The route:

30+ years ago the "Thornbridge 18" was a March fell race that turned into the successful Grindleford Gallop which continues to this day. We know that runners and walkers like some variety - so our event in the autumn instead if early Spring and we are going clockwise - but have kept much of the brilliant route!

Starting at Thornbridge Outdoors the route takes in a lap of the Thornbridge Estate before heading to:

• Little Longstone

• Longstone Edge

• Eyam

• Froggatt Edge

• Curbar Edge

• Baslow Edge

• Baslow

• Chatsworth

• The finish line at Thornbridge Outdoors

After enjoying the route participants will be welcomed back to Thornbridge Outdoor by lots of smiling faces and a Thornbridge Brewery beer.

A GPX is available to download here.

Much of the route will be signposted and details of sections not marked will be sent in the pre-race email.

Increasing opportunities for young people through outdoor learning:

Entering this event will help FOTO to ensure that barriers are removed to create more amazing experiences in the Peak District.

Whilst participants are very welcome to raise sponsorship for FOTO it is not expected.

Race age limits:

• Runners - minimum age 18 years old.

• Walkers - minimum age 16 years old. Under 18's to be accompanied by an over 18.

Race categories:

Prizes will be given for the following:

• Under 23

• Senior/Open (age 24-39)

• V40

• V50

• V60

• Over 70

Prizes will only be awarded to those who follow the route appropriately and finish with the correct equipment as detailed in the pre-race communications.

Race timings:

Registration will be open from 6.45am.

Walkers can start from 7am to 8am.

Runners not aiming for a prize (except V70) can start from 8am to 9.30am, but please be mindful of the checkpoint opening times.

There is a mass start for runners at 10am who enjoy a mass start, including those aiming for a prize.

Checkpoints:

CP 1 Longstone Moor:

• SK 185 732 on footpath

• Opens at 8.15am

• Closes at 11.15am

• 5km from the start

CP2 White Rake:

• SK 193 745 on minor road

• Opens at 8.30am

• Closes at 11.30am

• 7.5km from the start

• Water available

CP3 Eyam:

• SK 216 766 cricket club

• Opens at 9.00am

• Closes at 12.00pm

• 12km from the start

• Food and drinks available

CP4 Froggatt Edge:

• SK 250 761

• Opens at 9.30am

• Closes at 12.30am

• 16.5km from the start

CP5 Baslow:

• SK 258 721 village hall

• Opens at 10.30am

• Closes at 2.00pm

• 21.5km from the start

• Food and drinks available

CP6 Ball Cross Farm:

• SK 272 693 on minor road

• Opens at 11.00am

• Closes at 4.30pm

• 28km from the start

Finish:

• SK 195 710 on field

• Opens at 12.00pm

• Closes at 5.00pm

• 33.4km from the start

Accommodation options:

If you would like to stay at Thornbridge Outdoors, which is the event HQ, on the Friday and/or Saturday night then there are different options which need to be booked direct with Thornbridge Outdoors.

Family camping pitches - If you'd like to come and camp in your own tent then it's free of charge for the first 100 people who book. Please go to Family Camping Tent Pitch to book.

Bell Tents - we have 9 bell tents that are available for £50 per night. Please go to Thornbridge Outdoors - Bell Tent to book.

If you'd rather stay indoors they have 3 person (£45/night) and 5 person (£75/night) rooms available in the Lodge. Please contact Thornbridge Outdoors directly to book using their enquiry form.

Arrival from 4pm on Friday 2 October and departure by 4pm on Sunday 4 October.

Once you have booked Thornbridge Outdoors will contact you directly with further information.

Race day logistics:

We'll be in touch nearer the time with all of the details that you need but key points:

• Car parking will be available in a field at Thornbridge Outdoors unless the ground is exceptionally wet.

• Camping in your own tent, camping in our bell tents, rooms in our self catering Lodge on the Friday and/or Saturday night will be available to book soon via the Thornbridge Outdoors website.

• White Rake checkpoint will have water available.

• Eyam and Baslow checkpoints will have food and water available.

• A curry meal will be available for participants and supporters at the finish area for £10 and will be pre-bookable. We'll send out details nearer the time.

• Please note that dogs are not permitted on the event. Well behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome at the event HQ but please exercise them on the Monsal Trail rather than around the grounds. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted in the Lodge or Bell Tents at the centre.

Merchandise:

T shirts will be available to pre-order. We'll send out details nearer the time.

Sponsors:

Thank you to our kind sponsors for making the event possible: