TrailFest | Cannock Chase Forest | 10K

Fitness level

The key thing is that these events are for everyone. There is no such thing as too slow!

Nordic walkers

This event is suitable for Nordic walkers. You are asked to start at the back and make space for faster entrants. There is no special walkers entry, just sign up with everyone else.

Dogs

As the event is run under a UK Athletics/Trail Running Association license there are no dogs allowed.

Support team

Ultra distance runners can have their own support crew but must follow the limited rules.

Event HQ

Rifle Range Corner
Rifle Range Corner
Penkridge Bank Road
Rugeley
Staffordshire
WS15 2UA
UK

Parking

Competitor parking will be at the Tackeroo site and is free:

https://what3words.com/hushed.punk.picnic

Spectators will need to park locally in the many car parks close to the start line.

By rail

The nearest train stations Rugeley Trent Valley and Rugeley Town are both approximately 2 miles away.

Cut off time

12 hours.

That is roughly 120 minute miles, 0.5mph. That is obviously massive but consider the course, time of year and terrain. The cut off is there to ensure everyone is off-site before dark.

Route description

It’s pretty spectacular… and hilly! The route starts at the rifle range cadet hut and goes on a tour of fire roads and tighter single track routes around Cannock Chase. With no road crossings you can just put your head down and enjoy the amazing hills. 

Each route is tough. The 10K consists of one loop with over 800ft of elevation. Punchy! There are steep up and down hill sections on loose stones. It’s not scrambling and for experienced trail runners it’ll be nothing of great note. However, for any “tarmac lovers” it might seem a little crazy! It is rewarding though, I promise! The views are spectacular and the escapism is very real!

The route will be fully marked, although having the route with you is very strongly advised.

Trees not tees

228 trees planted so far

This event partners with Trees Not Tees to offer a race entry that will help the environment!

Some of you aren't fussed about medals, beers, ciders and flapjacks. Some of you aren’t medal enthusiasts but have a huge collection or are using the event as a supported training run. This means your medal goes into an old shoe box, or even worse straight in the bin as soon as you get home. This is obviously an unnecessary use of resources, adds to environmental problems and is just a waste. 

Trees Not Tees have a solution! You can select the “please plant me a tree” option when you enter an event. This means that the money that would have been spent on your medal, drink and flapjack will be donated to Trees Not Tees instead and they will plant you a tree in their Scottish woodland. This isn’t a theoretical tree, or part of a tree but an actual tree! They’ll even send you a certificate via email with a picture of your young tree, details of the species of tree they have planted and a geo-location address on what3words! 

This is a completely optional initiative. There isn’t a right or wrong choice. There will be no shaming people that want medals and flapjack. It's a joy giving them to people. The t-shirts are great quality too. It’s an option for everyone to make without fear of judgement or your fellow participant. If on race day you decide you’d actually like to donate a tree despite not requesting this on your entry you can say and you'll be added to the donation list for that event.

If you’d like your medal, drink and flapjack but would like to “off-set” the environmental cost by having Trees Not Tees plant you a tree you can always make a donation on-top of your entry to have one planted. This is £6 and you’ll have this option when you enter every event.

Entry fees

A brilliantly organised event on a very well marked 10 Mile stunningly beautiful very hilly looped course all off road along gravel paths and trails including the famous Switchbacks. With well stocked aid stations and very supportive and encouraging marshals I would highly recommend this event if you want to challenge yourself I would give this event a 10 out of 10. Maurice H

Excellent, beautiful scenic course with some very challenging hills. Technical, but not too technical! Good support, excellent aid stations. David B

The event was very well organised and the atmosphere very friendly. Loved the food and drink options at check points. Keith B

Fantastic and unique event on a stunningly beautiful, but very challenging course. Organisation and Aid Stations were brilliant. Highly recommended 50K/50M Ultra. Rob C

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck