The Birthday Run - 5k,10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon & Ultra-Marathon

Join us for an unforgettable celebration at The Birthday Run, organized by Zig Zag Running, on Sunday, May 16th, 2027, in the picturesque Brandon Country Park, Suffolk. This exciting event marks the 7th anniversary of Zig Zag Running and offers a range of race distances to suit every runner, including 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and even an Ultra-Marathon. With a multi-terrain course set against the stunning backdrop of Thetford Forest, participants can enjoy a friendly and inclusive atmosphere while running laps of 5.3k through beautiful gravel footpaths and grassy areas. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time participant, The Birthday Run is perfect for everyone. Choose between a 6-hour or 4-hour event starting at 9 am or 11 am, respectively, and run as far as you can within the time limit. With aid stations every lap and the flexibility to rest between laps, this event is designed for both competitive runners and those looking to achieve personal milestones. Expect plenty of cake, a bespoke medal for all finishers, and the chance to create lasting memories with fellow runners. Don't miss out on this fantastic day of celebration and camaraderie in Brandon,

BIRTHDAY RUN Zig Zag Running is 7 years old this month so why not come along and celebrate with us. We promise there will be lots of cake.  LOCATION: Brandon Country Park, Bury Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0SU Brandon Country Park is in the very heart of Thetford Forest. It's a 6 hour event (if you choose a 9am start) or a 4 hour event (if you choose a 11am start), run as far as you can during the six hours and a little bit more if you're lucky, as long as you are leaving the Base Camp by 5:59:59 you get to run another lap, we have a 5.3k lap throughout the forest consisting of gravel footpaths and some grass areas - a multi-terrain course.  You can run as much or little as you want to, you can rest between laps if you like and head out for some more.    A heavy half marathon as standard will be 5 laps (but there is the option to change this on the day to 6 or 7).  An ultra marathon as standard will be 9 laps (but there is the option to increase this, according to time available e.g. upto 12 laps) You may be completing your first official 5k,10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or even ultra-Marathon, or it may be your 100th or 1000th.  This race is also ideal for those who want to try and achieve a Marathon distance and for those who also want the option to push a little further, possibly an ultra but without the complications of trail ultras, with next to no navigation, no kit required, an aid station every lap and straightforward logistics.    Parking is chargeable at the park and we will have marshals directing you to park on the day.     On entering you will receive an email which will contain the race briefing information about the event day On the day We will position a marshal in the Car Park to assist you with your parking and direct you then onto the Race Registration. You will then proceed to the Race Registration area to collect your bib numbers.    There will be a space for baggage to be left but these are left at your own risk and should not contain valuables.   You are likely to be passing by your car each lap too, giving you an another option. The Race HQ/Base Camp is located at the start and Lap point we will have our water/aid station.    The terrain consists of country park footpaths and grass areas.  Our suggestion is to wear road trainers, but depending on the weather before the event you may want to bring trails if you have them but not essential. We have designed a Bespoke medal for the event, which you will receive at the end of the race. (Unless you have chosen the Lucky Dip/Finisher Medal Option.  You will receive a medal but it will not be specific to the event)   We will have virtual spaces available for anyone who wants the run for the medal but cannot make the event date. These are only available on our Zig Zag Running website    Getting here    Brandon Country Park is just South of Brandon, five minutes from the A11 at Elveden, less than 30 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, and under an hour from Norwich, Cambridge and Ipswich. Brandon Railway Station is 1.5miles (2.4km) away. Postcode for satnavs: IP27 0SU It is also just under 4 miles from Centre Parcs if you were thinking of making this race part of your break away.      Important note: Parking is additional for this venue *** please note we are a cupless event - please bring your own bottles or cups for refilling **