Race the Sun | Cheddar Gorge

Provisional timetable

Friday

• 18:00-21:00 | Team registration

  Teams will be allocated a time to attend the event HQ to sign in, pick up race numbers, drop off transition bags and have their bikes checked over to ensure that you’re all ship shape and race ready in the morning.

Saturday

• 07:00-08:00 | Event start

  Teams depart in waves. Teams will be allocated a start wave closer to the event.

• 16:00-19:00 | Party time

  Grab a bevvie as you cross the line, then chill out with your teammates and supporters over a bite to eat! Food and drink is available for registered participants only; there will not be an option for supporters to purchase anything on-site, but they are more than welcome to bring their own to join the fun.

• 19:00-20:00 | Event closes

  Teams say farewell and depart with a huge achievement - you've Raced the Sun!

Who is it for?

Race the Sun serves up enough adventure to challenge those looking to lay down a fast time, as well as those who just want a fun, exhilarating day with friends and family.

It's achievable by people with a reasonable fitness level who are prepared to train beforehand. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Some teams will complete the challenge in as little as five hours and others will take the whole day. Some teams want to compete for the fastest time and others want to simply complete the course – it’s really up to you!

It’s a great incentive to get fit and work different muscles, knowing you’re raising funds for an excellent cause at the same time.

Bike type

Road, hybrid or e-bike.

As the route is on-road, using a mountain bike is not recommended. However, if you have trained on it and are confident you can complete the course you are more than welcome to use it. 

You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.

On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

E-bikes

In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Fancy dress award

There is a Best Dressed Team Award for those who want to go the extra mile! It's about having fun and raising money for charity.

Spectators

Why not make a weekend of it with friends and family?! Supporters will be able to join you at the event HQ, then track your progress live online.

Event HQ

Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar
Somerset
BS40 7XU
UK

Factfile

• The limestone gorge was formed 1.2 million years ago.
• The maximum depth of the gorge is 449ft.
• Cheddar cheese is still aged in caves under the gorge.
• It's home to Britain's oldest skeleton - 9,000 years old!!
• Average time to complete the course is 8 hours.
• We're expecting more than 100 teams to take part!

Overview

Stage 1 - Bike 32 miles

Set off on a 32 mile ride through Somerset that takes in the best of the west!

The route tackles ascents, and some rewarding descents, as you weave your way round quaint villages. Admire the views of Blagdon Lake as you pedal your way to Butcombe before heading back to the Gorge.

The highlight of the route is the ascent through Cheddar Gorge - a must for any cyclist.

Stage 2 - Hike 9 miles

The 9-mile circular route gives a panoramic views of the Gorge as you ascend to the top ridge to start your hike.

It’s time to take on the dramatic North Side of Cheddar Gorge—steep paths, epic climbs, and jaw-dropping views into the depths below. The return leg down the South Side treats you to sweeping vistas over the sparkling reservoir and charming town of Cheddar. It’s a route packed with challenge, scenery and unforgettable moments.

Stage 3 - Paddle

Lifejackets on, it's now time to take on the final stage of the challenge!

Launching into Cheddar Reservoir, teams will take to the water in canoes or kayaks.

The 2-mile course will be easy to navigate, following buoys around the reservoir to complete the paddle.

No canoe or kayak experience is necessary, and everything will be provided. Just bring some clothes you don't mind getting wet and a sense of adventure!

Celebration

After completing all three challenges, it's time to kick back and chill out with teammates, friends, and family. Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink on us as you celebrate your achievement and relive the highlights of the day!

Challenge yourself, respect the planet

The organisers are committed to ensuring that Race the Sun is rewarding for participants, and the local community, by promoting sustainable practices such as car sharing, reducing travel mileage by sourcing items locally, supporting local communities by using local suppliers, and encouraging all teams to hang on to all rubbish until it can be disposed of or recycled accordingly.

Included

• Safety briefing
• Training plan
• Breakfast, packed lunch, drinks and snacks
• Team awards and finishers medal
• Canoe or kayak equipment
• Bike mechanics and first aiders
• Marshals and signage
• Timing tracker and GPX route files
• Instant live results
• Food and drink at the finish line

Not Included

• Bikes and helmets
• Accommodation if required
• Travel to and from the event
• Personal clothing
• Personal spending money
• Insurance

Bikes & helmets

Road, hybrid or e-bike

You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.

As the route is on-road, using a mountain bike is not recommended. However, if you have trained on it and are confident you can complete the course you are more than welcome to use it. 

On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

E-bikes

In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Action Medical Research

Race the Sun is organised by children’s charity, Action Medical Research.

Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs for 70 years.

They have helped to beat polio, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, helping to save thousands of children’s lives and change many more. Today they continue to tackle the challenges disease and disability present by funding high-quality research to save and change children’s lives and are driving forward research to help protect children.

By taking part, not only will you have a great time with first-class support throughout the day, but you’ll also be helping to raise vital funds to help sick and disabled babies and children.

Fundraising

• 2-person team

  £120 registration fee + £1,000 fundraising 

• 4-person team

  £240 registration fee + £2,000 fundraising 

• Self-funded

  No fundraising target, but you're still encouraged to raise as much as you can to help and save little lives.  

Jack was born extremely prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing just 1lb 15oz.

He needed oxygen, help with his breathing and feeding tubes to survive. He suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleeds and contracted the potentially deadly bowel infection necrotising enterocolitis. Jack went on to endure many more serious health problems and spent four and a half months in hospital fighting to survive before he was finally allowed home. Jack's mum is so grateful for the work that Action does:

It is so important that studies like those funded by Action Medical Research are done. Without research, we wouldn’t have medical advances, and Jack probably wouldn’t be here.

16-17 year olds must be accompanied by their parent or guardian throughout the challenge.

Entry fees

Absolutely loved this challenge! Thank you so much to everyone who organised! Would have loved some motivational signs as you went round the courses or information on the signs about how much further to go etc. But other than that, it was great. VERY hot, but very enjoyable! Sarah T

The action medical staff went above and beyond today including the other contracted staff too ! They made sure we were safe fed watered and morale was always at a high. Thank you for making the challenge so much fun :) Eileen B

Absolutely fantastic event with seamless organisation; reasonable adjustments made to the course to accommodate extreme heat. Darren W

It was a great experience and really well run. The staff were great and really encouraged us all around the race! Thank you. Miss H

Absolutely awesome day staff and event organisers were amazing. Fae P

Well managed with helpful and friendly staff. Thank you. Geoff C

Absolutely fantastic event with seamless organisation! Lucy M

Really well organised and kept safe by changes to the route due to the heatwave so it was a fantastic day, beautiful scenery, supportive stewards, access to medical and technical help, great selection of snacks and a bbq afterwards, I was impressed. Emma J

Great event, loved it all! Sarah W

Great event! Will definitely participate again! Nathan G

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck