Throughout February 2022 (1st - 28th)
Run for the Trees returns... again!
After a successful debut in 2021 and a successful return of RFTT in 2022, we decided to go for a winning streak and are delighted that Run for the trees is back for a third year in 2023.
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Run for the Trees is a fun, personal challenge event for runners and walkers alike, to keep you active as the novelty of the new year begins to wear off. this challenge can be completed anywhere and leaves a positive footprint on the planet as the more miles we cover, the more trees will be planted.
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What's new and what's back for 2023
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Run-Forest Race Series: The (optional) virtual race series is back for 2023, containing some new suggested routes in beautiful National Forest locations!
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The Run-Forest Grand Slam: Similar to in 2021 and 2022, if you complete all ten of the virtual races in the "Run-Forest Race Series", you'll achieve special the Run-Forest Grand Slammer award.
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Guided Events: These were a hit in 2022 and so we'll once again be hosting a number of guided events throughout February, from evening head-torch runs to weekend long runs. These will be free of charge for RFTT participants, though pre booking will be required. ​
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Dogwood Challenge: Due to popular demand and as dogs have always taken part in RFTT, we thought that if you'd like to run and walk with your four-legged buddy, you should be able to enter a dog specific challenge... may we introduce you to the Dogwood Challenge! Similar to the Cherry Challenge, you and your woofer will need to complete 50 miles in total during February and you'll recieive a special coaster for your efforts, with a little more bark!
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How it works
There are 4 levels to choose from plus, for the very ambitious, the option of trying to achieve the 'RUN-FOREST GRAND SLAM'.
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Each of the levels has a mileage target for you to aim for during the 28 days of the event, which can be completed by running, walking or a mix of both. Plus, there are ten virtual races forming the Forest Race Series that you can take part in as you accumulate your mileage. These virtual races can be completed from any location and we have mapped out some fantastic suggested routes in the National Forest that you can explore if you wish.
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You also have the option to join guided events. All mileage clocked up when running / walking solo and as part of the group events, count towards your total.
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The Levels
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Dogwood
(Canicross option)
Target:
50-MILES
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You get:
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Downloadable Race Number for you or your dog
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Entry to Virtual Races (optional)
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Entry to guided events (optional)
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Wooden Award, with a little more bark! (crafted locally)
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Dedicated Tree and Certificate
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20% Discount at Derby Runner
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Entry Fee:
£30
(+£1.50 booking fee)
Please note that the above images are for mock-up purposes from the 2022 RFTT... 2023's mock-ups are coming soon!
Groups and Families: If you are a couple, family or group of friends and wish to have tree dedicated to you, we can do this. If 4 of you enter the Cherry Challenge or 2 of you enter the Lime Challenge (or 2 x Cherry and 1 x Lime), just let us know after you have entered that you'd like to pool your entries for a dedicated tree.
Forest Race Series
These are the virtual events in the Forest Race Series. You can complete these wherever you like. However, this year, we are providing some suggested routes in the National Forest area which you can use if you wish.
Links to the routes in various formats are provided, from where you can download GPX files. Also, if you are a subscriber to Ordnance Survey Map online, you will be able to print a detailed map at the scale of your choice.
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We have tried to make the distances of the routes as accurate as we reasonably can. However, please be aware that different devices will give slightly different results when measuring distance with GPS functionality, so you may find up to 5% variation. So to record your virtual race distance you may reach your personal finish line shortly before the end of our routes OR may have to continue a short distance beyond the end of our route to reach the required distance.
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Whether you use our suggested routes or design your own, remember you complete them at your own risk as you would on a training run, taking responsibility for the safety of yourself and others you run or share the trails with.
For some routes we are organising a guided option, so you can run the route with our qualified run leaders. Details of these are in the Guided Events section below.
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Virtual Races Rules
Participation in virtual races - aka The Forest Race Series - is optional and included in your entry fee. This year we have mapped out some great suggested routes for you to use, but of course, you can run the races anywhere you choose to.
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To enter a race you must cover the distance of that race in a single outing. You cannot enter more than one race simultaneously, e.g. use a 5-mile split for the Half Bash race while running 10-miles for the Personal Bash.
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You are responsible for timing your run. Races times must be based on 'elapsed' time (the difference between the time of day you start and the time you finish) not 'moving time'. If you stop during your effort (e.g. to take photographs, visit the toilet etc.) this time must be included in your race time, as it would be in a normal race.
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Race times must be submitted via the ResultsBase website as soon as possible after you have taken part, but no later than 24 hours after the end date of the event.
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To be eligible for prizes based on times and race positions, and to gain the 'Forest Slam' award, you must be able to provide evidence (such as links to or screen shots of GPS recordings on Strava or Garmin Connect) for your race efforts.
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There will be results for each event, and prizes for the fastest male and female time. There will also be prizes in other categories not based on time or position (e.g. best photos). Full details of these are currently being finalised.
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Please note that the virtual races are informal events that you can take part in at your own risk. As you would on a training run, you are responsible for taking care for the safety of yourself and others.
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Guided Events
We are excited this year to offer guided events as part of Run for the Trees, meaning that we can explore some fantastic National Forest locations together. All guided events will be optional and if you'd prefer to explore the routes at a time more convenient for you, you can use our suggested routes.
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All guided events will be free for participants of Run for the Trees, although you will be required to pre-book your place and let us know if you can't make it so that we can make the space available for another participant.
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If you have a friend or family member who is not entered into Run for the Trees but would like to join a guided event, they can do so on a "pay as you go" basis.
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The guided event schedule is as follows;
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Run for the Trees Kick-off - 1st February, 7:00pm start
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Run for the Trees Sunday bRUNch - 6th February, 9:30am start
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Run for the Trees bRUNch Special - 10th February, 9:30am start
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Run for the Trees Wayfarer Special - 12th February, 9:00am start
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Run for the Trees bRUNch Club Plus - 17th February, 9:30am start
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Run for the Trees PR pr in the Dark - 24th February, 7:00pm start
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Run for the Trees Curtain Closer Trail Night - 28th February, 7:00pm start
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For further information on any of the above events or to book, click here.
Participant Benefits
If you achieve your target distance - which we hope you will! - over the 28 days you'll receive a specially made coaster crafted locally from sustainable wood. Plus you can compete for other prizes in various categories, including - but not limited to - the best performances in the virtual race series.
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Part of your entry fee will go towards planting new trees in the National Forest, providing a legacy of more green space for our community to enjoy and a positive environmental impact. The more miles that are covered during the event, the bigger the area of new forest we create.
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As well as the above, all participants will receive a 20% discount voucher
from the Derby Runner.
The National Forest
25 years ago, large swathes of the Midlands landscape had been left scarred by centuries of coal mining and other heavy industry. But a passionate group of people had a vision: a forest. - the first forest to be created at scale in England for over 1000 years!
The National Forest Company was formed and is a charity that works with public, private, voluntary and community organisations to create the National Forest. One of the boldest environmental regeneration projects in the world, they are truly transforming a scarred landscape from black to green. But the story doesn’t stop here. They believe that trees are the catalyst for transformation, not only of the landscape but of the economy and for our communities too.
By continuing to grow the Forest, making it accessible to all and creating a woodland culture of passionate people who can engage with it, there will be a lasting benefit for generations to come.
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For more information visit their website here.
