FAQs

Shropshire Way 80K Festival FAQ’s

Here is some useful information about the event which will help you to plan your entry. If you need any further advice, please contact us on info@shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk or call us on 01588 676060 or go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/shropshireway80k

• When is the festival? It will take place on the 14th August 2021.
• What are all the events? There is the SW80K, Mammothon and Half-Mammothon. SW80K is a 50-mile, self-led route with 2500m of elevation; Mamothon is a full-distance trail marathon with 1250m of elevation and the Half-Mammothon is 13.1 miles with 650 m of elevation through forests, hills and fields.
• Where does it start and finish? The event is hosted by Grow Cook Learn, the charity based at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9RS. This is the start/ finish point for all events in the festival.
• What time does it start? The SW80K starts at 08.00 on the Saturday morning. You have 24 hours to complete the course. The Mammothon starts at 8.30 with a 12-hour time limit; the Half-Mammothon starts at 9.00 and has a 6-hour limit.
• How do I get there? Craven Arms is on the main railway line between Cardiff and Manchester. The Discovery Centre is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the station. There is a bus from Shrewsbury and Ludlow (Route 435) which stops directly outside the centre. Please think about car share or public transport. Be green!
• What level of fitness do I need to have? Obviously, SW80K is not a beginners’ event. Covering 50 miles is a big challenge for all but the very fittest. You will need to be an experienced walker or runner with a reasonable level of fitness to take part, but with the right mental preparation and some training over the winter, this is much more manageable than you may think. You will need to have covered 25 miles comfortably in your training and will need to do some speed work, ideally an hour or so three or four times per week. You should have experience in different seasonal conditions, in hilly areas and know how to read a map and compass. You will also need to feel confident navigating in the dark. Mammothon and Half-Mammothon entrants will need some experience of outdoor walking in all conditions and be familiar with upland terrain. You need to know how to read a map and compass.
• Do I need any specialist equipment? All participants in the SW80K will be sent a mandatory kit list including first aid kit, compass and torch. This is to satisfy our risk assessment and you will not be allowed onto the event unless you comply with this list. Mammothoners will need to carry a map and be expected to carry equipment needed to keep them safe according to the conditions on the day. Remember that conditions in early April can vary enormously and you should know how to keep warm, dry and comfortable in cold, windy and wet conditions. Similarly, you should be aware of how to protect yourself from sunburn and high temperatures.
• How much does it cost? The cost of entry is £50 for SW80K; £30 for the Mammothon and £15 for the Half-Mammothon
• What does this include? The cost includes parking, food and drinks at our checkpoints along the course, professional first aid support around the course and repatriation to the Discovery Centre should you need to retire. You will also receive a memento of the event and a certificate.
• How do I enter? Bookings open 17th March 2021. You enter by visiting SI Entries the bookings page is here
• What maps do I need for this event? The Mammothon and Half-Mammothon routes are covered by OS Explorer sheet 217 and the SW80K route is covered by Harveys Shropshire Way map at 1:40000 scale or OS Landranger sheet 137 at 1:50000 scale.
• What about navigating? We supply GPX files and a full written route description for all the events, but these are as an aid to navigation only. The responsibility for navigation is your responsibility and you will need to be able to use a map and compass in case gps signal or batteries fail.
• What facilities are provided? All major checkpoints (located approximately every 10 miles) have a good range of food, toilets, hot and cold drinks and snacks. They are indoors with seating and warmth. In between these, there are water stations which may be manned or unmanned, where you may re-fill your bottle and grab a snack.
• Is there a list of rules? There is nothing out of the ordinary; just common-sense rules to make sure you are safe. All participants will be sent a pack in January with all this information.
• Do we have to be grouped up at night? No! Although you are all welcome to pal up with fellow competitors at any time of the day or night, there will be no compulsory grouping in this event
• Can I sleep at the Centre after the hike? Yes, the event does not finish until 8.00 on Sunday morning, so the centre is open through the night. You will need to bring a sleeping back and bed down in our luxury classroom. Camping is available for £10 per person.
• Can I “reccy” the route prior to the event? Of course. All the route follows public footpaths, so you can use them whenever you like. If you have the opportunity, it’s always a good idea to reccy the overnight section as this is when you will find the most difficult navigation Please remember to follow the countryside code.
• I have a disability. Can I enter? The nature of this event means that it will not be suitable for everyone, but we welcome entries from a wide range of people. If you have a disability and are interested in taking part, we would be happy to discuss any adaptations we may need to make to accommodate you.