A full weekend of trail races and other running activities
Come and join the us for a weekend of spectacular trail running in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park. Staying on the edge of the famous Chatsworth Estate, you’ll be able to test yourself in our stunning new race series and enjoy a host of other trail running related activities in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Includes:
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A series of three races taking in some of the best countryside in England (3.1+10+13.1=26.2miles)
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A range of other activities throughout the weekend
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Fully catered accommodation at the wonderful Dukes Barn in the historic village of Beeley
The Race Series
Our race series covers a full marathon distance split into three stages of progressively longer distances over the weekend. This creates an exciting challenge because each race will suit different runners, and having the right race strategy over the three stages will be really important. Also, as the distance is broken up over the weekend, you don’t need to be fit for the full marathon distance to complete the series.
You will experience a wide range of terrain over the course of the weekend, including open moorland, forest trails, country estates and impressive vistas of the Peak District. And you’ll glimpse some of Chatsworth’s hidden gems as you run along tracks within the estate that we have special permission to use.
All three races will start and finish at our base in the village of Beeley, or within a short walk.
Race #1: To Hell and Back
Distance: 3.1 miles / 5 km. Elevation gain: 580ft / 175m.
A short sharp start to the weekend, taking you up through Hell Bank Plantation to the edge of Beeley Moor, before descending back to base.
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Race #2: Mind Your Manners Deer
Distance: 10 miles / 16 km. Elevation gain: 1100ft / 340m.
A delightful route which starts by winding its way past the herds of Deer that roam the meadows of the Chatsworth estate. You’ll climb gradually onto high pastures before descending through Manners Wood to the edge of Bakewell. The return journey will then take you past Haddon Hall and back through the Derwent valley.
Race #3: Tour de Chatsworth and Moor
Distance: 13.1 miles / 21.1 km. Elevation gain: 1500ft / 460m
The final leg takes up you deep into the heart of the Chatsworth estate’s woodlands. After passing a number of hidden gems, you’ll emerge to dramatic views of the Peak District’s high points as you traverse the northern reaches of the estate. During the second half you’ll have fun negotiating some rocky stretches before climbing onto high moorland and starting the long descent to the final finish line of the weekend.
Other Activities
As well as building in some time to relax, socialise and explore the local area, we are planning a number of trail running related activities that will be fun, educational and inspiring.
These include:
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Exercises led by UK Athletics Licensed Coaches
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An interactive off-road running workshop covering various topics such as energy systems, training strategies, nutrition, flexibility, navigation and kit choice
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Special guest speakers
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Film shows
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Use of large games room and outdoor activity area
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Plus, coaching staff and experienced trail/fell runners will be on-site throughout the weekend to provide advice and guidance on training and other aspects of trail running.
Accommodation
Our base for our weekend is Dukes Barn, situated in the historic village of Beeley on the edge of the Chatsworth estate.
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Dukes is an exceptionally well equipped outdoor centre. In addition to comfortable sleeping accommodation (small dormitories), there is a large games room, cinema and outdoor activity areas. The location on the edge of the village means there are great views of the surrounding hills.
Accommodation on Friday and Saturday nights is included, as is catering throughout the weekend:.
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All meals which are prepared freshly on site from high quality locally sourced produce
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Unlimited water, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
We also have a non-residential option for anyone based locally or preferring to arrange their own accommodation.
Full Programme
Note:We reserve the right to make changes to the programme or timings at short notice, due to extreme weather, or other factors outside of our control.
