The Beacon Bash
FULL AND CLOSED - NO MORE ENTRIES
The Beacon Bash takes place Sunday December 10th 2023 and starts from:
Appley Bridge Scout Hut
Appley Lane North
WN6 9AD
All proceeds from the event are split between Appley Bridge Scouts and Skelmersdale Food Bank.
There's car parking roadside all the way up Appley Lane North, please don't block anyone's driveway and don't double park and cause traffic congestion. There's also parking at Appley Bridge railway station which is quiet on Sundays and only 200m from the start. PLEASE CAR SHARE WHERE POSSIBLE.
Registration opens 7:45am and the first start is 8am. You will be allocated a registration window and a start window, based on your anticipated run speed. Please ensure you register and start within the specified time window to reduce congestion at the Scout Hut.
YOU WON'T BE ALLOWED TO REGISTER at any other time than your allocated window and you can start 'any time' within your allocated start window. It's not possible to change wave before the event, now start times have been allocated.
MORNING REFRESHMENTS are available at the scout hut, bring some cash and make a small donation to the scouts for teas coffee etc.
The route is just over 20 miles in length with 2345 feet of elevation. The bulk of the route is on footpaths, there are some sections on road and also some main roads crossings, which you need to be aware of.
The route will be marked with black/yellow tape for reference but you do need to navigate by either using your GPS (route is below on Strava) or using the road book, which you can also download below. There are no marshals on the route, but there is a water stop at 12 miles at the top of Parbold Hill where you can access water.
The cut off time at the finish is 3:30pm and there is an intermediary cut off time of 12:30pm to pass through the Parbold Hill refreshment stop at 12 miles. If you are later than 12:30pm at this point, there will be a shorter route back to the finish.
The Strava route is HERE
*To download the GPX file, log into Strava (it's free to register if you're not a member)
Download the roadbook HERE
*You'll get a copy of this with emergency contact number on the day
Wave start times
When you enter the event, you will be asked which wave you would like to start in. The waves are as follows:
Wave 1 = Estimated completion time 6-7 Hours
Wave 2 = Estimated completion time 5-6 Hours
Wave 3 = Estimated completion time 4-5 Hours
Wave 4 = Estimated completion time 3-4 Hours
Waves 1 & 2 - Register between 7:45am-8:15am and start between 8:00am-8:30am.
Wave 3 - Register between 8:30am-9:00am and start between 8:45am-9:15am.
Wave 4 - Register between 9:15am-9:45am and start between 9:30am-10:00am
IMPORTANT - If you anticipate running 3-4 hours, don't pick wave 1 just so you can have an early start. We'll remove your chip and you won't be allowed to run.
You can see entry list and start waves by GOING HERE
At registration, you will receive your event number and a timing chip. It's compulsory to wear the timing chip and your event number should be visible at all times. We strongly recommend you download the route and add to your GPS device. You can also print the road book which is linked above, to help you navigate the course.
When you arrive at the finish, there's free hot food and drinks for all competitors. You'll need your wrist band to get refreshments. We'll also have hot drinks and snacks available in the morning prior to running, you can purchase these for a small donation to the scouts.
Compulsory kit:
1. Waterproof jacket
2. Spare base layer
3. Mobile phone (charged and switched on)
4. Food & water for the full 20 miles (water stop available at 12 miles)
5. Means of navigation - Road book / GPS etc
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER FOR THE DAY - ADD TO YOUR PHONE: 07494 029628
In the event of an emergency / finding a runner in difficulty, use the number above to contact event HQ and we will send first aid provision. Use the route card to locate / explain where you are on the course. If you think the incident is life threatening, then phone 999 to report the incident then contact event HQ using the number above. If you need to provide an accurate location / reference, please use 'what3words' website https://what3words.com/
SAFETY ON THE COURSE
In terms of safety on the course, use the route GPX file and roadbook above to successfully navigate the route. The course will be marked with small bits of tape, but you need to concentrate throughout to avoid missing them.
The only area of significant risk on the course is the road crossings. You will be required to run on small sections of road and make several crossings. There will not be any marshals in place at these points. You MUST stop and look before crossing any roads, DO NOT cross just because the people in front of you are doing so, look for yourself! DO NOT wear headphones on the route, in particular when crossing roads, as this significantly impacts your ability to hear approaching traffic. THIS EVENT IS NOT A RACE, it's a charity challenge.
*The course will be very muddy in places, trail shoes with aggressive tread required.
*We're not going to be strict with the kit requirements, but it's the middle of winter and it may be very cold and wet. Use common sense, bring waterproofs and anything else you think you'll need. Don't turn up in shorts and a vest.