Berkshire Downs
Event Details
Race 1
The first event of our 2024 winter adventure race series takes us to the Berkshire Downs. A new area for us and more challenging terrain for you to enjoy!
Our Winter Adventure Races involve trail running and mountain biking. These events bring you the very best of adrenalin-filled adventure racing, in some of the most spectacular locations in the country. Questars Adventure Races appeal to everyone from complete beginners to experienced adventure racers alike.
Our events are all about having a go and taking part. Bike hire is available so all you need to take part is a pair of running shoes and a sense of adventure!
For all events, you will use a map and compass to navigate to as many checkpoints as you can within the time limit. There are no set distances for any of the disciplines, you are in control of how far you run and bike.
The race format has been carefully designed to be as flexible and inclusive as possible, to challenge everyone irrespective of ability or experience. We offer the following event options:
Run & Bike FULL (5 hour Adventure Race)
Use a map and compass to navigate to as many checkpoints as you can within the time limit. You can start on foot or bike with one transition allowed.
Run & Bike TASTER (3 hour Adventure Race)
Use a map and compass to navigate to as many checkpoints as you can within the time limit. You can start on foot or bike with one transition allowed.
Run ONLY (2 hour Trail Run Orienteering Event)
Trail run only. Use a map and compass to navigate to as many checkpoints as you can within the time limit.
Bike ONLY (2 hour Mountain Bike Orienteering Event)
Mountain Bike only. Use a map and compass to navigate to as many checkpoints as you can within the time limit.
Key Features
Solos & Teams
Take part on your own, in a pair or as a team of 3 or 4 people.
Score format
How many checkpoints can you visit in the time limit?
Bike hire available
You can hire a bike for this adventure race if needed.
Two disciplines to choose from
Questars winter adventure races give you the option to run and/or bike.
What are the distances involved?
We give you a map with all the run and bike checkpoints marked on and you see how many you can visit within the time limit. You choose which checkpoints to visit and in what order. Hence the time spent and distance covered on each discipline is up to you.
The maximum distance for the run will be around 25k and the maximum distance for the bike will be around 45k
Open to solos, pairs and teams
Take on the challenge of this adventure race on your own or team up with friends/family and go around together.
You can take part…
- on your own
- with another person (as a pair)
- in a team of 3 or 4 people
Pairs and teams who wish to be competitive must remain together for the duration of the event i.e. all team members do each discipline together (it is not a relay race).
Course to challenge all
Questars adventure races are for everyone, irrespective of your ability and previous experience. On average, a quarter of participants at a Questars event have never done an adventure race before. So if you are a complete beginner you will not be alone!
And if you are an experienced adventure racer, expect some stiff competition. From Olympic medallists to Adventure Racing World Champions, we have had them all take part in previous races.
Questars events attract athletes not just from the UK but also from overseas too.
Do I need a mountain bike?
Every participant needs a bike for this event unless you only intend to run.
We recommend that you use a mountain bike (preferably with front suspension) as these are best suited to deal with the broadest range of off-road terrain and trail conditions that you might encounter during the race. You can either bring your own or hire one from our official provider.
However, you are welcome to use a different type of bike (e.g. a cross/gravel bike) if you want to, as long as…
- it is designed to be used off-road (slick tyres are not allowed).
- you understand and accept that it may not be as suitable as a mountain bike and may therefore hinder your progress.
Anyone using an e-bike must declare this before they start and will be classified as non-competitive.
Event Base
Downland Sport Centre
Compton, Berkshire Downs
RG20 6NU
Car
Parking
Onsite parking at the venue for participants
Indoor Shelter
Hall providing large indoor space and shelter
Event Catering
Hot and cold food and drinks available onsite
Changing Rooms
Ladies and gents changing rooms and showers
Toilets
Permanent facilities with flushable toilets and running water
Race Options
Run & Bike
Full
- Trail Running
- Mountain Biking
- Up to 5 hours
Run & Bike
Taster
- Trail Running
- Mountain Biking
- Up to 3 hours
Run only
Bike only
- Trail Running
- OR
- Mountain Biking
- Up to 2 hours
Price Information
Entry fees increase as the number of places available decrease and the event gets closer. So to get the best price you need to enter sooner rather than later. See what’s included in the entry fee.
Timetable
DUO FULL / DUO TASTER
(5 HOURS / 3 HOURS)
| 08:00 | Map collection opens |
|---|---|
|
09:00 |
Earliest start time |
|
12:30 |
Latest finish (Taster) |
|
13:00 |
Prize giving (Taster) |
|
14:30 |
Latest finish (Full) |
|
15:00 |
Prize Giving (Full) |
RUN ONLY / BIKE ONLY
(2 HOURS)
| 09:00 | Map collection opens |
|---|---|
|
10:00 |
Earliest start time |
|
12:30 |
Latest finish time |
|
13:00 |
Prize giving |
The times given above are provisional
The times above are given as an indication only and may alter slightly (by 10-15 mins) depending on participant numbers. Final timings will be confirmed in the week before the event when the start list is published.
If you would like to start later (run/bike/taster only) or earlier this is possible, it just means you will not be included in the prize giving. This is to allow families to all take part. Please email info@questars.co.uk in advance to arrange.
Bike Hire
- 1 x 9/10 speed Hardtail MTB
- Cycle helmet (on request)
- Bike pump (on request)
- Puncture protection
- Collect at the event
- Return at the finish
- On-site support
- Damage waiver
Bikes can be hired from Cyclexperience and collected from the event base on the day.
Cyclexperience have been providing a bike hire service at Questars adventure races for nearly 20 years now. They are offering the usual package for Questars participants which includes delivery, onsite support, post-ride maintenance and cleaning.
Hire bikes must be booked in advance. Booking at least a month in advance is strongly recommended to ensure availability.
Course Maps
Each team will receive one copy of the course map on waterproof paper, with all the run and bike checkpoints marked on. Extra copies of the course map can be provided for each team member, at no extra cost.
The course map uses Ordnance Survey (OS) 1:25000 Explorer map data. See the Race Format for an example course map.
