Race date 2027:

Plans are already underway for the next Thornbridge Outdoors 20 on Saturday 16 October 2027!

Put the date in your diary and watch this space!

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 is in the autumn instead of 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

A GPX is available to download here.

A description of the route is available to download here.

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:

In addition to prizes for overall winners, both male and female, prizes are given for the following:

• Under 23

• Senior

• V40

• V50

• V60

• Over 70

Prizes are only be awarded to those who:

• Follow the route appropriately.

• Finish with the correct equipment as detailed below.

• Started in the mass start at 10am (except for V70).

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 need to 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 sports pavilion 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 227 693 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. Arrival from 4pm on Friday 2 October and departure by 4pm on Sunday 4 October.

What options are available will be confirmed when entries are opened.

Equipment requirements:

Given the length of the course, the exposed terrain that it crosses and the changeability of Peak District weather we ask that all competitors carry the following for their own safety:

• Full waterproofs (with taped seams)

• Hat and gloves

• Map of the course

• Compass

• Whistle

• Mobile phone

• Some food

The above is a bear minimum.  When deciding what extra layers to carry participants need to consider the likely weather on the day and remember that help can take hours to come in the Peak District.

The organisers reserve the right to do kit checks and participants need to remember that prizes and records will only be awarded to those who complete the course with at least the minimum equipment as listed above.

Race day logistics:

• Car parking will be available in a field at Thornbridge Outdoors (DE45 1NY) unless the ground is exceptionally wet.

• Food will be available for participants and supporters at the finish area. Details of what will be on offer will be confirmed when entries are opened.

• 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 accommodation or Bell Tents at the centre.

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

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

Merchandise:

T shirts will be available to pre-order. Details of what will be on offer will be confirmed when entries are opened.

Sponsors:

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