Thanks so much for entering this year’s event. We’ve got a field very similar in size to last year, which means a lovely, friendly atmosphere and plenty of familiar faces. We hope you leave tired, happy, and feeling part of something good. The event raises funds for the Canal & River Trust and is run on a not‑for‑profit, homebrew basis — thank you for supporting it.
If you know anyone who fancies running as little as a single 6k lap for a medal, snacks and a Creme Egg, last‑minute entries are still open.
Key details at a glance
- Venue: Fossdyke Canal, next to Woodcocks Pub, Burton Waters, LN1 2BE
- Start: 9:00am
- Finish: 4:00pm (only laps completed by 4pm count)
- Lap distance: 3.8 miles
- 7 laps = marathon
- Open towpath: no priority over the public
- Cupless event: bring a reusable cup
- Parking: Woodcocks car park (please be considerate)
Registration
Registration is on the towpath near the steps up to the bank — look for the flag and table. Bring your own pins if you can. Numbers should be visible on the outside of your clothing.
If you’re running both days, please reuse your number. Spares are available if needed.
There’s no formal night‑before pickup, but Darren will be in the pub from around 6pm both evenings. Look out for him in the pub, or message on What’sApp. If you want to collect your number early (which really helps us), or just fancy a chat, come and say hello.
Using the pub
Woodcocks kindly allow us to use their toilets from 8am. Please help us stay welcome:
- Use other toilets on your journey where possible.
- Don’t linger longer than necessary.
- No Deep Heat, kit‑sorting or pre‑race faffing inside.
- After the race, please do support them with a drink or food.
Race format
This is a 7‑hour challenge. Run as many 3.8‑mile laps as you like between 9am and 4pm.
- Most laps wins.
- If tied, the fastest total time wins.
- If you want a half marathon, tell us before your 4th lap so we can show you the short‑cut.
- If you want a marathon or half marathon time, we can start your clock when you start — but only if you’re not competing in the 7‑hour challenge.
When you’re done, ring the bell at the table so we can record your finish time.
Lap counting & timing
You are responsible for knowing your own lap count.
We’ll have a timing app running and will try to keep a scoreboard, but visibility from the canal bank isn’t perfect. Please make sure we’ve seen you each time you pass.
If the table is briefly unattended (Darren may need a personal‑needs break), make sure someone notes your lap.
Towpath etiquette
We have a licence to use the towpath, but no priority over anyone else. Expect:
- walkers
- runners
- cyclists
- pushchairs
- dogs
- boat owners
- fishermen
Please run in single file when needed, give way courteously, and move aside for groups. This is essential for us being allowed back.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome under ARC rules. They must:
- be on a lead at all times
- be insured
- be well‑behaved around other users
- not cause obstruction
- be cleaned up after
Refreshments
The feeding station has water, squash, cola, cakes, biscuits, crisps, nuts and other bits. Feel free to bring something to share.
This is a cupless event — please bring a reusable cup.
The only bin is at the feeding station. Carry wrappers back with you. Littering = disqualification.
Supporters
Supporters are very welcome. If anyone is around for most of the day, even a few minutes helping at the table is hugely appreciated — we don’t have the big volunteer team we have at the Maravan.
We have qualified first aiders, a full kit and an AED. If your supporter is first‑aid trained and happy to help, please let us know.
Weil’s Disease
The Canal & River Trust ask us to remind participants about the risks and symptoms of Weil’s Disease (leptospirosis).
Information from the Canals and Rivers Trust can be found here.