UPDATE, MARCH 2020: Sorry! The ongoing coronavirus crisis means we have had to cancel Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2020. We are so disappointed, but are sure you will agree it is the right thing to do. Entrance fees are being refunded into runners’ bank accounts automatically. We’ll be back next year. Until then, stay fit and well!
Registration for the Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2020 is open now!
The run, one of the most challenging and exhilarating in the Midlands, is returning for the fourth time.
This year’s it again starts and finishes at picturesque Bredon Cricket Club, Westmancote, Worcestershire, at 11am on Sunday, May 24, 2020.
The marshalled 10k route follows pretty country lanes, tracks and paths to the 299m summit of Bredon Hill.
The hilltop is marked by an Iron Age fort and the 18th-century Parson’s Folly tower, and it boasts glorious views of the surrounding countryside.
Entry costs £15 and includes a pre-race warm-up.
After the run, participants and their families and friends can enjoy some live music and a barbecue at the cricket club, where the fully licensed bar will be open. There were be a cricket match involving local sides to enjoy in the afternoon.
The tower run run is open to just 200 and is expected to be oversubscribed.
New this year is a 1500m (approximately) junior run for all ages under 17, starting and finishing at the cricket club. The route is on cricket and rugby pitches, safely away from any roads, and will be fully supervised. Entry is free and all participants receive a medal. The junior run begins at 10am.
Money raised from the tower run will be shared between the cricket club and the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Runners must be aged over 16.
All entrants receive a finisher’s medal, and there will be trophies for first male finisher, first female finisher and first member of Bredon Cricket Club to finish.
Cricket club chairman Neil Hall said: “We can’t wait welcome runners to our beautiful course in 2020.
“We hope the addition of the junior fun run will make it even more popular with families.”
You can view the route of the run and export it to your device from Strava here.
Click on the link below to register and pay securely via EntryCentral, the secure sports event ticketing specialist.
Bredon Hill Tower Run 2020:
Frequently asked questions
What is it?
A 10k trail run starting and finishing at Bredon Cricket Club and following pretty country lanes, tracks and paths to the 299m summit of Bredon Hill.
When is it?
Sunday, May 24, 2020.
How much does it cost to enter?
£15 (entry includes booking fee and finisher’s medal).
How do I enter?
Follow this link to register and pay securely online at EntryCentral. This is the only method of payment. You will be emailed a receipt and should bring this with you as proof of entry.
Can I pay on behalf of more than one person?
Yes. Just complete the entry form for each runner. When all your registrations are complete you can move through to the checkout and pay for them on one card.
How many runners will there be?
Open to a maximum of 200.
Where is it?
Bredon Cricket Club, Hill Close, Westmancote, near Tewkesbury GL20 7EU.
What time does it start?
The run starts and finishes at Bredon Cricket Club. The first runners set off at 11am, but entrants must arrive at the cricket ground before 10.30am to collect their race number and warm-up.
Does everyone start at the same time?
You will be given a chance when you register online to grade yourself as an expert, intermediate or beginner/fun runner. The expert runners start at the front of the field, the beginners/fun runners at the rear.
What are the age limits?
Entrants must be over 16.
Is it timed?
No. Runners are responsible for monitoring their own time, if they wish. You can import the route onto your device from Strava here.
Where do I park?
Parking at or near the cricket ground will be signposted on the day.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the run before it starts?
Sorry, there are no refunds. But your place can be reserved for next year.
What happens if I do not turn up for the race?
Your place will remain unfilled, but you will not be given a refund. Neither will you receive your finisher’s medal. You are not required to inform us in advance.
Is there a place where I can safely store my stuff during the run?
You may leave your gear in our unsecured clubhouse at your own risk, or lock it in your car.
When do I get my race number? How do I fasten it?
Report to the chief marshal when you arrive at the cricket ground. You will be given your race number. We will supply safety pins to attach it to your shirt/vest.
I want to watch the race as a spectator. Where is the best place to go?
The route follows rights of way, but paths are narrow in places so choose where you watch with consideration. The best spot is the summit of Bredon Hill, where there is plenty of space. Please follow the Countryside Code on Bredon Hill.
Are there any toilet facilities?
There are toilet facilities in the cricket club pavilion, and there will be a portable toilet.
Is the route clearly marked?
Parts will be signposted, and there will be lots of marshals. You will not need a map or navigation aid.
Can disabled people take part in, or watch the race?
Sorry, we are unable to offer facilities for disabled people. Anyone taking part or watching does so at their own risk.
How difficult will it be?
It is a challenging run, with steep gradients on both the uphill and downhill stretches. The terrain encompasses metalled lanes, stony tracks, and paths through fields and woods that may be muddy. But this is a fun event, and you should enjoy it. Go at your own pace… even if that means walking.
Do I need special trail shoes?
Trail shoes may be beneficial, especially in wet weather, but ordinary running shoes will be adequate.
What happens if there is bad weather on the day of the run?
It will only be called off in the event of extreme weather. We will post a notice on the club Facebook page on the morning of the run ONLY if it is cancelled.
Will water be supplied along the route?
No. Runners are responsible for their own hydration. Bottled water and soft drinks will be on sale in our licensed clubhouse bar before, during and after the run. Please do not drop empty drinks bottles along the route, which is through an area of outstanding natural beauty.
What happens after the run?
Finishers will be handed their medals as soon as they arrive back at the cricket ground. Later, trophies will be presented for the first male finisher, first female finisher, and first finisher who is a member of Bredon Cricket Club. We hope runners, friends and family will remain at the cricket ground to enjoy our hospitality. There will be live music and a barbecue. A cricket match involving local sides will be played in the afternoon. Our licensed bar will be open throughout.
What happens if all the places are gone when I try to register?
Please do not be too disappointed. Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run is an annual event. You will be given the option to join the waiting list for next year’s run, and will be alerted by email when entries for the 2021 run go on sale.
Can I be told the route in advance, and have a chance to run it?
The route uses public roads and footpaths, so anyone is free to run it in advance at their own risk. The route can be viewed and exported from Strava here.
Can I swap my place with someone?
No. This is not allowed for safety reasons.
Can I wear headphones?
Yes, but please be aware of other runners.
Can I run with my dog?
No. Runners are not allowed to take dogs on the route for safety reasons.
Can I seek sponsorship and take part in aid of a charity?
Bredon Cricket Club is donating a share of proceeds from the run to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, but you are free to seek sponsorship for a charity of your choice.
Are there any medical facilities?
Trained medics will be at the cricket ground.