The Drop - Oxford

The Drop - Oxford

The Drop in Oxford is an outdoor navigation event based at Up And Running, 106 London Road, Headington, Oxford. Participants may enter solo or in a team and can choose between three distance options.

Registration requires participants to hand over electronic devices and navigational aids in exchange for a race number and a sealed emergency bag. Groups board a bus, don blackout blindfolds or an offered alternative, and are transported to an undisclosed drop-off location. From that point each participant must find their own route back to the event centre; distances are measured as the crow flies, so the actual route may be longer.

Key constraints and rules:

• 6 miles
• 10 miles
• 15 miles

No map, no GPS, no provided route, no external help, and no compass are permitted unless explicitly provided by organisers. Personal tracking devices may be carried only if sealed in the emergency bag. Breaking the seal on the emergency bag or using unauthorised maps results in disqualification. Shortcuts that do not use only the participant’s own two legs are not allowed. Blindfolds can be replaced with blackout safety goggles or another alternative if required. Entry is limited to 75 places.

An optional live GPS tracking service is available for convenience and safety; trackers are accurate to about 5 metres, can be affected by tall buildings, should be placed with a clear sky view, and must be returned after the event or a replacement fee will apply. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Live GPS Tracking

Our live GPS tracking system is provided as an optional feature for your convenience and safety. While it’s not included in your entry fee, you’ll have access to it and can share your progress with others using a password we’ll send a few days before the event.

Key Information:

• Accuracy: The GPS trackers are accurate within 5 metres but can be affected by tall buildings and black spots. There may also be a slight delay between your actual location and what appears on the map. You might notice your position "catching up" after a gap.
• Placement Matters: For the best performance, place the tracker in an outside pocket with a clear view of the sky. Poor placement can weaken the signal, resulting in less reliable tracking – this applies to all GPS systems.

Sharing Your Location:

To share your tracking:

• Send friends or family the event website link.
• Provide them with the login details we’ll send you via email.
• They can use your bib or tracker number to view your progress.
• Viewers can customise the map, showing only your tracker or including others for extra fun. (We’ve heard it’s entertaining to see someone take a wrong turn!)

Important Notes:

• Tracker Returns: All trackers must be returned to a staff member at the end of the event. If not, a £175 replacement fee will apply.
• Features for Safety: As organisers, we have access to additional safety features not available to participants.

Enjoy the thrill of the race and the excitement of the challenge!