40, 70 or 100 miles in 26 hours
2nd-3rd August 2013 (26 hrs time limit)
Top 2 in each distance category (top 2 males and top 2 females) will win a 50% discount voucher for the October 2013 edition of the Ocean Floor Race.
(50% discount on full entry price of £1695 resulting in an entry fee of only £847)
In its 4th year The Grim Reaper UltraMarathon has gained a loyal following year on year and has proved hugely popular. Grimsthorpe Castle (www.grimsthorpe.co.uk) in Lincolnshire, is the fantastic venue for the event, which will run from Friday 2nd of August (morning start) to Saturday 3rd August (exact times yet to be confirmed). Grimsthorpe is an historic house, park and garden in Lincolnshire.
Three races of varying distances will start at the same time (40, 70 and 100 miles) and continue with a time limit of 26 hours for all three races
The race is non-stop and will continue through the night with the route being lit with glow sticks during the evening hours. The route will incorporate multiple loops through the beautiful grounds of the Grimsthorpe estate. The terrain is a mixture of a limestone trail and field trails.
All competitors will be expected to manage their own time, deciding how long to spend resting and refueling during the event.
Recommended Minimum Requirements For Entrants
Each distance is open to both elite and novice runners but we do recommend having a certain fitness level for each event.
40 miles -The time limit of 26 hours makes the 40 mile distance very achievable for even the slowest of entrants.We would say though that a person entering this event should have a reasonable level of fitness as a minimum.
70 miles -The 70 mile distance is still very achievable in 26 hours but we would recommend a good level of fitness to complete.
100 miles -The 100 mile event is very challenging and is ideally suited to runners who are extremely fit, healthy and experienced ultra runners.
Even if you have never competed in an ultra marathon before, Your physical fitness will only get you so far and your mental toughness will determine whether or not you cross the finish line. This is an event that tests your endurance and stamina, not your navigational skills. Many Ultra races require a certain amount of navigational skill which frustrate some athletes.These athletes will be relieved to know that no map skills will be required as the large looping route will be clearly marked. A holding area in the organisers tent will allow competitors to have quick and easy access to their food and extra clothing, which they must provide. The organizers will provide water, tea coffee, a selection of food (but please don’t rely on this as it may not suit your dietary requirements) and toilet facilities. As the estate is privately owned spectators will only be allowed a limited amount of access, which will be decided nearer the time. If spectators want to volunteer to assist with the running of the event though they will be able to stay on the estate for the full duration of the event (please use contact page to request to volunteer)
Synopsis Of Race
Runners to complete approx 4 , 7 or 10 laps of 10 mile loop. Each competitor will be given a stamping card which they must get stamped at the far end of each loop and at the near end of each loop. When these stamps have been verified by one of the organisers at the race headquarters they will sign your card. When you have the correct number of verified laps you have completed the race. After completing each loop you will arrive at the organisers tent where you have access to your kit. The route is beautifully varied incorporating hard limestone trail, grass trail and tarmac trail with fantastic scenery and wildlife on show.
Grim Reaper competitors must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the race.
Q&A
1. What type of shoes should I be wearing ? The terrain is a mixture of Grass Trail, Hard limestone trail, field trail and tarmac. Based on this we would recommend a trail shoe with reasonable size lugs (grips) on the sole.
2. I have friends who want to come and support me, can they watch and stay through the night? Spectators must leave the grounds by 6pm on the Friday night and are not allowed back onto the castle grounds until 8.00am the next morning. If spectators want to volunteer to assist with the running of the event then they are classed as staff and will be allowed to stay on site for the duration of the event (request to be a volunteer via the contact page)
3. I’ve never run at night on my own is it safe? The estate is privately owned meaning that the estate staff and fat feet runners will be out on the course and no one else. Their will be plenty of people on the route through the night and if you get a decent powerful head torch you shouldn’t feel any problems.
4. When I finish the event is their somewhere to sleep at the venue ? Yes if you are wanting to sleep at the venue you are welcome to erect a small tent before the race starts near to the organisers tent. This has proved very popular as alot of the runners are in celebratory mood once they have finished so sit around chatting until crashing out in their tent.
5. I’m running in the Half Marathon the following day as well,..can I camp at the Grimsthorpe estate on the Saturday night? I’m afraid not. The estate has requested that all fat feet runners and staff are off the estate by lunch time on the Saturday
6. I’m looking for some accommodation close to the venue could you recommend any?
Black Horse Inn
http://www.theblackhorseinn.info/
Travellodge Colsterworth
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/info?hotelId=128
Low Farm Touring and Camping Park
The Barn at Folkingham
http://www.thebarnspringlane.co.uk/
Wishing Well Inn (Dyke)
http://www.hktaverns.co.uk/pub_intro.aspx?pub=Wishing%20Well
7. I’m considering entering the 40 / 70 mile event. If I complete that distance and want to carry on to try and complete the next distance will it count?
I’m afraid not. The event you enter is the one you will be given a result for.
8. I’m a bit lost with what kit to bring with me can you help?
The UltraMarathon running store is a good supplier of kit for this type of event.
Possible kit list
• Ruc Sac- you only need a small one to carry water and possibly some food as you will be returning to the check point every 10 miles where you have access to anything you may require
• Water bottles or water bladder to fit in ruc sac
• Head Torch
• Ipod
• Sleeping Bag
• Warm Clothing for night time (running tights, hat, gloves buff hat etc
• Waterproof (lightweight)
• Trekking poles (some people prefer using trekking poles when doing long distance events as it can ease stress on the joints)
• Food of your preference- we will provide some food but don’t rely on this as it may not be to your liking – boil in the bag meals (we have hot water), energy bars, jelly babies, etc etc
• Change of socks /baby wipes and talc – Some peoples feet suffer more than others. I would suggest these people clean their feet and use talc to keep them dry and then change their socks at least once during the event.
Location
View Grimsthorpe UltraMarathon- Participants entrance in a larger map
Grimsthorpe Half Marathon
Do the Grimsthorpe Half Marathon on the Sunday as well to loosen your legs from the GrimReaper.
