The Sandstone Trail Half replaces the previous Sandstone Trail Races. The race has one start at Bickerton Hill National Trust Car Park which was the start of the previous 17 mile ‘A’ race. The race will finish at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre.
There is no parking at the start area so we recommend runners taking a place on our bus from the finish area to the start and collecting their car from the finish area after the race. Alternatively you can arrange your own drop off at the start area and collection at the finish area. The new finish area has tremendous facilities for runners and spectators including showers and a cafe.
Due to our responsibility to our marshals we have a 3 hour 30 mins cut off.
The race will continue to have a timed-out crossing point on the A51 so there is no advantage to dashing across the road. The time taken between the two controls will be deducted from the overall time for the race; the time deducted will be shown on the results which each competitor receives at the finish. Prizes for the top 3 men and women will be awarded by time.
The route is quite easy to follow and is often waymarked by the distinctive yellow, circular Sandstone Trail markers on posts, styles and gates. We will have marshals where the trail meets the local roads but it is recommended you familiarise yourself with stretches of the route in the build up to the race.
There will be 2 drink stations; the first at approx 6 miles and the second at approx 10 miles.
It is recommended you carry your own additional water, mobile phone and additional outer clothing in case of bead weather.
The races is run under FRA rules.
The Sandstone Trail Race was previously organised by Deeside Orienteering Club and they held annually it in mid-autumn for forty years from 1977-2016. We were honoured and delighted to be asked to keep the race in the local race calendar.
The route the Sandstone Trail Race follows the waymarked by the distinctive yellow, circular Sandstone Trail markers on posts, styles and gates.
Potential race winners are strongly advised check out the public footpath sections beforehand. Please do not run across the field diversion after Primrose Hill as this is private ground and only open to us on race day
For safety reasons both races have a timed-out road crossing at the A51 due to the heavy traffic on this road.
Each runner has a maximum of 90 seconds. All competitors must cross the timing mats both before and after the road crossings. The time taken between the two controls will be deducted from the overall time for the race; the time deducted will be shown on the results which each competitor receives at the finish. We have taken this action in the interests of competitor safety in the race.
The Sandstone Trail Race was previously organised by Deeside Orienteering Club and they held annually it in mid-autumn for forty years from 1977-2016. We were honoured and delighted to be asked to keep the race in the local race calendar.
There will be a temporary road closure on Tattenhall Road Beeston for approximately 15 minutes to allow the B race to get underway.
Each runner will be issued with a race number with a disposable timing chip on race day.
This system is user friendly. The disposable system allows runners to have more flexibility at the finish line, since the removal of the chip is not required.
If you are using the single use chip, please ensure the following to receive an accurate time:
Please note: The race number allocated to you is for use by you only. Please do not pass on the race number unless you have completed the online transfer. The transfer entry closing date is on your confirmation email.
No. The Sandstone Trail is not suitable for buggies.
No. The race takes place on a narrow track and would be unsuitable for runners with dogs.
Refunds are not available for the race but participants are able to transfer their space to someone else up until the closing date specified on the conformation email. We do not allow deferrals to another race or to the same race the following year.
Full details of parking will be included in race instructions sent normally around 10 days prior to the race. However, runners are encouraged to park at Delamere Forest and to book a place on our bus for this point to pint race.
Toilets will be available on race day at Race HQ and/or close to the start line.
There are no changing or shower facilities.
Yes. You can leave your bag at the start line and we will take it to the finish line for you.
No. The race is affiliated to The Fell Runners Association and as such headphones are not permitted.
No. The Sandstone Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs.