Spires and Steeples Challenge Sunday 16th October 2016

Spires and Steeples Challenge Sunday 16th October 2016 –

Event Information

Are you ready to take the Challenge?

The Spires & Steeples Challenge is a successful charity run/walk following the public footpaths and bridleways along the Spires and Steeples Arts & Heritage Trail. The trail that runs from Lincoln Cathedral to St Denys’ Church, Sleaford, brings together the rich history, heritage and local stories of the area. It has many beautiful artworks, churches, interesting landscapes and picturesque skies. The name refers to the Spires of the churches being the landmarks to which visitors make their way and to the rural sport of Steeple chasing. It is also recognition of the important part they have played in the lives of these communities as well as how they are a reflection of the times, families and cultures that created, altered and rebuilt them.

Since the first event back in 2008, participants have challenged themselves to complete the route whilst taking in the beautiful artworks, church architecture and the variety that is the Lincolnshire villages and countryside. They have the option to walk or run the full 26 miles, or walk and run half the route; 13 miles from Metheringham to Sleaford.

Spires and Steeples Challenge 2016

Event Information

26 Mile Run and Walk

Date: Sunday 16th October 2016
Start Location: Wickham Gardens (Westgate Water Tower), Westgate, Lincoln, LN1 3BD
Start Time: Walkers – 8:30am / Runners – 9:30am
Entry Fee: £18 in advance & £21 on the day
Entry Deadline: Postal – Monday 10th October / Online – Wednesday 12th October

13 Mile Run and Walk

Date: Sunday 16th October 2016
Start Location: Metheringham Playing Fields, Prince’s Street, Metheringham, LN4 3BX
Start Time: 11am
Entry Fee: £15 in advance & £18 on the day
Entry Deadline: Postal – Monday 10th October / Online – Wednesday 12th October

General points

All finishers will receive a bespoke medal to celebrate completing the challenge.

There are 5 checkpoints along the route all with water stations and toilet facilities. The route is comprehensively signed with marshals located at strategic points

Dogs are welcome to take part in the challenge, but must be kept on leads at all times. Please note; dogs are not permitted to travel on event transport.

Please note: you must be aged 16 years or over to take part in the 26 mile run. Children between the ages of 14-16 years can take part in the walks and the 13 mile run, but they must be accompanied by an adult and have written permission from their parent/guardian upon entry.

How to Enter

Online entries are now open through Runners World.

Telephone entries are also OPEN and can be taken Monday-Friday (10am-4:30pm) by calling 01522 694353.

Postal entries are open, the entry form can be downloaded here.

Please note; online entries incur a small admin charge.

Enter on the day – if you don’t get a chance to enter beforehand you can always enter on the day. There will be a £3 increase for on the day entries.

Route Information

The route follows the Spires and Steeples Arts and Heritage Trail which takes participants from Lincoln to Sleaford through the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside and many North Kesteven villages including; Washingborough, Heighington, Branston, Potterhanworth, Nocton, Dunston, Metheringham, Scopwick, Digby, Dorrington and Ruskington.

For more information on the route, please visit the official Spires and Steeples Arts & Heritage Trail website (www.spiresandsteeples.com) or you can purchase the official booklet for £1.50; contact us for purchase options.

Participant Numbers & Wristbands

Whether you have entered in advance, or enter on the day you will need to sign in prior to the start to receive your participant number and wristbands. Your number must be worn and must be visible at all times.

The event uses a wristband system in order to keep a track of all participants throughout the challenge. Each participant must deposit one wristband at each checkpoint along the way, and at the finish.

As the route goes through many villages, spectators are encouraged to support the participants as they pass through. All participants finish in the same location, on Eastgate Green (outside the National Centre for Craft & Design) in Sleaford therefore spectators are welcome to come along and cheer the runners and walkers as they come through the finish.

First Aid

First aid provision will be provided by St John Ambulance.

Finish

All participants will finish in the same location, Eastgate Green; outside the National Centre for Craft & Design (NCCD) in Sleaford. Café and toilet facilities will be available inside NCCD. Shower facilities will be available at the nearby Sleaford Leisure Centre.

Post event massage is available for walkers and runners when they pass through the finish; Radiance Holistic Therapy will be offering 15 minutes massage for £5 – perfect for those tired legs!

Transport

We offer the option for participants to pre-book a seat on a coach to transport them to the start of the challenge in Lincoln or Metheringham. Cars are parked at Eastgate Car park in Sleaford, which is where the coach pick up point is. This means that those who take advantage of the transport option will have their cars at the finish when they complete the challenge. The cost for this service is £5 per person and is to be pre-booked during entry.

Baggage Drop

The event operates a secure baggage drop system where participants can leave their bags at their start location and event staff will transport them to the finish so they are there ready for when they complete the challenge.

Sponsorship

Lincolnshire Co-operative will once again be supporting the challenge, providing all event refreshments for participants and volunteers on the day.

Facebook

Join the Spires and Steeples Challenge Community on Facebook

Challenge HQ

Tel: 01522 694353
Email: Donna.Sutton@remove-this.1life.co.uk
Address: The Natural World Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9BW
@Spires_Steeples