Previously known as the Stanton Stile Hop, the Stanton Gate Crasher will return on 27 April with plenty of fun options for the whole family. The event was renamed on account of a change of obstacle as the aforementioned stiles were replaced with gates over the years due to ‘wear and tear’ – hence the new title.

The event offers three race options (10K, 5K and a free 2K fun run for children) or the opportunity to explore the North Shropshire countryside via a marked and marshalled course with a tail runner to keep participants going to the end.

The 5K Stanton Stile Hop is the race that started it all off in 2018. This stunning course will take runners on a 5K loop from the centre of Stanton village on a mixture of terrain from beautiful fields to stunning woodland trails with a few quiet country lanes.

As the event name implies, there are number of small gates on the course which all runners will need to negotiate as part of the event. The course itself has a steady rise to the half way point with the exception of the wooded climb, the course then starts to make its way back down towards the finish line in Stanton.

The 10K multi terrain race is a beautiful extension of the 5K route. At the 4K way point of the 5K route, runners will be diverted off on to an additional 5K section where they will re-join the original 5K route for the final run back into the finish in Stanton. 

There are prizes for the top three men and women; all finishers receive a medal, bottle of water and bar of chocolate. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and cakes (always a favourite!) are available at the village hall for a small donation.

The 2K fun run is held on a flat field, on an out and back course. This is free although donations to the event’s chosen charity are much appreciated.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Stanton Gate Crasher Facebook page. 

Image: Stanton Gate Crasher Facebook