The Maverick Exposure Lights Dark - Oxfordshire
3 races scheduled · 500 participants · Sat 4th Dec 2021 · Henley-on-Thames
COVID Plan
Safety measures in place ·
£20.00 - £37.00Free injury protection
About this event
Immerse yourself in the Chiltern Hills with this unique evening trail run. A challenge open to those of all abilities, participants will snake through the woodland and grassy plains of the Chiltern Hills after sunset. Come to engage all your senses or for that post-race Freedom Brew.
Raceday details
Your organiser
Here at Maverick Race we’re all about celebrating the beauty of the British countryside. That’s why we’ve chosen some of the most iconic areas that Blighty has to offer for our trail running series. We’re not elitist though which is why we’ve made them accessible to runners of all levels. With multiple route lengths to choose from in every location, you decide on the challenge! Our main objective is to get people off the roads and enjoying being outside in the countryside. We just love to run and we hope you will too after experiencing life on the trails. Having experienced many types of events, from 5km club runs through to Ultra Marathons and Ironman Triathlons, we're dedicated to understanding what’s important to you – the runners.
How to enter
Tickets available until Thu Dec 02 2021
What's included:
- Fully signed and marshalled route
- Prizes for distance winners (M&F)
- Finisher's medal
- Event photography
- Free parking
- Hydration outposts
- Timed, online results
- Food and drink available for purchase
- Baggage drop
- Freedom Brew
Long
4:30pm Sat 4th Dec 2021
Run 20km
£37.00
Middle
5:35pm Sat 4th Dec 2021
Run 10km
£32.00
Short
5:40pm Sat 4th Dec 2021
Run 6km
£20.00
Benefits of booking with Let's Do This
Free injury protection - Refunds until 4 days before the event.
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What people think
4.830 reviews
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs welcome?
This is a dog friendly event so please feel free to bring along your canine companion. … read moreWhere can I access my results?
Maverick will upload race times onto their website after the event.… read moreWhy do I need a re-usable cup or bottle?
Maverick are committed to retaining the beauty of the great British outdoors. As such, they're on a quest to make the up and coming season 100% plastic free. Hydrapak speed cups will be available to buy on the day.… read moreYou may also like
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Route description
Route description
Maverick travel to Culden Faw Estate, Oxfordshire for the latest edition of their USE Lights Dark Series. Located in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, the estate is scythed in half by the River Thames.
All three routes deliver an incredible backdrop for this already unique event. Not only is the surrounding landscape a sight to behold, but there is also an abundance of local wildlife to keep your eye open for.
Given the darkness runners will have to focus on their footing throughout. The route itself will be made obvious with reflective markers.
Running with a head torch on was a completely new experience but i absolutely loved the event and glad I took on the longer distance. `Adrenaline definitely got me through to the end
This event is just nuts and so is everyone who organises it. The Maverick Race series is just so special and there is always that extra buzz you get when taking part in one of their events.
Maverick Races are just the best. My first dark/night race which was pretty epic and it was great that the event was so local.
A steady undulating course which I loved and the event was just incredibly organised and everything was so efficient. One of my favourites
This race and the Dark Dorset race are 2 of my favourite events of the trail running year. I run with my dog and have loved taking her to the night races. We saw and chased deer and battled the elements amongst friendly runners. My only recommendation would be to let people with faster dog teams go at the front of the main human field, as it can be more annoying for everybody involved starting at the back and having to weave through the crowd on narrow paths (but I appreciate this is something lots of race organisers do and is not a maverick specific quible). I'm really grateful that maverick are so dog friendly! Keep up the great work. I'd do more night races, if they were offered.
Maverick events are always so we'll organised, the start/finish area is well supported with food and drink available and good tunes to boot. The Dark route through the estate in Oxfordshire is really fun with wild deer making the experience more special. Maverick races are always hugely fun, relaxed, well signed and supported. They're a must!!
Excellent event. Well organised, great course and a friendly atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone.<br />
DS
D Shepherd5.0
Did the Short in 2019
It's so rare to get running events at night, especially ones that aren't some crazy mega marathon and the Dark series are all so fun. Glow sticks, head torches and fire pits...what could be better on those dark winter nights.
Trail running in the dark is made incredible by Maverick. The course was so well marked and the event village was great with fire pits and cool lighting! I love these events!
Fantastic event yet again. The team are very friendly and I just love how nuts they are in every sense.
