Badger Challenge

Nestled within Beacon Hill Country Park, located near Loughborough in Leicestershire (LE12 8TA), the Big Bear Event offers runners and hikers an unparalleled experience. Managed by Leicestershire County Council, this event welcomes participants of all abilities to traverse a scenic loop that spans approximately 3.3 miles.
The lower car park serves as both the starting point and finish line for the race, providing ample parking options at affordable rates—£3 for less than three hours or £4 for an entire day—and accepting payments via card or coin. For those arriving by train, Loughborough station is conveniently situated just 6 miles away.
The event's unique format allows participants to run as many laps around the loop as they wish within a six-hour window. The course itself offers breathtaking views and challenging terrain; runners will climb steep paths lined with crushed stone towards a prominent trig point before descending back down through equally scenic trails, returning to their starting point for another lap if desired.
Participants can set personal goals ranging from completing just one 5k loop and enjoying the finish line festivities, which include flapjacks and beer, to pushing themselves beyond their limits by attempting over 14 laps within the time limit. The route’s undulating nature ensures a rigorous workout with varying elevations that cater to both endurance runners looking for long-distance training runs and those seeking new personal bests.
Dogs are also welcome at this event through canicross, an exhilarating activity where participants run alongside their canine companions using specialized gear. Runners must maintain control of their pets throughout the race to ensure safety and respect for fellow competitors.
Entry fees vary based on early registration: £37 before January 23, 2025, or £42 thereafter. Unaffiliated runners incur an additional fee but can save money by joining a local running club such as Big Bear Brigade, which offers discounts on future entries.
The event also supports Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity through optional fundraising efforts during the registration process. Participants may choose to set up personal JustGiving pages or make direct donations; 100% of these contributions go directly towards funding specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children across the UK.
Previous editions have garnered significant acclaim, earning a Gold Racecheck award in recognition of positive feedback from runners who praised both the course layout and overall event atmosphere. Videos showcasing past events are available on YouTube to give newcomers an idea of what to expect.
Medals awarded at the conclusion of each lap serve as tangible reminders of achievement, while those uninterested in traditional medals can opt for Big Bear Tree Tokens instead—a sustainable alternative that plants a tree and includes wildflower seeds for home gardening.
For individuals interested but unable to attend on race day due to scheduling conflicts, On-Demand events through Skamper allow participants to experience the route at their convenience. These virtual runs come with official event medals sent directly to runners upon completion of each lap via the app.
Detailed FAQs and additional information are readily available online or within the Big Bear Events Facebook group where experienced members often share insights and tips for preparing effectively for this challenging yet rewarding race.
Should you have any further questions about logistics, rules, or anything else related to the event, feel free to reach out directly via email. The organizing team is dedicated to ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable day filled with camaraderie and personal triumphs amidst one of England’s most picturesque natural settings.