About the course
It's a single-lap run through the lovely woodlands of Limpsfield Common and the High Chart of Surrey and Kent. Most of the land is owned by the National Trust or the Titsey Estate.
Map
Click here for a map of the course and here for a digital map on the Good Run Guide website. Because this is largely an off-road course it cannot be a certified accurate 10 kilometre course, but it's as close to 10km in length as we can make it using GPS measurement.
Profile
The course is almost entirely off-road and follows a combination of public footpaths and bridleways and private paths and tracks. The first two kilometres are flat(ish), followed by some quite stiff drags (through lovely autumnal woodlands!) as you climb onto the beautiful, peaceful, wooded plateau of the High Chart. After the first water stop at kilometre 4.5 there is a short loop through the woods that brings you back to the same water stop at kilometre 6. After that there is no more climbing and you can concentrate on enjoying a fast run back: a nice level run through the woodlands of the High Chart, then you drop down off the Chart for the run home. The finish is on the same bridleway that you ran along at the start.
Running conditions and footwear
The surfaces you run over are very varied. In the woods approaching the High Chart there are a few short sections that can be very muddy, especially if there's been rain. On the High Chart the surfaces tend to be dry, firm and a bit stony. The opening and closing kilometres are over good firm bridleway or firm grass tracks. At points along the course you will need to keep an eye out for tree roots, and there are a few descents where the ground may be rough, muddy or slippery. For footwear, we recommend you use trail shoes or cross-country shoes with good grip. The course is definitely not suitable for spikes. If it's not too wet or muddy and you're prepared to slip around a bit you can get by wearing ordinary running shoes or trainers, but don't wear new shoes unless you're prepared to get them dirty!
Water
There'll be a water table at the 4.5km and 6km points. There will also be water at the finish.