Favourite race series ! Start / finish line vibes are second to none. Really well organised and a fantastic route with great course marking
Favourite race series ! Start / finish line vibes are second to none. Really well organised and a fantastic route with great course marking
CG
Chris g white 5.0
Did the Short in 2019Maverick events are always well organised and the atmosphere between runners is friendly and encouraging rather than overly competitive. The Oxfordshire course is a little hilly for beginners! However with all the organisers and other runners supporting you it is easy to keep going until the finish line.
Brilliant race . I run this race with my son and we both loved it. Definitely will do it again. 10/10
This event was superb, from the location, parking, race village course, marshalling and marking, right the way to the finish .... every need of the runner was taken care of. I’d definitely do this event again. I’ve recommended it to dozens of people !!!
This was my first Dark Silva race and it was magical! Challenging course but very well marked and organised. Total fun if you like running :)
DS
Did the Short in 2019
This was a fabulous event, so well organised , great welcome from the team who were very supportive.<br />The course was challenging , my first time running in the dark, great experience and would recommend to try it.<br />Enjoyed the friendly atmosphere at the end sharing race experiences around the fires!<br />
This was a fantastic race in a superb location. The only slight issue I have was the advertised start time; this was billed as a Night time race, but the start time was scheduled when it was still light! This was corrected on the day by delaying the start, but it was entirely predictable and could have been avoided. Everything else about th eevent was top-notch and I thoroughly recommend it.
This was such a fun race! The course was beautiful and running through the darkness was an awesome experience. Great support and snacks at the finish including beer!
What a fantastic idea and fantastic race. Running around the estate in the dark, tackling the hills and off camber slopes in the dark was such a sensory experience that I’ll never forget (especially the herd of deer that darted across the path in front of me on one of the hills). Looking back as we hit the first climb and seeing all the lights winding back and down was one of the sights I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Thank you for a brilliant event and I look forward to running another dark series race soon.</p><p>The start/finish area with fire pits and the usual great drinks and snacks was also fantastic.
Amazing atmosphere fantastic route brilliant event village everything a trail run should be and more!! Maverick Races have got everything on point!!
KH
Kate Hudson5.0
Did the Long in 2019My second Maverick Silva Dark race, really enjoy them, definitely will enter one again.Nice route across varied terrain, some parts were amazingly wet and boggy - a must for winter trail races! Maverick races are always well organised, would have given 4 stars however the start was meant to be 5pm and changed last minute to 5.30pm for darkness to really kick in, had to sit and wait in the car for a while!Overall a nice friendly atmosphere, fun route with some hills and solid goodies given out at the finish!
Fantastic event. Very well organised, lots of parking. The event felt small and intimate but with some excellent sponsor stalls. Inov8 were loaning out trail shoes, precision hydration providing the water stop, tribe supplied the after race nutrition bar, silva loaned out head torches, what's not to like! ! The race itself was challenging (for me anyway!) but manageable. I enjoyed the fact that at any one time there were various runners dotted around the course at different elevations, the head torches lighting the way. The hills were... hilly! Many of us were reduced to walking up but the run down was good! Overall a very good experience for my first race of the year.
This is a must do event for any trail-running/cross-country fan! The course was very challenging and wet. Large portions of the course were under thick mud but that just made it more fun to run around! Some sections were very slippery so cross-country spikes would have better than the trail shoes I had; there were very few, if any, paved sections to worry about. For the most part, the directions were very clear although it was easy to miss some of the glow sticks indicating the right way. A small point on the organisation, the race was due to start at 5:00pm but was postponed until 5:30pm as it was too light! This information wasn't passed along beforehand so we had to wait an extra 30mins. No big deal though. the majority of the race is in complete darkness so a good head torch is a must. Overall this was a fantastic event that I couldn't recommend enough, i'll be signing up to the whole series next year!
Great event, good atmosphere and setup, nice to finish with a beer/coffee, cool medal and to sit by a fire Maybe practice some night forest running before the event. Better notification needed as the delayed start which was only on Facebook (which I dont use that much)
4.830 reviews
Rate this event
Logistics and schedule
15:30 Gates Open
16:00 Registration Opens
16:30 - 17:00 Long Course Starts
17:05 - 17:35 Middle Course Starts
17:40 - 18:10 Short Course Starts
*Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your start window to allow time for registration.
