Where is it?
Ampthill Park is on the outskirts of Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2HX. What 3 Words location is here. It is 8 minutes from M1 J13.
Parking is plentiful and…. free!!
The nearest train station is Flitwick and buses go from Flitwick to Ampthill. A venue preview will be available on our YouTube channel shortly
What’s a 6 hour event?
I’ve made a short video here to try to explain a little.
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 6:30 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 friends.
Course description
The route takes you around the perimeter of Amptill Park and then you complete a small internal loop too. Each lap starts with a remarkable run up through the woodland on well trodden unsurfaced paths. Depending on the weather leading up to the event this could be muddy!
Once you come out of the woodland section you run through a small section of grazing field (there were cows in the field when we visited) and out across more open grassland along the North border of the park. As you complete the lap there is a mixture of crushed stone path and unsurfaced pathways.
The route has a fair amount of elevation (around 300ft on each lap) but no short sharp inclines.
It’s genuinely an amazing lap you’ll want to do again and again. It is likely a route you’ll want trail shoes for but how aggressive those shoes would ideally be depends on the weather leading up to the event.
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 08/08/2023 £30
After 08/08/2023 £35
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!
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.3 mile off-road loop means your race can be 5k or over 50k and anywhere in between. You decide how many laps you're 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.
Has the event been run before?
Yes! We had a great day out in 2022 at Ampthill Park! You can see a short video clip 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.
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!.
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 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.
What are your refund/withdrawal rules?
You can find them here
I have a question.
No problem, check out our FAQ’s
“Great value for money, no stress, nice, quiet mid week event in a beautiful location! Run by a friendly family outfit, Outstanding aid stations with a medal, home made flap jack and beer to finish! Ticks all my boxes! ”
