The Drop - Birmingham
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The Drop - Birmingham overview
The Drop - Birmingham is an orienteering-style event with a choice of 15-mile or 10-mile courses. Participants may enter solo or as part of a team. The next scheduled race date is 13/09/2026. The event centre is at Blackroot Bistro, Sutton Park, Blackroot Gate, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YU.
Format, rules and logistics
- 15-mile
- 10-mile
Registration requires handing over all electronic devices, watches and navigational aids; registrants receive a race number and an emergency bag. Competitors board a bus and wear a blackout blindfold or an alternative safety goggle; they are driven to an undisclosed drop-off point and must find their way back to the event centre. Distances are measured as the crow flies; the actual route may be longer.
No maps, GPS, route guidance, compass or external help are permitted unless organisers provide a map. Personal recording devices may be used only if sealed in the emergency bag; breaking the seal or using unauthorised maps leads to disqualification.
An optional live GPS tracking service is available separately from the entry fee. Trackers are said to be accurate within 5 metres but can be affected by tall buildings or signal black spots. Trackers must be placed with a clear view of the sky and returned after the event or a replacement fee of £175 will apply.
Parking is available in the town centre. The nearest rail station is about a 20 minute walk and a bus station is about 15 minutes from event HQ. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.