23^rd March 2019

The race opens for entries on 1^st August 2018. There will be 600 places available for the race.

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At nearly 580sq miles, this dark sky zone, known as Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe.It is the first of its kind in England and one of the largest in the world, joining the likes of Death Valley and Big Bend Dark Sky Parks in the USA. The Dark Skies Run gives runners the fantastic opportunity to both run and experience this unique and incredible space. The race follows the stunning Lakeside trail on as it snakes around Kielder reservoir. The trail is well marked and requires no navigational skills, is great under foot and is ideal for night time running as head torches reflect off the chalk surface. Despite the darkness of the skies, on a clear night it is even possible to run sections without a torch as the moon reflects off the reservoir. This environment ensures that this is not just a race but an experience and one that at times can feel almost spiritual as you the runner become one with both the trail and the night sky.

Start/Finish
Race registration will be at Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre. Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre Kielder Water, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 1QZ Map for Hawkhirst

The route follows the Lakeside Way path around the lake, which is fully signed and does not deviate from the official route. Yellow race signs and tape will also be placed in areas of the course where confusion might occur. For example, where several path merge together.

A full course route and supporting gpx files can be found below.

All entrants get their race t-shirt, if they enter at least two weeks before the race. All finishers get a race medal.

The are also prizes for the categories shown below.

Senior	40-49	50-59	60 plus
Top 3 Males and Females	Top Male and Female	Top Male and Female	Top Male and Female

There will be 6 check points. Check points will have as a minimum: water, and sweets. There will be snacks and hot drinks available at the finish.

A full list of checkpoints can be found here.

No support crew or pacers are allowed for this race.

All of the check points have basic first aid facilities. If you suffer an injury or accident that warrants direct medical attention and you are not able to get to an aid station, then please try to phone one of the race directors(07734309500 or 07984307900). If you have no phone contact, ask any runners that pass you to relay the message.

We do provide first aid personnel, with a mobile ambulance on the route and staff at the start/finish.

If you are injured but able to walk, please make your way to the nearest check point. If you suffer a severe injury, encounter someone in serious difficulty or are in any doubt at all please call 999. If you are on/beside a driveable tarmac road then please ask for the Ambulance service. If you are not by a drivable road then please request the Police and request Mountain Rescue.

Nearest local hospital

Hexham General Hospital, Corbridge Road, Hexham NE46 1QJ. 0344 811 8111

1. Proof of ID (Kit check only)
2. Whistle
3. Head torch(with spare batteries)
4. Survival bag/Foil Blanket
5. Hat and gloves
6. Waterproof jacket
7. Minimum of 500ml water
8. Personal cup
9. Emergency food/sport bar
10. Mobile phone number of the race directors +447734309500 (Tim) +447984307900 (Garry)
11. Fully charged phone

This year we are using a car sharing website developed by a runner that aims to save you money, and reduce the carbon footprint of the event:

http://RaceLifts.org car sharing

We would be most grateful if EVERYONE coming to the Dark Skies Run race could try out the site (even if you don't expect to car share). It only takes a minute and is completely free to use. As well as saving you petrol money, it will ease the parking headaches for us at the race.