Volunteers
Volunteers are a crucial cog in what makes Maverick one of the best Trail Running company's in the UK and they are always looking for more helping hands.
Whether you're a trail running aficionado or just enjoy event organisation, this could be a great opportunity for you. If you would like to find out more then follow the link here: http://www.maverick-race.com/volunteer
How to get there
Culden Faw Estate Office, Oakengrove Cottage, Benhams Ln, Henley-on-Thames RG9 3AP, UK
Get directionsAddress: Culden Faw Estate, Dairy Lane, Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AS
Car: There is plenty of free parking available on-site.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs welcome?
This is a dog friendly event so please feel free to bring along your canine companion. Where can I access my results?
Maverick will upload race times onto their website after the event.Why do I need a re-usable cup or bottle?
Maverick are committed to retaining the beauty of the great British outdoors. As such, they're on a quest to make the up and coming season 100% plastic free. Hydrapak speed cups will be available to buy on the day.Are head torches mandatory?
Head torches are essential for this race - if you do not have one then you will not be able to participate. Booking related questionsDo you have a question about bookings, cancellations, or refunds?
Route description
Route description
Maverick travel to Culden Faw Estate, Oxfordshire for the latest edition of their USE Lights Dark Series. Located in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, the estate is scythed in half by the River Thames.
All three routes deliver an incredible backdrop for this already unique event. Not only is the surrounding landscape a sight to behold, but there is also an abundance of local wildlife to keep your eye open for.
Given the darkness runners will have to focus on their footing throughout. The route itself will be made obvious with reflective markers.
Running with a head torch on was a completely new experience but i absolutely loved the event and glad I took on the longer distance. `Adrenaline definitely got me through to the end
This event is just nuts and so is everyone who organises it. The Maverick Race series is just so special and there is always that extra buzz you get when taking part in one of their events.
Maverick Races are just the best. My first dark/night race which was pretty epic and it was great that the event was so local.
A steady undulating course which I loved and the event was just incredibly organised and everything was so efficient. One of my favourites
This race and the Dark Dorset race are 2 of my favourite events of the trail running year. I run with my dog and have loved taking her to the night races. We saw and chased deer and battled the elements amongst friendly runners. My only recommendation would be to let people with faster dog teams go at the front of the main human field, as it can be more annoying for everybody involved starting at the back and having to weave through the crowd on narrow paths (but I appreciate this is something lots of race organisers do and is not a maverick specific quible). I'm really grateful that maverick are so dog friendly! Keep up the great work. I'd do more night races, if they were offered.
Maverick events are always so we'll organised, the start/finish area is well supported with food and drink available and good tunes to boot. The Dark route through the estate in Oxfordshire is really fun with wild deer making the experience more special. Maverick races are always hugely fun, relaxed, well signed and supported. They're a must!!
Excellent event. Well organised, great course and a friendly atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone.<br />
DS
D Shepherd5.0
Did the Short in 2019It's so rare to get running events at night, especially ones that aren't some crazy mega marathon and the Dark series are all so fun. Glow sticks, head torches and fire pits...what could be better on those dark winter nights.
Trail running in the dark is made incredible by Maverick. The course was so well marked and the event village was great with fire pits and cool lighting! I love these events!
Fantastic event yet again. The team are very friendly and I just love how nuts they are in every sense.
Favourite race series ! Start / finish line vibes are second to none. Really well organised and a fantastic route with great course marking
Favourite race series ! Start / finish line vibes are second to none. Really well organised and a fantastic route with great course marking
CG
Chris g white 5.0
Did the Short in 2019Maverick events are always well organised and the atmosphere between runners is friendly and encouraging rather than overly competitive. The Oxfordshire course is a little hilly for beginners! However with all the organisers and other runners supporting you it is easy to keep going until the finish line.
Brilliant race . I run this race with my son and we both loved it. Definitely will do it again. 10/10
This event was superb, from the location, parking, race village course, marshalling and marking, right the way to the finish .... every need of the runner was taken care of. I’d definitely do this event again. I’ve recommended it to dozens of people !!!
This was my first Dark Silva race and it was magical! Challenging course but very well marked and organised. Total fun if you like running :)
DS
Did the Short in 2019
This was a fabulous event, so well organised , great welcome from the team who were very supportive.<br />The course was challenging , my first time running in the dark, great experience and would recommend to try it.<br />Enjoyed the friendly atmosphere at the end sharing race experiences around the fires!<br />
This was a fantastic race in a superb location. The only slight issue I have was the advertised start time; this was billed as a Night time race, but the start time was scheduled when it was still light! This was corrected on the day by delaying the start, but it was entirely predictable and could have been avoided. Everything else about th eevent was top-notch and I thoroughly recommend it.
