Orion Harriers Running Festival including the 3rd running of the Epic Epping Forest Ultra and Ultra Lite – 27/09/2025
10 x 5m lap trail race around stunning Epping Forest organised by Orion Harriers – 27th September 2025
DATE AND TIME
Date : 27/09/2025
Race start time 8am, with a final last lap cut off for the 50 miles to be 6:00pm which is 10 hours total.
MINIMUM AGE
20+
ENTRIES
Entries for 2025 will open at 1000 on Monday 12th May 2025 and close 26/09/2025. Places are on a first come, first served basis. Entrants must meet the minimum qualification standard outlines below in order to apply.
Entry fee is a recommended donation of £30.00 (there is a £2 surcharge for non EA registered athletes)
We have introduced a cut down version for people who want to run a few laps and not complete the whole 50m. This will not be chipped timed and no qualification standard is required. Register (£20 recommended donation. There is a £2 surcharge for non EA registered athletes). Turn up and join in. Momento and feed station included
2 x Athlete Enduro. Complete as many laps as possible running alternative laps as a duo. Cut off for starting last lap is 18:00. Mixed teams welcome – £20 per person
4 x Athlete Enduro. Complete as many laps as possible running alternative laps as a foursome. Cut off for starting last lap is 18:00. Mixed teams welcome – £20 per person
It’s worth noting that the category winners will be awarded on distance covered only. In other words, you don’t have to run the full 12hrs+ to have successfully completed the challenge. The 10hr+ duration is simply the maximum allowable time. All entrants, even those that run for 1-2hrs, will have successfully participated in the event and be awarded a medal for their efforts.
++++++ No minimum standard requirement for team Enduros++++++
QUALIFICATION STANDARD FOR FULL ULTRA
Please supply evidence of race completion/s over the past 18 months of a full marathon, or ultra, with detail provided by a results weblink. All decisions regarding runner entry to be decided by our RD upon application. Age on race date to be 20+.
CUT OFFS
Cut off for the last lap for all events to be 6:00pm which is 10 hours total.
START/FINISH LOCATION
Registration, Start & Finish are at Jubilee Retreat, Bury Rd, Chingford, E4 7QJ
ROUTE
The race route consists of 10 x 5 mile loops on forest trails and tracks within Epping Forest, woodland operated by the Corporation of London
The loop itself is a fraction over 5 miles bringing the course out at just over 50m. But remember it has 3680ft/1120m of climb and GPS accuracy in the woods is not great! Come ready for roughly 50-51 miles of incredible forest trails.
START FINISH LINE
You are required to cross the START/FINISH line outside the Orion Clubhouse at the end of every lap. Failure to do so will result in a DNF.
AWARDS
Mens Winner and Runner Up, Womens winner and Runner Up
Ultra
1st Vet (40+) men and women
Team Event
2+4 team Enduro – Mens, Womens, Mixed Team
Bespoke momemto on completion for all
AID STATIONS
The start/ finish location also acts as the aid station at the start/ end of each loop. The aid stations will carry items such as
Gels/Water/Hot tea/coffee/Soft drinks/Chocolate/ Sweets/ Biscuits/Nuts/Fruit/Sandwiches and Wraps
Dietary options catered for
Runners only at aid stations
SPORTS THERAPY
During and post race a few local trainees sports therapists will be offering sports massages on a donation basis. These will be available in the clubhouse
DROP BAGS/ FINISH LINE BAGS
Drop/ Finish Line Bags may be deposited at registration, whereupon they will be stored in number order and accessible to runners at the end of each loop. Bags should be clearly labelled with runners name and bib number.
COURSE MARKINGS
The course will be marked with sawdust and plastic ground flags. There is one road crossing to negotiate at the beginning and end of each lap which will be fully marshalled. There will also be roaming marshals on bikes to assist if needed
PACERS
No pacers are permitted at any point on the route.
CREW
Crew teams must be based ONLY at the start/finish, however they can meet you on course for ad-hoc support
Crew teams should not be set up along the course.
SPECTATORS
Spectating is very much encouraged along the course and straightforward interactions with runners are allowed (cheering, handing a drink or passing/taking non-mandatory kit)
MEDICAL
There will be a dedicated team of race medics available throughout the race including a static first aid team at the start/ finish check point and a roving team within the forest. If you suffer an injury or accident that warrants direct medical attention, the medics will be on hand to provide you with exactly that. Contact numbers and full details of what to do in an emergency will be given to you in the pre race information packs and again at race registration. Due to the nature of the course the medics may take some time to reach you, or potentially be out of contact tending to other runners. In those instances you should contact the emergency services on 999 AS WELL AS the race medics.
Some useful independent medical advice here
KIT
99% of the course is on trail, therefore trail shoes are advised. There are sections of trail which can become very muddy in wet conditions. The course takes a number of ascents and descents, many of which will become hard going in wet conditions, particularly as the race progresses. These sections must be negotiated carefully in both the dry and the wet.
Every runner must have their running number on their front AT ALL TIMES
Mandatory kit :
Run Director has discretion based on the weather forecast and his decision is final
Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Director (on the number you have given at registration)
Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
Whistle
Waterproof Jacket: Gore-tex or similar
The race is cup-less which means you must bring a cup with you.
Refillable water bottle
Beanie hat/Gloves
1 hr penalty for not carrying mandatory kit
PARKING
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
CYCLISTS
Orion Harriers club house has a number of bike racks outside to lock bikes up.