The Grim Reaper running event returns to Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne

An event with deadly-sounding draw is returning – and this year even more people are expected to take part.

The Grim Reaper offers runners the chance to race a course of 10 miles through the Grimsthorpe Estate, near Bourne, or to raise their game to run 40 miles, 70 miles or even 100 miles.

While these can be completed ‘solo’, there are team relay options over the 40-mile and 100-mile distances.

The event last year attracted plenty of local competitors and this year joint-organiser Steve Cole says they are building on that success.

“Entries are well up on 2023, which is really exciting,” he said.

“The 2023 winners of the male and female 100 mile races are also both coming back to defend their titles.”

The Grim Reaper – which began in 2010 with just a dozen participants – was relaunched last year by Steve and the owner of Bog Dog running shop in Ryhall Road, Stamford, Laura Bailey.

Their plan was to create an event that catered for runners of all abilities, in a stunning location and with “a friendly, supportive vibe”.

More than 200 people took part in last year’s Grim Reaper, starting and finishing in sight of Grimsthorpe Castle and with many runners camping overnight at the site.

This year’s 100-mile race and 70-mile race begin at 7am on Saturday, May 25, the 40-mile race at 8am, and the daytime 10-mile at 10am. A night version of the 10-mile race starts at 9pm.