What is The 12 Stories?

The 12 Stories – 24 Hour Fairytale Relay Challenge 2027

Where running meets adventure, teamwork and a little bit of magic…

Once upon a time, in the beautiful countryside near Stratford-upon-Avon, a running event unlike any other was created…

The 12 Stories 24 Hour Relay Challenge returns for 2027 — a fun-filled endurance adventure designed for runners of all abilities. Whether you are chasing a competitive finish, enjoying a weekend adventure with friends, or simply looking for a running experience that you will never forget, this is a challenge where the journey matters as much as the finish line.

Set within the stunning surroundings of Bearley, near Stratford-upon-Avon, teams of five will take on a unique relay format, completing a selection of story-inspired routes across the weekend. Distances range from shorter challenges to longer adventures including approximately 5km, 5 miles, 10km and 10 miles, allowing every team member to contribute in their own way.

But this is no ordinary relay…

A Running Adventure Like No Other

Your team will enter a world where fairy tales come to life. Guided by GPS routes, story books, clues and challenges, you will explore the countryside, solve puzzles, complete tasks and unlock your path towards the finish.

With up to 15 different routes available, teams must work together to decide who takes on each adventure, using everyone’s strengths to complete the challenge. Some routes require speed, some require teamwork, and some require a little creativity.

Along the way you may encounter:

📖 The Library – your event HQ, where the mysterious librarians hold the rules, challenges and secrets of the weekend.

🏃 The Story Trails – adventure routes ranging from short runs to longer journeys, featuring clues, puzzles and surprises along the way.

🎪 The Funfair/Funground – complete activities, earn rewards and collect pieces needed to complete your team’s final challenge.

🧩 The Final Story – your team’s adventure is complete only when you have built your character and presented it back to the librarians.

More Than Just a Race

The 12 Stories is about teamwork, laughter and creating memories. You don’t need to run for 24 hours continuously — teams can rest, sleep, socialise and plan their strategy. Your moving time is what counts, meaning clever teamwork and good decisions can be just as important as running ability.

Whether you are an experienced ultra runner or someone looking for a fun weekend challenge, everyone has a role to play.

A Weekend Experience

Arrive on Friday, settle into camp and meet your fellow adventurers before the weekend begins. Enjoy the atmosphere, evening entertainment and the excitement of what lies ahead.

The event takes place at a beautiful campsite in Bearley, close to Stratford-upon-Avon, with camping included and plenty of opportunity to relax between adventures.

Expect:

⛺ Camping under the stars
🔥 A fantastic community atmosphere
🎶 Evening entertainment
📚 Story-driven challenges
🏃 Running routes for all abilities
😂 Plenty of laughs, surprises and unforgettable moments

Event Details

📅 Friday 23rd July – Sunday 25th July 2027
📍 Greenhills Touring Site, Bearley, Stratford-upon-Avon
👥 Teams of 5
🏃 Suitable for all abilities
⏱️ 24-hour relay adventure format
✨ A weekend where every runner becomes part of the story

So gather your team, lace up your trainers and prepare to step into a world where fairy tales run free…

Will your team become legends of the 12 Stories?

And they all lived happily ever after…