKA rules
CAR PARKING
Free car parking is available at the school: Click here for directions. Use postcode: LU7 2AE
Latitude: 51.90791, Longitude: -0.67391
BAGGAGE
Baggage can be left in the school hall at your own risk or you can pay to use a secure locker in Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre next door.
FOOTWEAR
Mixed surfaces: mostly on canal towpaths, woodland paths and grass. This race is not a road race and runners are to expect uneven paths. We recommend trail shoes or trainers for this event.
CHANGING
We recommend that you arrive in your running clothes. You can pay entry to Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre next door to use their showering facilities.
SPORTS MASSAGE
The Sports Therapy Room will be providing massages for a small fee. Proceeds to go to charity.
REFRESHMENTS
There will be a coffee van outside the Race HQ selling hot drinks and snacks.
WATER STOPS
There will be water in cups at approx mile 3, 7 and 10 miles and again at the finish.
MERCHANDISE
You will be able to purchase merchandise when you enter the event. Merchandise purchased will be posted out monthly.
You will also be able to buy a T-Shirt, hoodie or bobble hat at the Race HQ on Race Day.
iTAB
iTab purchases will automatically be posted out a few days after the event. You do not need to do anything.
PACE POCKET
Your Pace Pocket will be sent directly to you 10-12 days before the race. Should you change your target time between now and the race, and would like to swap for a different time, please email info@pacepockets.run at least two weeks before race day to advise on your new target time.
EVENT REGISTRATION
Need to update your registration, check you have entered, change your address or purchase merchandise after you have entered? Then visit the My Events page on https://myevents.active.com/ to manage your event registration.
MEDAL
All finishers will receive a quality Race Medal.
AWARDS
Presentation of the race awards will take place after the race @ 12:15
NUMBER TRANSFERS
Please see FAQS
SPECTATORS
Spectators are welcome but are reminded to stand clear of the route at all times. There are a couple of nice pubs on the course offering a relaxed view of the runners.
REGISTRATION PROTECTION
Make your registration refundable with ACTIVE Refund. Receive a refund if you are unable to attend the event due to illness, injury, or a change of plans. Event cancellations are not eligible for a refund.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
All runners must be medically fit to compete and enter at their own risk and the organisers will in no way be held responsible for any injury, accident, loss or damage that may arise before, during or after the event as a consequence of their participation in this race. We do not offer refunds or deferrals under any circumstances. You can transfer your place – please see FAQS. No dogs or pushchairs are allowed.
IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY
The race director and the emergency services reserve the right to stop the race at any time if deemed necessary. These would be in circumstances beyond our control and no refunds would be given.
