Essential Kit for All Events
Navigation & Communication
- Fully charged mobile phone
- GPX route downloaded to watch and accessible offline
- Backup navigation method – GPX on phone or map of route
- Emergency contact numbers saved
Hydration & Nutrition
- Minimum 1 litres of water capacity
- Sufficient nutrition for each stage between checkpoints
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket with hood and taped seams
- Waterproof trousers
- Base layer (non-cotton recommended)
- Hat or buff
- Gloves
- Spare warm layer (e.g. fleece)
Lighting & Visibility
- Headtorch (minimum 200 lumens recommended)
- Spare batteries or backup light source
- Reflective elements or high-visibility item
Safety & Emergency Equipment
- Emergency bivvy bag or survival bag
- Whistle
- Basic first aid kit (including blister care)
Tracking & Identification
- Race number (must be visible at all times)
- Tracker – must be worn as instructed
Conditions-Based Mandatory Kit (Dynamic Kit)
The organiser reserves the right to require additional items depending on weather conditions:
- Additional insulation layer
- Extra gloves and warm hat
- Extra water capacity
Participants will be notified the week of the event if this applies.
Medical Advice & Guidance for Competitors
On-Course Medical Provision
A team of qualified medical professionals will be deployed across the route to provide rapid and effective support where needed. This includes:
- Medics stationed at key aid stations
- Mobile response units covering the course
- Continuous communication between medical teams and Event Control
All medical personnel are appropriately qualified, insured, and experienced in managing incidents in outdoor endurance environments.
Aid Station Support
Each aid station will have access to medical assistance, ensuring runners can receive help for:
- Minor injuries (e.g. blisters, cuts, chafing)
- Fatigue and dehydration
- Early signs of more serious conditions
Two aid stations offering hot food will also act as key welfare points where runners can rest, warm up, and be assessed if required.
Emergency Response
In the event of a more serious incident:
- Medical teams can be deployed directly to a runner’s location
- Live GPS tracking allows the team to quickly identify and locate participants
- Event Control will coordinate response and escalation if required
All runners are required to carry a mobile phone with emergency contact numbers saved, including the Race Director and medical team.
Your Responsibility
While medical support is provided, this is a long-distance, semi self-navigated endurance event. All participants are expected to:
- Take responsibility for their own wellbeing
- Carry mandatory safety kit at all times
- Make sensible decisions regarding their condition
- Seek assistance early if they feel unwell
In an Emergency
If you require urgent assistance during the event:
- Stop in a safe location
- Use your mobile phone to contact the event team
- Provide your location (GPS or nearest landmark)
- Follow instructions given by the medical team
What is The Pilgrim’s Reckoning?
The Pilgrim’s Reckoning is an 81-mile circular ultra marathon following the Bunyan Trail through Bedfordshire. It is a fairly flat runnable way marked course requiring some GPX navigation experience. This endurance event is designed to test both physical and mental resilience.
When and where does the event take place?
The event takes place on 12 September 2026, starting and finishing at Bedford Greenacre Independent School, Bedford. Start time is 6pm on Saturday, finish time is 6pm on Sunday.
What is the time limit?
Participants have 24 hours to complete the full 81-mile route.
How many runners will take part?
The event is limited to approximately 50–60 runners to ensure a safe and well managed experience.
Route & Navigation
Is the route marked?
The route is not marked specifically for the event. Runners must navigate using:
- GPX file (provided in advance)
- Existing Bunyan Trail waymarkers (photos of waymarkers to be added here)
Do I need navigation experience?
Yes. This is a semi self-navigated event. You must be confident using a GPX file on a watch or mobile device.
Will I get the GPX file in advance?
Yes, all participants will receive the official GPX route prior to race day.
Aid Stations & Support
How many aid stations are there?
There are seven aid stations spaced evenly around the course.
What will be available at aid stations?
Aid stations will provide:
- Water, electrolytes, and soft drinks
- Food (including sandwiches, snacks, and cakes)
- Indoor aid stations will offer hot food and drinks
- First aid support
Can I use drop bags?
Yes, there will be a designated drop bag location at one aid station roughly halfway.
Safety & Tracking
Will runners be tracked?
Yes. All participants will be issued with a live GPS tracking device. This allows the event team to monitor runner progress and respond quickly in case of emergency.
Is there medical support on the course?
Yes. Qualified medics will be positioned at aid stations and mobile locations throughout the route.
What happens in an emergency?
All runners must carry a mobile phone with emergency contact numbers saved. You will be able to contact the Race Director or medical team if required.
Mandatory Kit
Do I need to carry mandatory kit?
Yes. All runners must carry mandatory safety kit at all times.
Will kit checks be carried out?
Yes. Kit will be checked before the start and may be spot-checked during the event.
What kind of kit is required?
Mandatory kit includes (but is not limited to):
- Waterproof jacket
- Headtorch(s) with spare power
- Mobile phone
- Emergency food and fluids
- Foil blanket
- Basic first aid items
Please see the full mandatory kit list on the tab at the top of the page
Experience & Entry Requirements
Do I need prior ultra experience?
You should have sufficient experience to safely complete an 81-mile self-navigated event within the time limit.
We require at a minimum you to have run a 50km event in the last 12 months
Is this event suitable for beginners?
This event is not recommended for beginners due to the distance, navigation requirements, and time limit.
Environment & Etiquette
Are there rules about littering?
Yes. This is a strict leave-no-trace event. All waste must be carried or disposed of at aid stations.
Will the route be closed to the public?
No. The route uses public rights of way. Runners must:
- Be courteous to other users
- Follow the Highway Code where applicable
Weather & Conditions
What happens in bad weather?
The event will go ahead in most conditions. However:
- The route will be inspected prior to the event
- Adjustments or reroutes may be made if necessary
Participants must be prepared for all weather conditions.
Logistics
Where is the start and finish?
Both are located at Bedford Greenacre Independent School.
Is parking available?
Yes there is plenty of free on site parking at the start/finish line
Is public transport available to the event?
Yes the London train from St. Pancreas station to Bedford takes 40 mins and runs a few times every hour. Bedford train station is only 5 minutes from the race start/finish line. The bus station is only 10 minutes away
Is there near by Accom0dation?
Bedford is a large busy town with multiple hotels and b&b’s all a short walk from the start/finish line
Withdrawals & Cut-Offs
What if I need to withdraw during the race?
If you withdraw, you must inform event staff at the nearest aid station or contact the Race Director.
Are there cut-off times?
The overall event cut-off is 24 hours. Check point cut offs will be in place after half way, all check point information can be found on the tab at the top of this page. Pacers are not permitted but support crews can meet you along the route.