Great Barrow Challenge Day 5

The Great Barrow Challenge - Hosted by Zig Zag Running invites runners of all levels to experience a unique 10-day running series at Suffolk Running Centre, located on Church Road in Bury St Edmunds. The challenge offers flexibility with individual day entries for various distances including 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and Ultra.
On August 2nd, the fifth day of this dynamic event features the Dalham Kiln Half Route, a scenic course designed to test endurance while showcasing the beauty of Suffolk's countryside. Participants can choose between half marathon (one loop), full marathon (two loops), or ultra distances which extend beyond two loops and include additional turnpoints for 5k and 10k runners.
The route itself is an approximately 21.4 km loop from a nearby campsite, with the majority of it being road terrain at about 88%, complemented by 12% trail sections. The course features significant elevation changes totaling around 191 meters in ascent and descent, ranging between highs of 123 meters and lows of 49 meters.
For those tackling shorter distances like 5k or 10k, the route includes specific turnpoints that allow runners to retrace their steps back to the starting point at Suffolk Running Centre. A detailed GPX file is available for download from the event's "course" tab on the Zig Zag Running website, providing participants with a precise map of each day’s course.
The Race HQ and Base Camp serve as central hubs where water and aid stations are set up throughout the route to support runners during their journey. Additionally, bespoke medals await every finisher at the end of their chosen distance for that particular day.
To ensure an eco-friendly experience, participants are encouraged to bring reusable bottles or cups; the event has gone "cupless" in its efforts towards sustainability. It's important to note that dogs and buggies are not permitted on this route due to traffic considerations along open roads, while headphones (except for bone conductors) are prohibited to maintain safety.
Virtual participation is also an option through Zig Zag Running’s online platform, allowing runners from around the world to join in the festivities without physically being present. For more information and virtual entry details, visit the event page on the Zig Zag Running website.