Run The Grim Reaper 2025

We are delighted to announce that The Grim Reaper is back at the stunning Grimsthorpe Castle Estate in South Lincolnshire on May 24 & 25, 2025. Runners have the option of four solo distances - 10, 40, 70 & 100-miles - plus 40-mile and 100-mile team relay options. There will be two 10-mile races, one in the morning and a night version.

Expect a mix of estate roads, limestone tracks and grass trail. Trail shoes are recommended, especially in damp/wet conditions.

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The new direction for the Grim Reaper

The Grim Reaper was relaunched in 2023 by Steve Cole & Laura Bailey, runners local to the Grimsthorpe Estate who compete in races of distances from 10km up to 100-miles. Their plan was to create an event that catered for runners of all abilities, in a stunning location and with a friendly, supportive vibe. It's fair to say that the 260+ runners in 2023 feel they achieved that goal judging by the 4.8* (out of 5) rating on Letsdothis.com

Located at the beautiful Grimsthorpe Castle

The route is a 10-mile loop that covers beautiful grass trails through ancient woodland, limestone tracks, quiet estate roads and a stretch along a disused Victorian railway line. It also skirts around the picturesque estate lake before reaching the start/finish point in front of the castle itself.

 

We class this as an ‘undulating’ trail course with no major hills to contend with, making it ideal for those new to ultra-running, looking to take the next step to a longer distance or aiming for a PB. The course will be fully marked.

Route / Aid Stations

The 10-mile loop around the stunning Grimsthorpe Castle Estate includes a mix of grass trails through ancient woodland, quiet estate roads, limestone tracks and even a disused Victorian railway line. You also skirt around the beautiful Grimsthorpe lake before reaching the start/finish point in front of the Castle itself.

Medics

There will be fully qualified medics onsite throughout the event.

Aid Stations

If you are running one of the ultra-distances you are expected to be self-sufficient and manage your own supplies. You are encouraged to bring your own tent/shelter which can be left close to the start/finish point. There will be an Aid Station at mile 5 stocked with limited snacks & water. There will also be a toilet located at the aid station.

Details

Food Drink

There will be hot food and hot/cold drinks available to purchase throughout the event (from 6am on Saturday until 10am on Sunday).

Course Marked

Yes.

Terrain

Expect a mix of estate roads, limestone tracks and grass trail. Trail shoes are recommended, especially in damp/wet conditions.

Elevation

550ft per lap.

Camping

Runners are permitted to camp on-site on the Friday and Saturday nights. The camp area will be close to the start/finish line making it ideal for storing supplies for the race.

Start times/location

Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne. PE10 0LY. www.grimsthorpe.co.uk

100 & 70-miles: 7am (Saturday, 24th May)

40-miles: 8am (Saturday, 24th May)

10-mile Day: 10am (Saturday, 24th May)

10-mile Night: 9pm (Saturday, 24th May)

Date

Saturday May 24 & Sunday May 25, 2025

Pacers/Crew/Spectators

Spectators

The more, the merrier. There is a small car parking charge of £5 per car (not per person) of which 100% goes to the Grimsthorpe & Drummond Castle Trust Limited (reg charity number: 507478). You are free to walk the whole course to cheer on competitors. There will be food and drink available to purchase.

Pacers (70 & 100 mile runners only)

Permitted from mile 50 and on foot only. Only one pacer per runner at any one time.

Crew

Whilst you are welcome to walk the whole course, a crew point is only permitted at the start/finish location. Anyone found breaking this rule will be disqualified.

Rules

Cut-Off Time

The 70 and 100-mile races have a strict cut off time of 28-hours. The 40-mile race has a strict cut off time of 27 hours.

Mandatory Kit List: 40, 70 & 100 Mile solo races only

A kit check will be carried out upon registration.

  • Fully charged mobile phone, including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Directors. Both numbers will be supplied to you prior to the race.
  • Survival blanket (1.4m x 2m minimum).
  • Headtorch/primary light source – minimum of 75 lumens (from 6pm).
  • Back-up light source (from 6pm)..
  • Long sleeved baselayer, separate to what you are wearing at the start
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Water bladder/vest/bottle capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre of water.
  • We are operating a cupless race so you must bring a cup with you. These will be available to purchase on the day.

There will be a well-stocked running shop on site should you forget anything.

Mandatory Kit List (10-mile night race only)

Headtorch or chest torch (for 10-mile night and team runners starting a lap after 6pm).

Extra Info

Withdrawals

If you need to withdraw for any reason, unfortunately we are unable to offer a refund. However, you can defer your place to 2025 up to 4-weeks prior to the race (April 27). After this our race day costs, which are based on numbers, have been incurred.

If you would like to transfer your place to another runner, please email hello@bogdogrunning.co.uk with the runner's name, address, date of birth, gender and any medical information. Transfers after May 3 will incur a £5 admin fee.

Qualification Standard

Whilst there is no official qualification standard, we suggest the following:

40-mile runners: Comfortable running 15 to 20-mile distances regularly.

70-mile runners: Comfortable running marathon to 50km distances regularly. There is a very generous cut-off limit so those walking still have a good chance of finishing.

100-mile runners: Have completed at least a 50-mile distance within a year of the event, with a finish time of at least 13-hours.

Entries

You cannot change the distance you have selected upon entry. If you enter the 100-mile race and decide to drop out at mile 70, you are classed as a DNF. Likewise, if you enter the 70-mile race, finish this distance and feel good enough to attempt the 100, you cannot upgrade to this distance.

Rules

  • Runners must follow the marked course at all times. Any runner found cutting the course will be instantly disqualified.
  • Your bib numbers must be on the front of your shirt/shorts and visible at all times.
  • Runners may not stash food/supplies on the course.
  • Littering will mean instant disqualification.
  • Runners are responsible for the actions of their pacers!
  • Pacers are permitted from mile 50 only and must be on foot.
  • Only one pacer at any one time.
  • Runners must carry mandatory kit equipment at ALL times.
  • You must comply with all instructions given at the race briefing.
  • If you are unable to finish the race you MUST inform the race directors.
  • Walking poles are permitted
  • Runners/walkers in the 10-mile solo races only can have a dog with them. However, this is not a canicross event, therefore they must start at the back of the field and be comfortable not to 'race'. Dogs MUST be kept on a lead as there is Livestock on the Estate.

Pricing

10-mile Day: £32

10-mile Night: £32

40-miles: £85

40-miles, teams of 4 max: £125

70-miles: £130

100-miles: £150

100-miles, teams of max 5: £285

 

All finishers receive a medal. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third in all male & female solo races. Trophies will also be awarded to the winning team in both team relay races.

Prizes may be awarded depending on sponsors. We will update this section accordingly.

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