Rumour has long swilled around the pub concerning a tale of folklore from the early twentieth century. It concerns a night of such merriment that the cider kegs ran completely dry. Anecdote has it … that this led to a drunken challenge … seeking to fetch a new keg on foot and have it back behind the bar in 30 minutes (before closing). Three men, accepting the bet, chased down to the local Midford cider farm (now the home of Honey’s Cider), on foot, and then ran the full keg back to the Packhorse …. to loud cheers and a celebratory ‘lock in’. At least that is how the story goes.
So, in typical Packhorse spirit, 2025 is going to be the year of the inaugural ‘Packhorse Keg Run’ and we would love to see you there!
When:
Saturday 12 July (1300 onwards; events start c. 1400 and finish c. 1700 with awards/BBQ continuing in the pub garden into the evening).
A childrens’ race (on Old School Hill) will take place at c. 1630hrs.
Where:
At the Packhorse pub (start/finish) with event course between South Stoke and Midford (off road).
Format:
- The keg run will be a time trial … with teams (three members) set off from the start line every five minutes.
- Each team will be provided with equipment (two wooden beams, four straps and an empty keg).
- On “3, 2, 1, go”, teams will set off from the start (Packhorse) and run to the cider farm at Upper Midford; on arrival there, they will be presented with a full barrel (55kg men/mixed, 35kg women) which they then attach to their beams. After each team member consumes 0.5 pint of cider (or a non-alcoholic alternative), they then walk/run the keg back over the hill to South Stoke with a final (Old School Hill) uphill section, mobbed by cheering spectators, back to the finish (Packhorse pub).
- Fancy dress will be compulsory.
- Three categories of entry will be available: all men, all women, or mixed (same weight as men).
- There will be prizes for: fastest time (each category), fancy dress, best team spirit and wooden spoon.
- We estimate (per our trial run), teams taking between 20-40 minutes to complete this course.
- All event participants are encouraged to stay around for celebratory awards, drinks and BBQ (from 1700hrs).
Route:
Notes:
- With exception of small section at start, and Old School Hill finish, this will be run on public footpath.
- Teams will be required to navigate a number of gates (circles on map).
- The route will be stewarded at key junctures.
Team Registration:
- This promises to be a popular event (perfect for friend groups, local pub/company/sports teams also).
- For the inaugural year we intend to cap team entries to 25 teams.
- There will be a small (non-refundable) charge for team entry (£18/team).
- To secure a place, please register your team entry (Team name and names of three team members) via this link and make the team payment via this link.
- You will be notified whether you have secured a (limited) place – or – whether you are on the ‘waiting list’ (if you can make the payment you have made the cut). If you are awarded a place, please ensure you do attend – or – take the courtesy to let us know at least a week before if you can nolonger attend. This will give us the ability to stand up a team on the waiting list.
- Teams will be allocated their start time prior to the event and will need to arrive at least 45 minutes ahead of this (to receive briefing and equipment).
- Team registration closes Friday 04 July.
- All enquiries (and team cancellation notices) can be made to: kegrun@packhorsebath.co.uk
Childrens’ Event:
- At c. 1630 hours, we will be hosting a fun childrens’ race on Old School Hill (It’s a Knockout style).
- Fancy dress also very much encouraged.
- Registration for this can take place on the day (between 1400-1620 hours).
Note for spectators (and participants):
- As per always, please note parking is extremely limited at the Packhorse (even more so on this day as we clear the pub car park and local hill for the event). Please seek to park outside the village and walk in (good warm up for participants).
- Spectators are encouraged to bring noisy horns and bells to encourage teams on the final uphill section … think ‘Tour de France’ cow bells.
