The Chase Walk is an annual 38.2 mile competitive walking event held in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, England. The walk takes place in springtime every year where teams of between 4 and 7 people attempt to complete the distance in the fastest time possible while navigating their way around Cannock Chase. It is hosted by The Scout Association, for members of the Scout and Guide movements and other outdoor groups including university walking groups and even air cadets. [1]
The starting times are usually staggered between 6 am and 7 am. Before a team is allowed to walk they must have a kit check which takes place 30 minutes before their start time.
Entrance fee of £14 per walker applies, covering the cost of event marshalling, camping, snacks, drinks and transportation back to the start for those who retire early. Teams are tracked via GPS. Each year all finishing teams are given a cloth badge. [2]
A strict kit list must be adhered to and carried with each team for walkers to complete. This list includes items such as a first aid kit, the right boots, reflective clothing for walking during the hours of darkness, along with other safety equipment.
Each year a trophy called the Beaudesert Trophy (formerly the Birmingham University Trophy) is awarded to the fastest team of seven whom all finish. Before 1996 the Birmingham University trophy was awarded to the fastest team with no retirements.
Other trophies:
The Chase Walk manages an online archive of results since 1998:
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Scouting in West Midlands provides an overview of Scouting activities in the governmental region of the West Midlands. The largest number of Scouts and volunteer leaders in the region is linked to the Scout Association of the United Kingdom, while there is also a presence of traditional Scouting groups, such as the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association. The Scout Association administers the region through 8 Scout Counties, overseen by a regional commissioner, which follow the boundaries of the ceremonial counties they exist within. There are also a number of Scouting clubs within Universities in the region which are affiliated to the Student Scout and Guide Organisation.
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Beryl Randle is a former race walker and an athletics administrator. She raced for Birchfield Harriers.