Cannock Chase Forest Christmas 10K, 5k & Junior Fun Run
Race Location
Birches Valley Visitors Centre, Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ
Race HQ
The Race HQ and start is located a short distance past Go Ape. Look out for the signs to direct you!
Timings on race day
Race HQ & Registration opens: 08:30
Junior Run Start: 09:30
Race Director's Briefing on the start line: 09:50
Race Start (10k & 5k): 10:00
Bag Drop
You are welcome to leave your bag at the unmanned baggage drop at Race HQ, however, this is done at your own risk and discretion. The team will not handle your bags and you will be responsible for labelling them clearly.
Facilities
Unfortunately, there are no changing facilities available at this site so we recommend arriving ready to run!
Parking
There is on-site parking close to the race HQ. You will be issued a QR code that will redice the parking fee to £3.50 between 08:00 and 13:00. If you decide to stay later than 13:00, you will be charged an additional parking fee.
We encourage the use of car sharing to reduce the carbon footprint of the race and the impact on other forest users.
Toilets
Toilets will be available at the Birches Valley Visitors Centre. Please note, there will be no toilets available on the course.
Headphones
Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event.
The start & finish
The 10k & 5k start and finish in the same location and this is close to the Race HQ.
About the course
The 5k course follows good paths and trails around Cannock Chase Forest. 10k runners will complete two laps of the course.
The terrain is uneven in places so please keep an eye out for protruding tree roots and slippery surfaces especially if the weather has been wet leading up to race day.
Other forest users and running in the forest
Please be aware that you are sharing the paths and trails with other walkers, runners and cyclists, many of whom live locally. We ask that you race with care and remain courteous at all times.
Recommended Kit & Footwear
We recommend trail shoes for this event, if you have them. Please keep an eye on the forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions, bringing a spare set of clothes (and socks!) if needed.
Litter
Please do NOT drop litter. Bins will be provided, so please dispose of any litter correctly or take it home with you.
Water Stations
There will be a water station at the start of the second lap for the 10k runners along with a water station at the finish line for all runners.
Whilst we will ensure that our water station is well supplied, runners should ensure they are fully hydrated and also consider carrying their own water.
Going Green
To help reduce the carbon footprint of this race, we would like to encourage all our runners to bring their own camel packs or reusable cups for this race. Our teams at the water stations will be happy to fill any receptacle that you might bring with you so that you stay hydrated and racing fit! If you are able to car share, then this would be wonderful!
Your route & marshals...
Your course will be clearly marked using large route arrows and directional cones, as well as being marshalled throughout. Please listen and obey all marshal instructions given. There will be a sweep marshal which will follow the last runner to make sure that no one is left on the route. All marshals will remain in place until stood down by the sweep marshal.
Spectators
We always welcome anyone that would like to cheer on our runners and join the good spirit of the race by lending their encouragement and support.
We are proud to invite our junior racers to the start line for their very own dedicated event so that they can experience the thrill of race day for themselves.
The race will take place at 09:30, before the main race and is approximately 1.2k around the Race HQ area.
While this race will not be chip timed, all runners will receive a finishers medal. Race numbers are only available for collection on the day.
Parents are responsible for collecting their children at the finish line. And, if parents are accompanying younger racers then no additional entry is required. However, participating parents will not receive a chip time or medal.
We hope that you will join us in supporting our young runners with uproarious cheers as they cross the finish line!
Medals & Prizes
There will be a bespoke medal awarded to all finishers of the 10k & 5k.
Trophy with e-certificate & £5 voucher prize for 1st, 2nd & 3rd male & female winners (both distances)
E-certificate and £5 voucher prize for 1st male & female age group categories (10k only)
E-certificate and £5 voucher prize for 1st male junior & female junior (both distances)
Weather permitting, the presentation will take place approximately 45 - 60 minutes after the first runner has crossed the finish line and when all the prize winners have arrived home.
Please listen for announcements from your Race Director.
Results
Live and provisional results will be available on the Nice Work website asap after the race. If you have any questions regarding the live results, please ensure that you have emailed this through to us by midday on the following Thursday. Any changes submitted after this time will not be included in the final results.