Prices
Runner’s fully inclusive weekend package
Includes:
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Three races
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Post race refreshments
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Event memento
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Accommodation for 2 nights
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Meals: 2xBreakfast, 2xBuffet Lunch, 2xDinner
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Unlimited water, tea, coffee and soft-drinks
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Additional activities (in bold in above programme)
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Use of Dukes Barn facilities throughout the weekend (15:00 Friday to 16:30 Sunday)
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Access to licensed coaching staff for advice and guidance throughout the weekend
£225
Couple’s fully inclusive weekend package (for runners with non-running partner)
Includes:
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Three races (for 1 person)
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Post race refreshments (for 1 person)
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Event memento
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Accommodation for 2 nights for 2 people
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Meals: 4xBreakfast, 4xBuffet Lunch, 4xDinner
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Unlimited water, tea, coffee and soft-drinks
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Additional activities (in bold in above programme)
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Use of Dukes Barn facilities throughout the weekend (15:00 Friday to 16:30 Sunday)
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Access to licensed coaching staff for advice and guidance throughout the weekend
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Guidance on walks / other activities for non-running partner
£415
Non-residential weekend package
Includes:
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Three races
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Post race refreshments
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Event memento
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Meals: 2xBuffet Lunch (Saturday & Sunday), 1xDinner (Saturday)
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Unlimited water, tea, coffee and soft-drinks while on site
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Additional activities (in bold in above programme)
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Use of Dukes Barn facilities while on site
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Access to licensed coaching staff for advice and guidance throughout the weekend
£140
How to Book
To secure your place(s) on this great weekend, select the package you require below and provide us with your details. We will then contact you confirm your place and arrange payment.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss any aspects of the weekend with us before booking, please do not hesitate to contact us, either via email, telephone or using the contact form here.
Note: By clicking book you are indicating that you agree to our terms and conditions.
Location
Our venue, Dukes Barn, is located on the eastern side of the Peak District, approximately 25 miles north of Derby and 15 miles south west of Sheffield.
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For those travelling by road it is approximately 30 minutes from the M1 to the east or 60 minutes from M6 to the west.
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The address is School Lane, Beeley, Matlock.
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Post code for sat nav: DE4 2NU
The nearest railway stations at Matlock (7 miles) and Chesterfield (10 miles) and local bus services serve Beeley village hourly.
We are happy to provide more detailed advice for your travel arrangements and help arrange taxis from local railway stations.
For adventurous souls planning to come by bicycle, there is space at the venue to secure their machines.
Local Area
The area surrounding our venue is world famous for its spectacular landscapes, which are a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and its historic towns, villages and stately homes. There is also abundant wild life in the area. A Dusky Thrush was a recent visitor, but you may have more luck spotting the deer in the park!
Dukes Barn itself is part of the Chatsworth Estate, and within walking distance of the grounds of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The house and gardens are open to the public and are one of the UK’s premier tourist attractions. www.chatsworth.org
The historic market town of Bakewell, famous for the Bakewell Pudding (www.bakewellpuddingshop.co.uk), is just 4 miles away in the next valley. And a little further down the road is the county town of Matlock its neighbour Matlock Bath, a 19th century spa town nestling below the Heights of Abraham.
A little closer, just 200 metres down the village, is the Devonshire Arms. Originally an 18th Century Coaching Inn, this is now a popular pub serving locally brewed real ale and quality food. The Old Smithy tea rooms are also in the village, which along with the Devonshire Arms, is a good option for a meal for those arriving early on the Friday or staying in the area longer.
Devonshire Arms
The Old Smithy
Chatsworth House & Gardens
The Original Bakewell Pudding Shope
Matlock Bath
Heights of Abraham
Frequently asked questions
Who is the weekend suitable for?
Any adult who enjoys running and/or fantastic scenery and has a sense of adventure. Whether you’re competitive at the front of the field, a mid-packer or bringing up the rear, we’re sure you’d enjoy it. And, as there’s so much to do and see close by, non-running partners would also have an exciting weekend.
How fit do I need to be to complete the race series?
You need a reasonably good level of fitness and be capable of completing at least a half marathon distance, if you are to complete the whole race series. Running pace is not important.
Do I need off-road running experience?
Previous experience not necessary. But you do need to know what to expect. There will be hills, there will be some tricky underfoot conditions and most likely some mud.
Will I have to navigate?
No, the courses will be marked. However, it’s not practical to mark every inch of a trail race so it is possible to miss markings if not concentrating. If you’re nervous about this there is the opportunity to run with one of our team, who will guide a group around the route. We will also have maps available and gpx files of the routes than can be downloaded.
What are the underfoot conditions like?
If you can think of it, you’ll probably experience it. There’s really a bit of everything from short sections of wide smooth tarmac to narrow rocky paths.
Do I have to take part in the races?
No. You can take part in as few or as many of the three races as you like. Also, if you want to do a shorter run on the Saturday or Sunday we can advise on routes to do your own thing or take a short cut back (although you won’t count on the official results for the races you don’t complete).
