Solstice at the Lakes

Question 1

What is Solstice at the Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Solstice at the Lakes is a timed trail running event held over the summer solstice weekend at Leybourne Lakes Country Park, Kent. Choose 6, 12, or 24 hours (solo) or the 24-hour team relay, and see how far you can go on a fully marked 2.5km lakeside loop.

Question 2

How does the timed format work?

Accepted Answer

You have your chosen time limit to complete as many laps as possible. There are no hourly cut-offs. Rest when you need to, run when you want. Your final distance is the total number of full laps completed before your time runs out.

Question 3

What’s the course like?

Accepted Answer

A flat, fast, fully marked 2.5km loop around Leybourne Lakes. It’s a mix of well-maintained trail paths and tarmac, with lakeside views and open skies—ideal for both day and night running.

Question 4

What are the race options?

Accepted Answer

24 Hour Solo or Team Relay (2–4 people)
12 Hour Solo
6 Hour Solo (Saturday 12pm-6pm or Sunday 6am-12pm)

Question 5

How does the team relay work?

Accepted Answer

Teams of 2–4 runners share the 24 hours. Only one runner is allowed on the course at a time. Your team’s total distance is the combined number of laps run over the full 24 hours. Hand over the baton and keep the momentum going.

Question 6

Are there cut-offs?

Accepted Answer

No hourly cut-offs. You choose your pace and strategy. Just make sure you complete at least one full lap within your time limit to be a recorded finisher.

Question 7

Is there food and drink on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our central event hub will offer hot food at key times through the day and night for runners (we’ll share the schedule in advance). There will also be hot/cold drinks and aid station snacks available throughout the event.

Question 8

What facilities are at the event hub?

Accepted Answer

Toilets and changing areas
Hot food at planned times
Seating and rest areas for runners and crews
Live lap timing updates
Medical team on site throughout

Question 9

What do I need for night running?

Accepted Answer

A headtorch is mandatory for anyone running between dusk and dawn. Please ensure you have spare batteries or backup lighting. We also recommend warmer clothing overnight, as whilst this is a summer race, the British weather can be unpredictable and if you're moving slowly, your core body temperature will drop.

Question 10

How do I know my distance?

Accepted Answer

Your laps will be tracked using an official timing system. Live lap updates and leaderboard will be available at the event hub, helping you and your crew plan your strategy.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes—paid parking is available at Leybourne Lakes Country Park. If the car park fills up, there’s additional residential parking in the nearby village, just a short walk to the start. We will provide details of parking locations prior to the event

Question 12

Can spectators come along?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Supporters are very welcome. The park has a café open during regular hours, and there are plenty of viewing areas around the Lake

Question 13

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age to take part is 20 years old on race day.

Question 14

Do I get a medal?

Accepted Answer

Yes—every runner who completes at least one full lap will receive an event medal.

Question 15

Are there finisher awards?

Accepted Answer

Podium awards will be given for top 3 Open, Female, and Team categories. For the 6-hour races, podium awards will be based on the combined results of both day and night events.

Question 16

Can I have a pacer?

Accepted Answer

No—runners must not have anyone pacing them at any point during the race. This is a solo effort within your chosen time limit.

Question 17

Can I have a crew?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Crewing is allowed, but limited to 2 people at any one time. Crews can swap out if needed. We’ll have a designated section next to the course with tables where crews can support their runners. We recommend crews bring appropriate clothing and chairs for the event, as well as anything else they need to keep comfortable through the day and night.

Question 18

Can I camp at the event?

Accepted Answer

No—there is no camping available at Leybourne Lakes. However, we will have designated rest areas for runners at the event hub so you can take breaks between laps.

Question 19

Can my crew support me out on the course?

Accepted Answer

Crewing can only be done from the designated crew area at the event hub. No crewing or handing off supplies is allowed out on the course itself.

Question 20

What time can I arrive at the site?

Accepted Answer

Final arrival details will be sent to all registered runners 14 days before the event. Please note there is a parkrun taking place in the park at 9 AM on Saturday. To help reduce congestion, we ask that runners do not arrive before 10 AM.

Question 21

Can I swim in the lake?

Accepted Answer

No. Under no circumstances should runners swim in the lake during the event. For hot weather, we’ll have things available at the event hub to help keep runners cool and safe.

Solstice at the Lakes

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Solstice at the Lakes

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