The big birthday bash challenge event
There's a runner inside all of us screaming to get out - we can usually shut it up with cake...
Runbelievable Challenges are proud to be hosting Maryanne's 60th birthday bash challenge! Unfortunately Maryanne's actual birthday clashed with this years London Marathon (How very dare they!) So this is the next closest date.
Many of you will know Maryanne Aitken from the running circuit, Thanet Roadrunners and heavy involvement with the 100 Marathon Club .This will be great a opportunity to share some miles with the lovely lady herself. There will be cake and lots of fun. Our aim is to be as eco-friendly as we can - a bespoke wooden medal, wildflower seeds in the goody bags and maybe a bit extra from Maryanne as well.
This event will have a six hour time limit for you to run, or walk as many, or as few laps as you wish. With a timed event, as long as you complete one lap, then you are an official finisher!
We're going to be flexible with deciding the route! Mainly as it will depend on the conditions on the day. But the A plan is a 4.7 mile route (see course details in the FAQ below) and will be a mixture of path and trail.
*** Important ***
The park only opens at 8.00am - the same time we can get in! Please try and allow us some time to set up, and aim to get to registration for 8.30am
***
Key Information
Date :- Saturday 8th October 2022
Start :- 9.00am
Location :- Betteshanger Park
Sandwich Road, Deal,
Kent CT14 0BF (Map)
Entry :- £39.95
Course :-4.7 mile loops
Event :- Challenge event
Changes :- The cut off date for requests to change entries will be 1st October 2022
Maryanne's Marvellous Montage!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get?
You will receive
1) A really special finishers medal, custom made and designed, not a generic one.
2) A well stocked goody bag with plenty of nibbles for during and post race replenishment.
Where is the event?
Sandwich Road, Deal, Kent CT14 0BF
When do I get my race number?
You'll pick this up on race day from the race base camp. Any elite SVN runners please could you bring your elite number as any running totals with us will also contribute to your SVN miles.
Parking Info
There is lots of parking available, however this is in the overflow, of the overflow carpark. As you drive down to the roundabout its the first left and then left again. You should see our bright red gazebo and it'll be signposted as well. See Photo - Base camp is the black circle. Please note parking is Pay & Display. (Currently £3.50 for an all day ticket) which is payable before you leave the park. They use an ANPR system and even if you forget you can pay afterwards for up to 48 hours.(You can find out more information at their site here)
Course details
Please note that there is construction taking place at Betteshanger of a big new visitor facility, we're vaguely hopeful by the time the event comes around it'll be finished, but the route may well vary on event day compared to the A choice!
The surface is a high quality gravel surface in the main with the odd patch of potentially muddy bits if they're wet but overall it's an excellent running surface and should produce some fast times.
The route is viewable on MayMyRun here.
There are slopes rather than hills, so its not totally flat, each loop has maybe 60 feet of elevation rise, but there are some lovely woods to run by, ponds, grasslands, wet lands and some wild life to spot too! If its wet there might be a chance of some mud but the trails are high quality and drain well.
The route is suitable for either road or trail shoes.
Are there time limits?
Yes, six hours to run the marathon distance. As long as you are on your final lap before 5 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds then you are good for the finish.
Once the 26.2 miles is complete, it will count as a marathon for the purposes of the 100 Marathon Club.
Do I have to run for the whole time?
No! You can stop at any time you wish, just as long as you complete one lap you are an official finisher.
Do you have secure baggage facilities
If you drive we will ask you to use your own car as your own personal bag drop. For those who haven't got access to a car, there will be a small bag drop area especially for you.
Is the course closed to the public?
No. We are using the Betteshanger Park which is shared with ramblers, dogwalkers, and cyclists. Runners do not have the right of way and need to be considerate of other users of the land. Please don't litter, we'll have a bin at the base camp.
What on course facilities do you provide?
Lots of goodies and water, squash, cola available at the aid station.
Are there any facilities at the start/finish area?
There are toilets, and we're hoping that the mobile cafe that's usually there will be present.
Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course?
Yes. Though please be aware that you are running on public footpaths with the general public so make sure that you pay attention to cyclists, people, dogs, horse riders, wildlife and so on.
