WHAT IS EQUINOX24?
Equinox24 is a 24 hour run event around a mixed terrain 10k loop against the clock. There is also a daytime 10k race and a night 10k race. The event is open to all abilities: whether entering to run solo or in a team of 2-8, whether you aim to win or just to take part, this race will be exhilarating, testing and rewarding with a great atmosphere. The 10k route will take you around the picturesque Belvoir Castle Estate in Leicestershire. The 24hr event starts midday Saturday to midday Sunday.
There is on site camping available from Friday to Monday for competitors and spectators with toilets, hot showers, food and trade stalls. Equinox24 is renowned for its welcoming, supportive and friendly atmosphere and is a great experience for runners and supporters alike.
You’ll find the Equinox24 physically challenging and mentally tough but an amazing experience not to be missed.
A weekend you will talk about for years, especially with those who share the weekend with you.
THE COURSE
The 10km mixed terrain loop is within the grounds of the Belvoir Castle Estate.
The course has varied terrain so you’ll find yourself running past lakes, through wooded areas, up and down hills and round open fields. Whether you’re running through the night with a head torch or whilst the sun rises, there’s always a change of scenery for you to admire. The course has a mix of on and off road sections (although almost always the option to run on grass if you prefer), with some areas of more challenging uneven ground with some up and downhill sections. The final section takes you around the camping field where you will enjoy the support of fellow runners and spectators cheering you on as you run by. This course has excellent capacity and no single file sections to make your running experience the best that it can be for a 24 hour run event.
You are treated to countless breathtaking views on the course, from the castle up on the hill (which looks magnificent through the night when it is lit up), the mist rolling over the lower fields, the sun reflecting off the lakes, the surrounding villages – memories that will stick with you.
DAY AND NIGHT 10K RACES
Experience one lap of the epic Equinox24 10k course with our stand-alone Day and Night 10k events. The Day 10K starts with the main 24 hour event at midday and the Night 10k has its own start at 8pm. For both events the 24 hour event will be in progress at the same time so you get that ‘big race’ atmosphere. Both races are chip timed and finishers receive a custom medal. The night course is unlit and you must have a head torch or torch to be allowed to run.
The age limits are 18 years for the night run and 15 years for the day run. Parking is free for 10k runners and if you wish to camp you can purchase camping passes for runners and spectators via the entry site (with your entry order or separately via the event extras section).
THE RULES
The aim of the race is to complete as many laps as you can (or your team can) in 24 hours.
There are very few constraints on how you run so you can customize the race to suit you. We ask you to complete whole laps and, if racing in a team, to never have more than one team member on the course at any one time. You can run or walk and spend as much time on or off the course as you wish. There is no time limit on laps. This makes our race accessible to all abilities – from solo runners who complete 21 laps to runners who complete 1. You must complete at least one lap to get your medal.
If you are in a team there is no set order of runners or any requirement to run an equal number of laps each and no requirement for a team member to be on course at all times. A wrist band is used as a relay baton and passed between team members as they finish/start their laps in the transition area.
For all runners, if you have crossed the start line before midday on the Sunday, you can complete the lap you are on. #onemorelap
You can enter both the 10k events and the Equinox24 24hr run event as a solo or team runner. You can wear both your 24 race number/chip at the same time as your 10k race number/chip for that one lap only and count the lap for both events – however only ONE team chip/number can be on the course at any one time.
Full race Rules can be found on the event app and will also be in the Race Brochure published in September each year.
SOLO
Click for more information specific to solo runners
TEAMS
Click for more information specific to team runners
DAY & NIGHT 10K
Click for more information specific to the 10k events
SUPPORTERS
Click for more information for supporters
CAMPING
Camping is available for competitors and spectators on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. There are great facilities on site including hot showers, toilets, water points, food and drink stalls, bar, trade stalls, merchandise shop, massage and a central marquee with live music Friday night. Camping is included with race entry for 24hr runners. Anyone not entered in the 24hr event will need to purchase a camping pass if they wish to camp. This can be done via our entry site – find full details on our pricing and entry page. All campers will need to bring their own tents and equipment (unless hiring one of our bell tents). There is an area for caravans/motorhomes (no electric hook ups) and also a solo camping area as well as general camping. If you are looking for a good night’s sleep on Friday or Saturday night, we suggest you camp away from the Race HQ area and away from the course. The orange camping area is the quietest. The camping in all areas is first come, first served in terms of your pitch and you may reserve limited space, within reason, for friends. The atmosphere and location will make this more than just a race and more than just camping. You will go to sleep with the castle illuminated on the hill and wake up to the most glorious sunrise in a simply beautiful location. You cannot fail to be wowed and inspired by your surroundings at Equinox24. Bell tent hire is also available – see below.
BELL TENT HIRE
If you don’t fancy pitching up and taking down your own tent and want to be assured of a great spot on the camping field, we can offer camping in fantastic bell tents which will be set up ready for you to lay out your sleeping bag and start enjoying your weekend.
Each bell tent will be set up with memory foam floor mattresses, rugs, fairy lights, cushions and throws and a small table/crate and lamp. All you will need to bring is your sleeping bag, pillow and any cooking equipment you may need for the weekend. You may also wish to bring camping chairs. If you prefer not to cook there are great food vendors on site throughout the event.
They are available in 3 sizes suitable for up to 4, 6 or 8 people. You will need to book in advance by September 1st depending on availability, and the price is for 3 nights camping (Friday, Saturday and Sunday night): 4 man tent £260, 6 man tent £350, 8 man tent £440.
Please see T&Cs before booking. No dogs/animals or smoking allowed in the bell tents.
