What’s a 6 hour event?
It is an event that enables all abilities of runner to run together (or hike/walk!). Ultimately you can run as many 5k laps as you wish in the time limit. You can run one lap in 20 minutes, pick up your medal, flapjack and beer and go home! Alternatively you can head out on your 15th lap at 14:55 and finish in 6hr30 having covered over 50 miles! It’s completely up to you. There is no pressure from us,but we’ll also see if you want one more lap! The format is great for people looking to run further than they’ve ever done before, do a long training run for future events or to enjoy a sociable event with your mates.
Course description
Ryton Pools is relatively flat with a few little rises that you might not notice much on the first lap, but you might do at the end of 6 hours! Underfoot is crushed stone with a very small section of single track and a few areas that are a little looser than others. It is a very runnable course set around pools and open pasture. It’s a bit of a favorite which is why we’re returning for the 6th year in a row!
Can I run with my dog?
Yes!!
We’ve had great success at events with canicross and we’re pleased to add this event too. You must keep your leads short and be considerate of the other runners. We’ll most likely start the canicross runners off with the main field depending on numbers. Please read our general canicross rules here.
Please make sure you enter the canicross race when you click on the enter button above.
What does it cost?
We operate a tiered pricing approach. The earlier you enter, the cheaper the event but never ever will you pay a booking fee!
Before 01/01/2024 £35
From 01/01/2024 £40
Unaffiliated entrants pay £2 extra. Why not join your local running club or sign up the Big Bear Brigade and save 10% off entries for ever!
Where is it?
Ryton Pools Country Park (Nr. Coventry) is run and managed by Warwickshire County Council. The W3W for the location is here
Here is a short video of the venue
Parking costs up to £5 depending on how long you stay. There is a cafe and toilet block next to the HQ on site.
Ryton Pools Country Park (CV8 3BH) is 15 minutes south of Coventry and 15 minutes from Junction 16 of the M1. The closest train stations are Rugby and Coventry.
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.3-mile out and back loop at Ryton Pools Country Park means your race can be just over 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! You decide how many laps you are going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If you're looking to cover a marathon distance you'll need to complete 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps.
Is there a gpx of the route?
The route gpx can be found here. The route may be subject to last minute changes and there will be plenty of markings up on race day so you do not need to have this - but I know some of you like to anyway!
I’m unsure what to expect at a 6 hour event?
We’ve made some videos to try and help newcomers understand Big Bear Events and 6 hour events a little more here. We’ve got lots of videos on our You Tube channel that might help you see what we’re all about!
I still have questions…
Then why not join our Big Bear Events Facebook group and ask our ever so experienced runners in there or email us directly here. We want you to enter with the confidence you’ll have a great (if not tiring!) day so are happy to answer any question we’ve not covered off here.
I’ve heard you do cupless events?
That’s right! Read all about how we do cupless events here
Has the event been run before?
Yes! It’s been our traditional “season opener” since 2018. You can find the previous results here.
I’m not that fussed by a medal, drink and flapjack…
In that case our partnership with Trees Not Tees may be of interest! When you sign up to this event you can select to have no finish line swag and instead we’ll donate the cost of this to Trees Not Tees who will plant a tree in their Scottish woodland on your behalf! You can find more info about this initiative here.