Can I just do the races rather than sign up for the whole weekend?
Yes, we will allow people to just sign up for the race series or individual races. Entries for that option will be opened closer to the event but will limited.
What will the weather be like?
It’s unlikely to snow. Anything else is quite likely. But we’re hoping for clear blue skies and warm – but not too warm – sunshine.
Can I bring children and/or pets?
No sorry. We can only cater for 18+ and can’t allow pets.
If we come as a group, will we be allocated beds in the same room?
We will make it a priority to try and do this, but it will depend on the size of the group and how many places are left at the time of booking.
Will alcohol be provided?
We don’t have a license to serve alcohol unfortunately, but you are welcome to bring your own and/or visit the Devonshire Arms which is just 200 metres away.
What kit will I need?
Normal running gear and off-road trail or fell shoes are recommended. You must also bring a waterproof and hat, and be prepared to carry them in the races if the weather forecast is poor.
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If you need any specific kit, we will have a representative from The Derby Runner at the event. Equipment can be pre-ordered with an attendee discount, and either collected or brought to the event.
A voucher will be provided entitling you to £10 OFF when spending £50 or more at The Derby Runner.
Terms and conditions
Booking
Your booking is secured with a £75 deposit per person, with the remaining balance is to be paid no later than 8 weeks prior to the event. Payments can be made by bank transfer (preferred) or cheque.
Accommodation
Accommodation is within small dormitories, which vary in size from 2 to 8 beds. If you are coming as a group or couple we will do our best to keep you together, but this cannot be guaranteed. As far as possible we will segregate sexes for those that prefer a single sex dormitory, but there may be a requirement for a mixed area. If you have any specific requests, please discuss when booking, as once places are allocated it will be difficult to move you around. Our ability to honour requests will depend on the make up of attendees.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel your booking, please contact us as soon as possible. However, the following conditions apply.
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If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the start of the event, we will retain 100% of the full amount paid by you.
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If you cancel less than 8 weeks before the event, we will retain 50% of the full amount paid by you.
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If you cancel more than 8 weeks before the event, we will just retain the deposit.
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If you fail to pay the balance by the due time we will, unless agreed otherwise, assume you have cancelled and retain your deposit.
You may transfer your booking to another person without incurring additional charge. However, it is your responsibility to identify a substitute, unless we have someone on a waiting list that is willing to take your place.
Peak Running reserves the right to make adjustments to the programme of events, including the cancellation of one or more activities, at short notice and without prior notice (e.g. in the event of extreme weather or external events outside of our control). If this is necessary, Peak Running will take all reasonable steps to provide alternative replacement activities but is not obliged to provide participants with any refund.
In the event that it is necessary to cancel the entire event, prior to its commencement for reasons that were under Peak Running’s control, participants will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to transfer to a future event. However, no liability is accepted for any associated costs (e.g. travel bookings) incurred by participants.
Suitability
All participants:
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Must be 18 years old or above;
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Take responsibility for ensuring their own fitness to participate in the event and associated activities;
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Declare all relevant medical details;
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Inform the event management team immediately in the event of injury or illness affecting their ability to take part; and
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Abide by the event rules during the race series, which are in accordance with UK Athletics rules.
Behaviour
Peak Running reserves the right to, at any time, remove participants from the event or prevent participants participating in activities if, at the event manager’s sole discretion, they consider such action necessary for safety reasons or the proper enjoyment of the event by other participants, or for any other reasonable reason. No refund shall be made if the participant has acted negligently, maliciously, with wilful misconduct or otherwise without due care and attention for the event or other participants, so as to cause his/her removal.
Liability
Peak Running accepts no liability for any damage, injury or loss suffered by participants, or to any other persons, or to any property in connection with the event or otherwise.
While Peak Running will take all reasonable care with the staging of any event, participants acknowledge that personal accident and personal items insurance are his or her sole responsibility.
Photography
Unless specifically requested otherwise, the participant consents to being photographed and filmed throughout the event and that these films and photographs may be used in any media for the purpose of advertising, publicity and otherwise in relation to the promotion of the event and/or future events promoted by Peak Running.