Cheddar Challenge - Registrations open for 11th & 12th June 2022
Cheddar Gorge Races
Whichever distance you are taking part in, you will see some of the most beautiful and remarkable landscapes of any run in the country. The 10km, Half Marathon and Marathon all include breath taking running along the gorge cliff top path (many metres from the actual edge so don't worry) which has the most incredible views across the Somerset levels and the Bristol Channel.
Since 2017 we have moved the start in land, rather than at the gorge edge, which means you are already on the high ground to the top of the gorge height and it is the ground that fall away which gives the gorge its height. Of course, there is one really good hill along the way, but it is nowhere near as tough as its old reputation might suggest. A good all round off road show would be choice of the day as the course has a mix of open fields, rocky terrain and woodland trails.
Saturday 11th June Events - Omnium, 6km & 10km (scroll down to register)
The Cheddar Gorge Omnium see runners take on 4 events over an afternoon (Bronze or Silver) or 5 events over 2 days (Gold or Platinum) with a final ranking based on the finish positions across each event. Runners collect a multi piece medal for the Omnium races. The Omnium is a fun, multi event challenge with a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Runners will complete a 1km run, a Hill Climb and a 100m sprint on the Saturday afternoon. The final event of Saturday is either a 6km (Bronze) or 10km (Silver, Gold, Platinum), which see runners also joined by runners taking part in the stand alone 6km and 10km races. Gold Omnium racers return on the Sunday to run the Half Marathon, their fifth and final event. Platinum Omnium races return on the Sunday to run the Marathon, their fifth and final event.
After the race runners can take in the amazing setting, complete with live music, a beer and cider tent and huge array of food offerings.
Finish positions of the stand alone event runners with NOT show in Omnium results, so you are 10th runner across the line in the 10km but the second Omnium runner across the line then you will be awarded two points.
The Omnium is not a UK Athletics affiliated event which enables us to have slightly younger minimum age requirements on the Saturday compared to the Sunday. 6km has a min age of 12, 10km has a min age of 14.
Sunday 12th June - 1km, 3km, 6km, 10km, Half & Marathon (scroll down to register)
The 1km and 3km events are held on a course which loops the event site. It is a flat route, with a bit of uneven terrain, a great first time event. The 6km and 10km head our from the event site and long the trails around Cheddar Gorge. The 10km runs right along the cliff edge oath (a good 20m from the actual edge...you won't fall off!) for spectacular views. Both routes converge and run along Velvet Bottom, an historic landscape of the Mendip Hills which have been minded since Roman times, before a little climb leading back towards the start/finish area.
The half marathon and marathon share the same opening trails as the 10km, running along the cliff edge path with wonderful views. They then branch off and head over to Beacon Batch, the highest point on the Mendip Hills with incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. The race has been been updated in recent years (since 2017), removing the out and back sections and replacing them with more fresh trails. The races comes through the start/finish area where the half marathon runners finish and the marathon runners head out for their second lap. There is a 3hr cut off for the marathon runners to start their second lap.
Camping
In 2022 Relish Running, alongside Channel Events (mountain biking) and Mendip Lumps and Bumps ride (road cycling) are organising the Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend, a full weekend packed with great ways to explore Cheddar and the Mendip Hills on two feet or two wheels.
Camping is being offered by our hosts at Warren Farm. The camping is booked as an optional extra through their website here.
Please note there is a cut off of 3hrs for the marathon runners to complete the first lap (~13.2 miles). After this time runners will have to complete the half marathon course, they can still collect a half marathon medal but unfortunately we won't be able to provide a finish time. There are no cut offs for other distances.
This event is not suitable for canicross or buggies.
There are no hidden booking or processing fees. Please note prices are £2 extra for on the day registrations for individual events, £5 extra for the Omnium races on the day. There are great group discount rates for groups of 10 or more, the runners can cover any range of distances on race day. 10-19 runner save 15%, 20-49 runners save 20%, 50+ runners save 25%. All bookings must be made in advance of race to qualify for the discounted rate. We ask that all groups are registered at least 4 weeks before race day so we have the opportunity to top up our medal order if necessary.
Format
All the shorter Omnium races (Hill Climb, 1km and 100m) see runners take on the event two at a time, with pairs starting at 30 second intervals.
For all longer distance races, 6km, 10km, Half and Marathon restrictions should allow us to start runners in groups of ~75. This is actually perfect for Cheddar, and how we started the racers in 2019, as there are gates and stiles fairly early into the route so smaller waves helps runners spread out. Waves are selected by runners when you register.
As a contingency, if we need to reduce the wave size, please enter the same predicted time to the same second as another runner. Please make it obscure, as lots of people will put a predicted time of 1 hr (1:00:00) for a 10km, but if you put 1:00:19 it will be easier for us to pick out people who want to run together should we need to split the waves into smaller waves.
Please see the Race Day page for a provisional schedule, noting we aim to condense the start times as restrictions permit.
Cancellation Policy
Whilst it feels like life is returning to normal, and we sincerely hope it is, there is the potential for further disruption which could come into play at any time. In this event we will still owe payment to our suppliers; medical cover, portaloos etc which we will honour. This means we will have to pay for these facilities twice, in full again on the rearranged date which will put a big hole in the funds. This does mean we won't be in a position to offer a refund.
In the event of a cancellation (local or national restrictions, bad weather etc) everyone will automatically roll over to our contingency date/race OR you can have a free transfer to a friend (within 7 days of the event postponement notice) OR you can email us within 7 days of the event postponement notice to let us know you can't make the back up date and you will be able to choose any other event in the following 15 months.
The contingency date for this race is the 10th/11th June 2023. If you don't want to run this event you can opt out as indicated above and have your choice of event in the following 15 months.
Prizes
All our finishers receive a top of the range custom medal as well as a buffet of fresh fruit and other tasty treats. We also recognise a few of the speedy runners on the following basis.
Prize Categories
Top 3 male and top 3 female
First U20 male and female
First 20-39 male and female
First 40-49 male and female
First 50-59 male and female
First 60-69 male and female
First 70+ male and female
The final number of prizes awarded is determined by the number of finishers for each gender in a given race distance. If there are more than 100 finishers then the full range range of awards are made as shown above. If there are less than 50-100 finishers then the top 3 finishers overall will be awarded a prize. If there are less than 50 then only the winner will be awarded a prize. We do not have any winner's prizes for any of the children's events as would like to keep this participation focused.
There is no on the day prize giving because of the multi wave, multi start time format of the events. Prize winners will be contacted mid week via email.
