Bat Challenge
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Event overview
The Bat Challenge is a six-hour off-road running event held on Friday, 8 May 2026 at Beacon Hill Country Park, Lower Car Park, Leicestershire (LE12 8TA). Participants run repeated laps of a marked loop within a six-hour time limit. The event allows walking, hiking, rucking, or running; entrants choose how many laps to complete during the time limit. Dogs are not permitted.
Course and logistics
The loop is an off-road, out-and-back style route that starts from the lower car park and climbs to the top of the park for the first half, then descends back to the start. Underfoot is mainly well maintained crushed stone and can be mucky depending on weather; the route is not technical underfoot. The trig point is near the high point but is not on the official route. Participants who begin laps in darkness must carry a head torch. Parking at the park is paid - £3 for under three hours or £4 for the day, payable by card or coin. The nearest train station is Loughborough, about six miles away.
Distances and entry
- 3.3 mile off-road loop per lap
- Half marathon equals 4 laps
- Marathon equals 8 laps
Entry fees follow a tiered pricing structure and unaffiliated entrants pay a small surcharge. A GPX of the route is available and there is an option to receive a tree token instead of a medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
