Essential Race Day Information
Event Guide
Everything you need to know before, during, and after race day. Please read this carefully — it covers the logistics, kit, and safety protocols that keep 300 runners safe across 50 miles of South Yorkshire countryside.
Location & Logistics
Event HQ: Manvers Waterfront Boat Club, S63 7DG
- Registration is held inside the Boat Club.
- On-site car parking is available.
- Overnight camping (tents) and campervan/motorhome parking is available in the main car park on Friday night only — not Saturday night.
Cutoffs & Limits
- Maximum Time: 20 hours from your start time.
- Course Closure: 23:59 (Midnight).
- Firm Cutoffs: Checkpoint cutoffs are strictly enforced for volunteer safety. See the Route page for details.
Start Bands
Solo entrants start in bands based on expected finish times. Do not start earlier than your band — checkpoints will not be open, and you will be asked to wait. Runners starting too early are most likely to arrive at Treeton (CP2) before it opens.
Checkpoints & stage information
There are eight manned checkpoints around the course providing water and basic refreshments. The checkpoint at the end of each stage is also the relay changeover point.
Drop Bags: Drop Bags can be checked at registration at the start of the race, accessed at Woodsetts (CP4), and then returned to the finish.
Early starters note: Competitors starting at 4:00 AM are most likely to arrive at Grange (End of Stage 1) or, more commonly, Treeton (End of Stage 2) before those checkpoints open. Please plan accordingly.
| Stage | From → To (Google Maps Links) | km | Cum. miles | GPS Climb (m) | CP open | CP closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start → Grange | 15.6 | 9.7 | 308 | 06:30 | 10:30 |
| 2 | Grange → Treeton | 10.1 | 16.0 | 170 | 08:30 | 12:00 |
| 3 | Treeton → Harthill | 11.9 | 23.4 | 196 | 09:30 | 14:00 |
| 4 | Harthill → Woodsetts(Bag Drop) | 9.2 | 29.1 | 123 | 10:15 | 16:00 |
| 5 | Woodsetts → Firbeck | 9.0 | 34.7 | 86 | 11:00 | 18:00 |
| 6 | Firbeck → Maltby | 6.3 | 38.6 | 108 | 11:45 | 19:30 |
| 7 | Maltby → Hooton Roberts | 9.1 | 44.2 | 130 | 12:15 | 21:45 |
| 8 | Hooton Roberts → Finish | 9.5 | 50.1 | 108 | 13:00 | 23:59 |
| Total | 80.7 | 50.1 | 1,229 | |||
Headlamp & night running
A headlamp is recommended for the Round Rotherham — and not only because of early starts.
- Dawn: On 3 October 2026, sunrise is around 7:00 AM. Anyone starting at 4:00 AM will need a headlamp for the first three hours on course.
- Dusk: Sunset is around 18:30 PM. Any competitor still on course after 18:30 PM will need a headlamp.
- Carry spare batteries or a backup lamp if you expect to be out after dark.
Kit & Gear
Solo Runners
- Mobile phone (Required) — fully charged, with the event emergency number saved. Non-negotiable. If you are injured or retire, we must be able to contact you. (Note: if you are using your phone for navigation, carry a backup power bank.)
- The following items are recommended:
- Waterproof jacket (taped seams)
- 750 ml hydration capacity
- Reusable cup
- Trail running shoes
- Hat & gloves
- Head torch + spare batteries (required if out after dusk or before dawn — see Enter page for times)
Relay Teams
- The following items are recommended:
- Waterproof jacket (taped seams)
- 750 ml hydration capacity
- Reusable cup
- Trail running shoes
- Hat & gloves
- Phone is strongly recommended but not mandatory for relay runners.
Recommended for All
- Emergency foil bivy bag
- GPS device or phone loaded with the official route and the What3Words app
- Official paper strip map or written descrip
- Basic first aid (blister kit)
- Running poles
- Cash for emergencies
Contact
Questions about the event? Email the event secretary directly:
For entry queries, please contact Fabian4 directly via your entry confirmation email.