The Drop - Durham
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The Drop - Durham
The Drop - Durham is an offsite navigation event based at The Cartologist, North Road, Durham, DH1 4NQ. The organiser offers multiple distance options and a nontraditional format in which participants are dropped at an undisclosed location and must return to the event centre using their own navigation.
At registration participants hand over electronic devices and navigational aids and receive a race number and an emergency bag. Devices that participants wish to keep recording must be sealed inside the emergency bag; breaking the seal leads to disqualification.
On the day participants board a bus and wear a blackout blindfold or an alternative safety goggle if needed. After being driven to the drop-off point they must find their way back without maps, GPS, compasses, or external help. Distances are measured as the crow flies and the actual route may be longer.
Distances offered include:
- 6 Mile
- 10 Mile
- 15 Mile
Rules specify no unauthorised maps, no shortcuts, and that any recording device must remain sealed in the emergency bag. Live GPS trackers are available as an optional extra; trackers are nominally accurate to five metres, can be affected by buildings or black spots, and must be returned at event end or a £175 replacement fee applies. Parking is available in the town centre and the nearest rail and bus links are within walking distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
