6 reasons to run a lapped event (with Big Bear Events)

6 reasons to try a lapped running event (with Big Bear Events!)

Lapped events get a bad rep.

I like to think our events aren't "just" laps but really good experiences in great locations to enjoy with all the other friendly and welcoming Bears on the start line. Of course some lapped events are bad and boring, so are some big city marathons with 10,000 on the start line! I’m confident we put on some of the best running events in the country, regardless of the format. Don’t let the lapped element be a hurdle, if anything it could be a positive element!

These are some of the arguments to make you take that leap. Of course if it’s not for you then that is fine, but try it. Don’t dismiss it before trying!

You’re never at the back

If you're a slower runner you might have effectively been stalked by course sweepers at some events. Not a great feeling. Not with laps! As runners are coming past you, you past them and some going home it's virtually impossible to tell where the "back" of the event is or who is "last".

Often the last to finish is actually the one who has run the furthest! so last and first!? Everyone is doing their own thing at their own pace. We publish results in distance order but with all the comings and goings (who's leading in this picture?!) you won't feel last, which is the important part.

You'll get the same treatment from the Big Bear team and everyone on the route regardless of how far or fast you're moving and you'll feel much more involved than being 10 minutes behind someone on a point to point event.
Reason number 2 tomorrow!

Camaraderie on course

Whether you're a 5 minute miler or a 15 minute miler at a conventional event you only interact with people at your pace, or more often than not no-one at all. Not with laps! You pass each other on the route whatever your pace, giving strangers a knowing nod or a "well done".

Most of our routes have small out and back sections too, even better for that little booster as you cross paths. As everyone has their own goals you generally aren't competing for the same one so everyone is friendlier with each other.

Aid station every 5k*

We all know a big goal should always be broken up in to manageable chunks. Well breaking a half marathon, marathon, ultra or long run in to 5k chunks is perfect! Without the cliche "parkrun to go!" it does make one more lap so much easier when you can put it in those terms (however annoying the phrase is to some!!!).

Not only is the task broken in to small pieces but the actual aid stations are frequent. This means there will be a toilet to use every 5k. Electrolyte to drink every 5k. All the nutrition and you're own drop bag every 5k.

It means you could run an ultra marathon without a back pack. Go out for your long run carrying nothing but a smile! With no mandatory kit** you can rely on us to look after you and you can just focus on moving your left and right feet!

*The typical lap for our 6 hour events is actually 3.3mile (5.3k), then 4 laps = half marathon and 8 laps = marathon. There are exceptions where a lap may be a bit shorter or longer but our longest lap to date is 3.9 miles

** There is no mandatory kit for our 6 hour lapped events, for the Salcey 50 and Cannock 50 there is mandatory kit as the laps are 2 or 3 times longer.

Big goals in manageable chunks

8 is a lot less than 26.2. Breaking down a big goal (like running 26.2 miles) into lots of smaller ones (running 8 3.3 mile laps) makes those bigger goals seem much more manageable. The number of people who have held one of these boards up with "first marathon" "first half marathon" or "furthest ever" is testament to that.

When you "hit the wall" at mile 20 it's not 6 more miles, but "only 1 more lap after this one"! These little mental tricks have a huge impact on the physical act of moving for long periods of times. Mile markers at a big city marathon are fine but when you see mile 6 and the thought of "bloody hell, I've got 20 more to go" goes through your head that's not helping anyone!

If you're pushing to go as far as you can the prospect of "just another lap" is also an enticing one and often keeps people going for 2 or 3 more laps!!!

Beautiful scenery

Surely running through an ancient woodland 6 times is better than running through an industrial estate on a Sunday morning once?!

All the venues I pick out are full of people at weekends - they visit because they're amazing places to visit! The beauty of running at these places during the week is that we have these spaces largely to ourselves. Whether it's the red kite flying at tree level at Fermyn Woods or the deer crossing your path at Cannock Chase all of our venues are genuinely great places to visit. Going for a run with us just adds the cherry on top!

Our events aren't the same as running around you're block all day. The fact you're running means you're not going to be looking around you all the time so doing multiple laps means you don't miss out on the wonder of the venues you're in!

Check the 20 000 photos Nick (and Kaz) have taken online to see what I mean, beautiful people in beautiful places!!!

Low pressure environment

Not every event has to be your World Cup final. Sometimes it's nice to just go for a run with other people and enjoy yourself. Let us look after you and see how the day goes. Lapped events are great for this. You don't have to set a target 3 months before and train for that 1 singular goal. If you finish at mile 20 of the London Marathon you've failed. If you stop at 20 miles at one of our events that's great, have a Jaffa Cake and a hot chocolate!

As people are finding out in many parts of their lives high pressure doesn't often lead to the best results. The number of times the I've run "further than ever before" or "further than I planned" boards come out is huge! When you take the pressure off success isn't black and white and targets that seemed beyond you suddenly come in to view.

There are times for some big pressure moments in your life but you don't need them all the time to succeed. You can probably generate enough pressure internally too - you don't need us adding to it with our event!