The Drop - Darlington
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The Drop - Darlington
The Drop is a stripped-back navigation challenge in which participants are transported blindfolded to an undisclosed location and must find their own way back to the event centre at Up & Running, 18 High Row, Darlington DL3 7QQ. There are no markers, no route, and no navigational aids supplied by organisers; decisions about route and pace are the participant’s responsibility.
Distances offered:
- 15 miles as the crow flies
- 10 miles as the crow flies
- 6 miles as the crow flies, open only to non-locals
At registration participants hand over all electronic devices, watches, and navigation aids and receive a race number plus a sealed emergency bag that must be carried intact; breaking the seal leads to disqualification. Deployment is by bus while wearing blackout blindfolds or approved alternatives; when blindfolds are removed the participant’s time starts. Rules include no GPS, no unauthorised maps, on-foot travel only, and mandatory return of any issued GPS tracker.
Optional live GPS tracking is available for a fee; trackers must be returned after the event or a replacement fee of £175 applies. Distances are measured as the crow flies and the actual route taken will be longer. Parking is available in the town centre; the railway station is about a ten minute walk and the bus station about five minutes from the event HQ. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
