OutRun
Information
Come and join at the end of June for our 6,12 & 24hr events. The course is entirely within the grounds of Layer Marney Tower on the footpaths and trails around the grounds that surround the historic tower. A 2.5 mile loop of mixed terrain comprising footpaths, open grassed fields and woodland, in a beautiful countryside setting. Complete a couple of laps and have a rest before continuing again or keep it going steadily for as long as possible, it is entirely up to you! There is no minimum distance that you must complete and you certainly don't have to run for the full 6,12 or 24 hours!
The event will be fully chip timed so you don't have to worry about remembering to count your laps, or collect a wristband! You will have the ability to access a personal bag at the end of every lap if there are things you wish to have available to you during the event. This will be a secure location and will be staffed all day at HQ.
Enter as a solo runner and take on OutRun yourself, or as part of a team of up to 6 people. Take it in turns to run and see if you can rack up the mileage faster than the other teams! Why not make it your corporate challenge for the year and see who comes out on top of the teams from your workplace, or make it a charity fundraising event?
There will be prizes for the top males and females in the solo categories and also for the winners in the small/large team events.
With the ability to complete as many or as few loops of the 2.5mi, gently undulating, trail course within the 12/24hr limit, you will have to devise the best strategy to take on the challenge, and maximise your mileage!
We will be self-contained within the grounds of Layer Marney Tower, between us and the tea shop at the tower we will have all the facilities that you need to keep you running for as long as you can, including hot food and drinks.
The Layer Marney Tower is a magnificent building standing 80 feet tall within stunning grounds. Although it is the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the country, Layer Marney Tower doesn’t dominate the skyline until you are almost upon it. However, sail up the River Blackwater as a marauding invader and you couldn’t fail to be impressed by its stately grandeur!
The Tower stands on the shores of the river Blackwater, and construction was initiated by Lord Henry Marney in the 1520s, a close friend of Henry VIII. The Gatehouse and ranges which were continued by his son after his death were supposed to be part of a grand palace, but construction ceased after his son's death. What stands today is a glimpse into the luxurious aspirations of a 16th century lord, now a family-run venue which opens its doors to the public at certain times of the year, and it still does not fail to impress.
https://www.layermarneytower.co.uk/
Events run throughout the year, often on Bank holidays or weekends, are always a fun mix of historic and contemporary activities:
" Guided Tours of the tower are run by Sheila and Nick Charrington, the owners of Layer Marney Tower
" Plays, shows and re-enactments are often put on in the grounds, with costumes to make you wonder what century you have travelled to.
" Join in with lamb feeding in the grounds' farm
" Attend the village fete or fairs, as well as live music and concerts
" If camping's not for you, then try glamping in Layer Marney Tower Grounds. It's all the excitement and wildness of camping, with less cold showers and bugs.
THE COURSE
The course is a 2.5mi loop, on a mixed terrain of hard packed footpaths, grass paths and woodland trails with the odd bridge or two to take you over Layer Brook. The total elevation over each lap is 125 ft and as you visit the race HQ every lap you will find the aid station with areas to sit and rest, refuel, change, and then carry on, should you choose to do so. The links below will take you to more detail of the course.
AID STATIONS
The aid station will have a mixture of sweet and savoury foods, including Tribe and Chia Charge products, along with our usual menu of hot food and drinks available on the aid station at certain times. Any hot drinks will be provided in paper cups, but please bring a mug of your own if you are able, to help us reduce waste.
Please note that this is a cup free event - which means you must bring with you a receptical of some sort for us to fill for you at the aid stations. We will not have any cups out on the tables, but we will be happy to fill your cups, flasks, bottles, hydration packs and even your own running shoes, if you wish to drink from them! This is to help with a reduction in race day plastic waste that is prevolent in events and also to eradicate the dropping of waste and litter out on the trails where it does not belong. We will have resusable cups for sale on the day for £3 each should you require one or you can order one at time of registration for £2 alongside your entry.
TOILETS
We will have sufficient toilets available which will be located at the race HQ venue which is the start and finish of the event.
LITTER
There is absolutely no excuse for littering and it will not be tolerated. Anyone seen littering will be instantly disqualified and not included in the results. There is so little distance between aid stations, please can you carry any waste with you and deposit in the bins provided at the aid statons or carry to the end of the event where we will gladly take it from you and recycle where we can. We would like to host this event every year, if we leave litter behind on the trails in this pristine location then clearly this could jeopardise our chances to continue with these events.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Every finisher regardless of distance will recieve one of our renowned bespoke medals and also a goody bag full of sweet and savoury treats to keep you going on your journey home. There will also be hot food during the event and after you finish. Free parking all weekend.
CAMPING - What's included?
SOLO & PAIRS - Each Solo runner and those running as a pair have a 2m x 3m single tent pitch included in the race entry fee. (1pitch per pair)
TEAMS 3-5 PEOPLE - Each team of 3-5 people will have a 4m x 4m area included in the entry fee.
TEAMS 6-8 PEOPLE - Each team of 6-8 people will have a 6m x 5m area included in the entry fee.
Think you may need more space? You may purchase additional Saturday night camping space at registration.
Want to add Friday night camping to what's already included in your race package? Add this at registration!! Friday night camping isn't included in your race package so if you want to add the Friday night then remember to book it for your race package pitches as well as any additional pitches purchased too.
Space will be strictly allocated according to your entry type, so please do not expect to be able to simply use more space than is included in your entry fee.
Location
Directions
FROM LONDON AND THE WEST
Leave the A12 at the Kelvedon turning (B1024). Drive through Kelvedon, crossing the river, and at the top of the hill turn right by the Old Anchor pub, to Maldon and Tiptree (B1023). Follow this road for about two miles to two mini roundabout Junction. Turn left to Colchester (B1022). Turn right after 2 miles, at the signpost to Layer Marney Tower. There is a sharp corner almost immediately, followed soon after by a left turning signed to Layer Marney Tower which you should take. At the first cross-roads turn right (signed), and drive for about 1/4 mile. The entrance gates to Layer Marney Tower are on the right.
FROM IPSWICH AND THE EAST
Turn off the A12 at the Halstead exit (B1124). At the roundabout take the first exit left. (You will pass a sign for Layer Marney Tower that says follow the signs to Maldon). Fork right to Maldon, Tollgate Retail Park and Colchester Zoo. You will now go over four small roundabouts: at the first take the second left, at the second, third and fourth go straight over following signs to Maldon. Follow the road to the roundabout, junction with Warren Lane Turn right and then travel along Warren Lane for about 3/4 mile until you reach a T Junction. Turn right to Maldon (B1022). After two miles you will see, on the right, the entrance to Birch Quarry, and soon after a turning on the left signed to Layer Marney Tower. Take this turning, go straight over the cross-roads and follow the lane for 1/4 of a mile. The entrance gates to Layer Marney Tower are on the right.