Grim Reaper Running Festival
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Event overview
The Grim Reaper Running Festival takes place at Grimsthorpe Castle Estate, Bourne, South Lincolnshire on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2026. Runners can choose from the following distances:
- 10 miles (day)
- 10 miles (night)
- 40 miles
- 70 miles
- 100 miles
- 100-mile team relay (teams up to 5)
All finishers receive a medal. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third in male and female solo races and to winning relay teams.
Course and facilities
The event uses a marked 10-mile loop around the estate that includes grass trails through ancient woodland, limestone tracks, quiet estate roads and a disused Victorian railway line, and skirts the estate lake before returning to the castle. Elevation is about 550 ft per lap. Trail shoes are recommended, especially in damp or wet conditions.
Medics will be onsite throughout the event. There is an aid station at mile 5 with limited snacks, water and a toilet. Hot food and hot and cold drinks are available to purchase during the event. Runners may camp onsite on the Friday and Saturday nights; the camp area is close to the start/finish.
Rules, kit and entries
The ultra distances have strict time limits: the 40-mile race 27 hours, and the 70- and 100-mile races 28 hours. Mandatory kit is required for the 40-, 70- and 100-mile races from 6pm onwards and includes a survival blanket, primary and backup lights, long-sleeve baselayer, waterproof jacket and a minimum 1-litre water carrying system; the 10-mile night race requires a headtorch. The event is cupless, so runners must carry a cup.
Pacers are permitted from mile 50, on foot only, and only one pacer at a time. Crew access is restricted to the start/finish area. Dogs are allowed only in the 10-mile solo races and must be kept on a lead and start at the back. Entry fees are listed and will rise from 1 December 2025. Transfers after 3 May incur a £5 admin fee; refunds are not offered but deferral to 2027 is possible up to 26 April 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
