Bat Challenge

Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the Bat Challenge, organized by Big Bear Events! This unique event will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, in the picturesque town of Loughborough. Participants can look forward to a challenging yet rewarding day and night of trail running, offering stunning views that stretch for miles. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to step out of your comfort zone, the Bat Challenge provides a fantastic opportunity to try night trail running. Start your adventure in the warmth of the late spring sun and, if you choose, continue into the enchanting dusk and darkness. The flexible format allows you to run a lap or two in daylight, take a break, and then head out for a thrilling night lap. With support available every 5k, you'll have the confidence to explore the trails, even as the sun sets. Just remember, anyone starting after 7 PM will need to carry a head torch for safety. Join us for an unforgettable day that promises both challenge and camaraderie!

A tough, but ever so rewarding, day/night out with views for miles! Start in daylight and if you keep going long enough you'll be in complete darkness! You’ll start in the late spring sun and if you decide to keep going you can get a dusk lap and many in complete darkness. Of course you could always run a lap or 2 in daylight, take a long break, get a “golden hour” lap in and then head out for a another in the dark. You don’t need to keep running or moving for the whole event, much like our day time ones. You do you! It’s a great format for anyone who wants to try night trail running, you’ll have run the route for up to 3 hours in daylight, so you’ll know it a bit and we’re on hand to look after you every 5k. It worked brilliantly in 2023. Anyone starting a lap after 7pm will need to carry a head torch. Even if you’re a 20 minute 5k runner - you won’t be with a broken leg and light fades very quickly in the woods. It’s for worst case scenario stuff, not to increase your performance Although the temperatures are likely to be lower on a May evening our canicross season finishes in March so there will be no canicross entry for this event.