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Game Over at Gravesend Cyclopark.

For folk of a “certain age” will remember misspent childhood's playing video games that lasted a few minutes and invariably ended with the message “Game Over” which became something of an expression in other situations, either when an event was over or when “something” happened that meant that the game was indeed over… Then more years ago than I care to admit there actually was a computer game called “Game Over” which always struck me as a brilliant name for a game. I've always been a rather contrarian figure, the game wasn't a great success!.

Anyway… fast forward… running events during Covid times changed and we at times no longer had mass starts. So the SVN Challenge Events changed in character a little. Many of you will know Lee Rogers, well, most of you will know the back of Lee Rogers as he whizzes past. Right before lockdown we were talking about having a badge for some folk who would end their runs with the expression, “Lee didn't lap me”, saying exactly that and then we thought we'd have a badge for Lee saying. “I'm Lee…”

By accident or design we've noticed that Lee was often the last starter with the new format events with the flexible start times and I found myself saying something along the lines of, “ah, Lee's here, game over.” And then doubt Lee even noticed that I'd start him off with a “off you go, game over” as he was already 30 yards away and 99/100 when Lee isn't injured he's the quickest marathon guy.

So we put 2+2 together and what we ended up with is the “Game Over Challenge Run” where Lee will (all being well of course) deliberately start last and try to chase down everyone else in the field. It's only a bit of fun of course and really just a little bit of recognition for one of our most regular runners who not only is a top runner but also a top chap, super supportive of everyone and all around nice person.

Whilst we can't quite have the Ninja Turtle that is on the shirt Lee often wears we are having a brilliant big Ninja medal for everyone, in suitable turtle colours, to commemorate everyone's run!

The event will be a six hour timed challenge event based out of the Cyclopark Complex at Gravesend (although the routes won't actually be in the Cyclopark area we're just using their facilities and parking) and the route will be a mixture of trail, bike paths and tarmac and not flat either, but not too hilly either before you panic!

Complete as many loops as you wish within the time limit, consume as many goodies as you wish within the time limit. Run a marathon, run an ultra, run less, as long as you complete one loop you're a finisher! We do warn you though,as with many of our events, you may consume more calories than you burn off, but just in case you don't the goody bags will contain a decent amount of chocolate!

It's our aim that this event makes an impactful difference to the Cyclopark charity in a positive fashion and as such £5 from each entry fee will be donated directly to the Cyclopark Trust to aid them in maintaining this environment and facility.

Please explore the race and consider joining us!

Course Information

Please visit the Cyclopark page...

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get?
You each event will receive
1) A really special finishers medal, custom made and designed, not a generic one.
2) A goody bag at the finish, which has goodies in, not a bunch of adverts. There will be nothing healthy in our goody bags, things they contain for example, chocolate, crisps..

Where do I park? How do I get there?
Please refer to our Cyclopark information page.

When do I get my race number?
You'll pick this up on race day morning from the race base camp.

Are there time limits?
Yes, six hours to run as many laps as you can. You can finish at any time within the time limit and your final distance will be recorded along with your finishing time. Only complete laps within the 6 hours will be recorded or you must have left the aid station for your last lap by 5:59:59 after the start. Any runner completing 26.2 miles will have completed marathon distance and will count as a marathon finish for the purposes of the 100 Marathon Club, if you complete over 27 miles then you've completed an ultra.

As long as you finish one lap then you'll receive an official finish time, medal and goody bag. With timed events there are no DNFs as long as you complete one loop.

Do you have secure baggage facilities
No. But you're free to leave bags at the start/finish. There will always be someone around but we can't guarantee their security, in the event of rain we can't guarantee things won't get wet.

Trail shoes? Road Shoes?
Road shoes should be fine in any weather conditions.

Is the course closed to the public?
No. We are using a network of local footpaths and trails and is shared with ramblers, dogwalkers, horseriders and cyclists. Runners do not have the right of way and need to be considerate of other users of the land. Please don't litter, we'll have a bin at the base camp and there are bins at various places along the routes.

Can I leave personal drinks at the drinks station?
Yes, you may want to label it and we will not be responsible for folks drinking the wrong drinks!

Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course?
Yes. Though please be aware that you are running on public footpaths with the general public so make sure that you pay attention to farm vehicles, cyclists, people, dogs, horseriders, wildlife and so on. On a couple of the routes there are road crossings to be aware of too although there is no actual running along roads involved.

The entry fee is a little more than normal – why is that?
We are holding this event by kind permission of the Cyclopark Trust. We are paying a fee/donation for use of the facilities over the four days. Cyclopark is a charity and parking fees and profits from the cafe etc all go towards the upkeep of this lovely venue so please support them by paying the parking each day (It's only £1) and buying a cake or coffee in the cafe.

Location Information

Can be read here on our Cyclopark page.

General SVN FAQ

Can be read here

 

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