This was such a fun race! The course was beautiful and running through the darkness was an awesome experience. Great support and snacks at the finish including beer!
What a fantastic idea and fantastic race. Running around the estate in the dark, tackling the hills and off camber slopes in the dark was such a sensory experience that I’ll never forget (especially the herd of deer that darted across the path in front of me on one of the hills). Looking back as we hit the first climb and seeing all the lights winding back and down was one of the sights I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Thank you for a brilliant event and I look forward to running another dark series race soon.</p><p>The start/finish area with fire pits and the usual great drinks and snacks was also fantastic.
Amazing atmosphere fantastic route brilliant event village everything a trail run should be and more!! Maverick Races have got everything on point!!
KH
Kate Hudson5.0
Did the Long in 2019My second Maverick Silva Dark race, really enjoy them, definitely will enter one again.Nice route across varied terrain, some parts were amazingly wet and boggy - a must for winter trail races! Maverick races are always well organised, would have given 4 stars however the start was meant to be 5pm and changed last minute to 5.30pm for darkness to really kick in, had to sit and wait in the car for a while!Overall a nice friendly atmosphere, fun route with some hills and solid goodies given out at the finish!
Fantastic event. Very well organised, lots of parking. The event felt small and intimate but with some excellent sponsor stalls. Inov8 were loaning out trail shoes, precision hydration providing the water stop, tribe supplied the after race nutrition bar, silva loaned out head torches, what's not to like! ! The race itself was challenging (for me anyway!) but manageable. I enjoyed the fact that at any one time there were various runners dotted around the course at different elevations, the head torches lighting the way. The hills were... hilly! Many of us were reduced to walking up but the run down was good! Overall a very good experience for my first race of the year.
This is a must do event for any trail-running/cross-country fan! The course was very challenging and wet. Large portions of the course were under thick mud but that just made it more fun to run around! Some sections were very slippery so cross-country spikes would have better than the trail shoes I had; there were very few, if any, paved sections to worry about. For the most part, the directions were very clear although it was easy to miss some of the glow sticks indicating the right way. A small point on the organisation, the race was due to start at 5:00pm but was postponed until 5:30pm as it was too light! This information wasn't passed along beforehand so we had to wait an extra 30mins. No big deal though. the majority of the race is in complete darkness so a good head torch is a must. Overall this was a fantastic event that I couldn't recommend enough, i'll be signing up to the whole series next year!
Great event, good atmosphere and setup, nice to finish with a beer/coffee, cool medal and to sit by a fire Maybe practice some night forest running before the event. Better notification needed as the delayed start which was only on Facebook (which I dont use that much)
4.830 reviews
Rate this event
Logistics and schedule
15:30 Gates Open
16:00 Registration Opens
16:30 - 17:00 Long Course Starts
17:05 - 17:35 Middle Course Starts
17:40 - 18:10 Short Course Starts
*Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your start window to allow time for registration.
Volunteers
Volunteers are a crucial cog in what makes Maverick one of the best Trail Running company's in the UK and they are always looking for more helping hands.
Whether you're a trail running aficionado or just enjoy event organisation, this could be a great opportunity for you. If you would like to find out more then follow the link here: http://www.maverick-race.com/volunteer
How to get there
Culden Faw Estate Office, Oakengrove Cottage, Benhams Ln, Henley-on-Thames RG9 3AP, UK
Get directionsAddress: Culden Faw Estate, Dairy Lane, Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AS
Car: There is plenty of free parking available on-site.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs welcome?
This is a dog friendly event so please feel free to bring along your canine companion. Where can I access my results?
Maverick will upload race times onto their website after the event.Why do I need a re-usable cup or bottle?
Maverick are committed to retaining the beauty of the great British outdoors. As such, they're on a quest to make the up and coming season 100% plastic free. Hydrapak speed cups will be available to buy on the day.Are head torches mandatory?
Head torches are essential for this race - if you do not have one then you will not be able to participate. Booking related questionsDo you have a question about bookings, cancellations, or refunds?
£20.00 - £37.00Free injury protection