The Drop - Oxford
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The Drop - Oxford
The Drop - Oxford is a navigation-based event where participants are transported to an undisclosed location and must find their way back to the event center. The experience begins at Up And Running in Oxford, where participants hand over all electronic devices, including watches, phones, and navigational aids. These items are sealed in an emergency bag that runners carry with them but must not open; breaking the seal results in disqualification.
Participants are transported to the drop-off point by bus while wearing blackout blindfolds or safety goggles. Once dropped off, individuals or teams must return to the start using only their sense of direction and physical resourcefulness. There are no maps, GPS devices, or external assistance provided during the journey back.
The event offers three distance categories based on straight-line measurements ("as the crow flies"):
- 6 miles
- 10 miles
- 15 miles
Because the distances are measured in a straight line, the actual mileage covered on foot may be longer depending on the route chosen. Participation is restricted to individuals aged 18 and over, and total registration is limited to 75 places.
While participants cannot use GPS for navigation, they have the option to use a live GPS tracking system for safety and to allow friends or family to monitor their progress. These trackers must be returned to staff at the conclusion of the event to avoid a replacement fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
