Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge
Sat 12 Oct 2024 Maidstone, Kent, UK

Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

An end-of-season charity challenge in the Garden of England with a looped route around the Kent Downs starting on the North Downs Way with picturesque scenery and full support all the way.

Get charity place
  • Sat 12 Oct 2024
Kent Showground, Maidstone

Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

07:00

£10-£30

Age 14 & over

  • 1 day trail running

Overview

If you're keen to take on a proper challenge, shape up, re-energise and support an important cause, this ultra will help you go further than ever before - whether you walk, jog or run your way to the finish line.

You'll be supported all the way from the moment you sign up with an event app, online guides, forums and training walks. On the challenge there are safe venues, camping options, fully signed routes, chip timing, marquee rest stops, fantastic food and drink and expert safety, medical and welfare teams to get you over the finish line where you'll receive a huge cheer, medal, glass of fizz, t-shirt, massage, BBQ and more!

Challenge options

  • Kent Downs Loop 50km

    From the base camp it’s anticlockwise around the Kent Downs. Heading out on the North Downs Way to Blue Bell Hill before turning south and around to the picturesque village of Aylesford one of the River Medway’s hidden jewels via Eccles. From Aylesford the route follows the River Medway to Maidstone and then onto and through Mote Park.  From Mote Park the route continues southwest along the Len Valley Walk to Leeds Castle where it turns to rejoin the North Downs Way to Detling and back to the Kent Showground.

  • Kent Downs Loop 25km

    The 25km loop sits within the 50km loop and splits off at the picturesque village of Aylesford one of the River Medway’s hidden jewels heading east on Augustine Camino to Detling via Boxley and back to the Kent Showground. 

  • Maidstone 10km

    The 10km loop sits within both the 50km and 25km loop and splits off at the Pilgrim Way returning to Detling via Boxley and back to the Kent Showground. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, glass of fizz and discounted hot meal to celebrate your achievements.

Event video

  • Event village
  • Newcomers

Solo or with others

Taking on an ultra trek or run is a serious challenge and tough for most people, but also achievable with the right training plan which you'll get access to when you sign up. This challenge is fully supported meaning it's the perfect way to have-a-go at a longer distance.

Charity challenge

Fundraising for a cause close to your heart is part of the challenge and you'll receive a wealth of support, advice and tips from your chosen charity to make sure you smash your fundraising target.

  • Bag storage
  • Bag transfer
  • Bar
  • BBQ
  • Cafe
  • Camping
  • Changing facilities
  • Entertainment
  • Free parking
  • Music
  • Rural
  • Showers
  • Toilets

Event HQ

Kent Showground
Detling
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 3JF
UK

  • Check points
  • Distance markers
  • First aid
  • Food stations
  • Marshals
  • Return transport
  • Sleeping facilities
  • Sweeper
  • Toilets
  • Undulating
  • Water stations
  • Way markers

A basecamp near Maidstone, with parking and weekend camping options. The main 50km looped route heads anticlockwise around the Kent Downs – starting on the North Downs Way to Blue Bell Hill, around picturesque Aylesford, and following the River Medway to Mote Park at halfway for a picnic.

Along the Len Valley Walk to the majestic Leeds Castle, then the North Downs Way back to the showground finish line and celebration. It’s easily accessible; you’ll get full support; and with 25km and 10km options also available, there’s a Kent Downs challenge waiting for you!

map

  • Chip timing
  • Event app
  • Goody bag
  • GPS tracking
  • Map
  • Massage
  • Medal
  • Pre-event training sessions
  • Training plan
  • T-shirt

With weekend camping options at basecamp, a bar, BBQ, music and entertainment – there’s going to be a festival feel on this challenge!

Included before

  • Dedicated challenge app to help you prepare
  • Challenge manual and event guides
  • Training walks and runs
  • Kit and equipment lists – discounts and advice
  • Preparation videos and pre-event briefing
  • Online forums – meet fellow challengers

Included on the challenge

  • Rest stops every ~12.5km – covered with seating, toilets & rest areas
  • Free food and drinks – catering to all dietary requirements
  • First aid support – at stops and en route
  • Medics, podiatrists and massage
  • Fully signed route and online maps
  • Chip-timing – keeping track of you
  • Trek Masters – to help guide you
  • Baggage transfer service
  • Emergency support and route pick-ups
  • Shuttles for retirees to take you forward
  • Bookable transfers before and after your challenge
  • Medal, t-shirt and glass of fizz at the finish

  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising support

Every year hundreds of challengers get a discounted charity place in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charity it gives the participant advantages too, from saving tens of pounds on the registration fee to supporting a cause that is close to your heart and much more.

Benefits of taking part for charity

Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and train, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:

  • Fundraising support

    Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous participants.

  • Training support

    Whether this is your first ultra or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elites too, who can provide exclusive tips for your challenge preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champions.

  • Branded kit

    When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest for the big day, and often a training top too.

  • Exclusive social groups

    You won't be the only person taking part for that charity, so it's well worth meeting others through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training days, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels high.

Ultra challenges and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you go the distance for?

Charity places

These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity, complete the form and follow the instructions.

Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support

No one should have to face cancer alone.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£360

Health and Medical

Parkinson's UK

Find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£360

Cancer

Bowel Cancer UK

Beating bowel cancer together.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£360

  • Age 14 & over
  • Entries open
  • Charity entries open
  • Charity places
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available

The registration fee and minimum sponsorship amount will vary depending on charity/distance chosen.

Age

  • 50km - 16 years and over
  • 25km - 14 years and over
  • 14-17 year olds need to be accompanied by an adult

Entry fees

Registration fee

£10.00

Minimum sponsorship

£100.00

Registration fee

£30.00

Minimum sponsorship

£360.00