Dark Skies Night Running Series
For winter 2023/24 we will be returning with the ‘Dark Skies’ night trail running series with 4 events spanning from Brean Down in Somerset to Baggy Point in North Devon.
Each event will have 5km and 10km route options. Registration will open at 18:15, 10km starts at 19:25 and the 5km starts at 19:35 for all 4 events.
Enter the whole 4 event series, the 2 event Somerset mini series, the 2 event North Devon mini series or individual events. The choice will be yours. All entrants will receive a bespoke wooden finisher’s medal, can you collect all 4?
2023/24 series dates and locations:
Moonlit Meadow Run – Longrun Meadow, Taunton – 25th November 2023
Storm the Fort – Brean Down, Brean – 20th January 2024
Arlington Asteroids – Arlington Court, North Devon – 17th February 2024
Assault on Baggy Point – Baggy Point, Croyde – 16th March 2024
Please note: Online entries to each event close 8 days prior to event day. Depending on entry numbers, we may offer late entry options online between 8 and 2 days to go or on the day entries.
We are committed to removing waste from the events industry and only order medals from our local supplier for those who have opted to purchase a medal when entering the event. Medal purchases will go off sale 2 weeks before the event date.
All of our medals are dated with the year, we firmly believe that a medal should be a momento of the event you’ve completed and you’ll never find us giving out the same medals year on year.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support for our social enterprise aims.
Can you run them all?
Click on the individual event logos below to go to the specific pages for each event to find out more.
Everything you need to know
DATES
2023/2024
Moonlit Meadow Run – Taunton – 25th November 2023
Storm the Fort – Brean Down, Brean – 20th January 2024
Arlington Asteroids – Arlington Court, North Devon – 17th February 2024
Assault on Baggy Point – Croyde, North Devon – 16th March 2024
LOCATIONS
Moonlit Meadow Run – COACH centre in French Weir Park, Taunton, TA1 1XQ
Storm the Fort, Brean Down, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 2RS
Arlington Asteroids – Arlington Court, Arlington, Barnstaple, EX31 4LP
Assault on Baggy Point – Baggy Point, Moor Lane, Croyde, North Devon, EX33 1PA
TIMINGS
Registration – 18.15 – 19.15
10km Run Brief – 19:20
10km Run Starts – 19.25
5km Run Brief: – 19:30
5km Run Starts – 19:35
DISTANCE
Choice of 5km or 10km routes.
PRICE
Individual Events – £19.00 per person
Somerset Mini Series – £36.00 per person
Devon Mini Series – £36.00 per person
Whole Dark Skies Series – £68.00 per person
Medals – £5.00 per medal
+ a small booking fee
COURSE
Full course details will be available via our downloads page closer to the events.
REGISTRATION
Registration will be open between 18.15 – 19.15. All entrants will need to be signed in by 19.15.
BRIEFING
This will be delivered as part of the final details email that will come out 2 days before the event. There will be a short final reminder safety briefing on the start lines just before the first race starts.
SAFETY
The events take place during the winter month and therefore all entrants must ensure that they have appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. All runners are required to wear a head or chest torch with at least 250 lumens of power – those who do not have a head or chest torch on the night will not be allowed to take part. Check out our friends at Taunton Leisure to order yours. The route will be way marked and we will be using reflective markers to make it easier for them to be seen.
We also strongly advise that trail running shoes are worn at all of the events. Some routes are more technical than others but all include sections of trail where the additional grip of a trail shoe is required.
Runners under 16 must run with a supervising adult who’s sight of them at all times. 16-17 year olds can run solo with parental consent.
DOGS
I’m afraid that at this stage dogs are not allowed to compete. They are very welcome to join the spectators but MUST be kept under close control.
FIRST AID
There will be trained first aiders on site and around on the route throughout the event. Please alert a marshal should you or a fellow runner require assistance or call the emergency mobile number on your race number.
EQUIPMENT
These events are taking place in the winter months and therefore all entrants must ensure that they have appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. All runners are required to wear a head or chest torch with at least 250 lumens of power – those who do not have a head or chest torch on the night will not be allowed to enter. Check out Taunton Leisure to order yours.
We also strongly advise that trail running shoes are worn at all of the events. Some routes are more technical than others but all include sections of trail where the additional grip of a trail shoe is required.
PARKING
Parking details for each event will be sent out in the pre-event information via e-mail.
REFRESHMENTS
At venues where there is a cafe, the cafe will be open during the event and for a period after for you to purchase beverages and food to fuel and refuel.
WATER
Will be available at the Event HQ and at the finish line. Please note that we are now cupless so you need to bring a suitable drinking vessel.
Channel Events branded collapsible running cups will be available to purchase at the event HQs
TOILETS
Toilets will be available at each event. Events with cafe facilities will have use of the onsite facilities. The Selworthy Stargazer will have temporary toilets at the event village.
WEATHER
These events take place during the winter months and unfortunately we cannot control the weather. Please do make sure that you are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and the time of year. We are of course hoping to a lovely clear starry evening.
FINISH
We want to see you celebrate as you cross the finish line. There will be a camera linked to a laser to automatically take your finish photo! Don’t forget to smile and get those arms raised.
Once you’ve finished, don’t forget to check back in with the team to receive your medal.
Dark Skies Series Gallery
FAQs
Can I borrow equipment?
Unfortunately not, you will need to provide your own head torch (250 lumens minimum), running clothing, trail running trainers and other associated equipment.
Do I have to decide on 5k or 10k now?
There are two ticket options available. Please do select the distance you wish to enter when purchasing your individual or series entry. If you do wish to change your distance on the day then simply inform us at registration. To be included in the series standings you need to compete in the same distance for all seven events.