The Conti Lightning Run

HOW many times do you think you could run around a 10km off-road course in 12 hours?

You can find out on Bank Holiday Sunday 3rd May by entering The Conti Lightning Run.

A thousand people will come together in Staffordshire’s historical Catton Park and set up camp before running relays of the 10km off-road course.

Now in its third year, the Conti Lightning Run is open to solo runners, pairs or relay teams of up to five people. Camping is free so you can stay on-site and enjoy the festival-like event.

In Adventure 52’s early days we wrote about how Continental had teamed up with adidas to make grippy soles for trail running shoes – and it is still doing this today – with a company spokesperson telling us: “One of the reasons we do the Lightning Run is because we are the grip partner with adidas. The all-terrain track of the Conti Lighting Run allows people to put their grip and traction to the test.”

Continental Tyres now has almost 150 years of expertise in developing rubber compounds and Felix Ziegler, the grip expert at Continental Tyres, says the Conti Lightning Run challenges the runners’ ability to race across a multitude of ground surfaces. “The run is a great event for all to enjoy,” he says. ” And we’re sure to expect some of the same participants that have been involved in previous years.”

Entries are now open and people are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Prices vary and only over 18s can participate, though spectators of all ages are welcome.

Here’s what some of the participants from last year’s event said:

“The Lightning Run was my first ultra and I LOVED IT. Excellent organisation, marshalls were fab, camaraderie was so supportive and I didn’t want it to end!” – Katie Walding, 1^st August 2014.

“Amazing partnership!” – James Ruckley, 1^st August 2014.

“Great event, great course and good fun to do as a team!” – Valerie Berryman Bousquet, 29^th June 2014.

Join the Facebook page for the group here