Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge
Sat 10 Oct 2026 Maidstone, Kent

Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

An end-of-season ultra 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.

Sign up for £49-£139

Enter now

3 races

  • Sat 10 Oct
  • #1 of 3
Kent Showground, Maidstone

50km

07:30

Age 16 & over

£139

  • 50 km trail running + 1000 m ascent
  • Sat 10 Oct
  • #2 of 3
Kent Showground, Maidstone

25km

08:30

Age 14 & over

£89

  • 25 km trail running + 450 m ascent
  • Sat 10 Oct
  • #3 of 3
Kent Showground, Maidstone

Maidstone 10K

10:00

Age 8 & over

£49

  • 10 km trail running + 180 m ascent

Event overview

 The Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge has a basecamp near Maidstone, with parking and weekend camping options.

The main 50km loop 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 Ultra Challenge® waiting for you!

The Ultra Challenge Experience

This endurance event is for a wide range of fitness and ages. Choose your distance and do it at your pace. The support enables you to go further, whilst enjoying the great outdoors and camaraderie.

There are marquee rest stops, plenty of food and drink, medical and massage teams, and a fully signed route with GPS tracking to guide you. A big finish-line celebration awaits with an amazing sense of achievement, and once the aches subside, you’ll feel energised and up for more of life’s challenges!

Event video

Event community

  • Average fitness
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Event village
  • Families

Your challenge, your way

Whether you’re a walker and new to challenge events, an experienced trekker, a marathon enthusiast upping the distance, or a seasoned ultra runner after ITRA points, there’s an Ultra Challenge® for you! Walk, Jog, or Run, as an Individual or a Team, for a charity of your choice or just for you. The Kent Downs Ultra Challenge® is fun, safe, and rewarding with full support all the way, enabling you to push yourself further and then celebrate your achievements at the Maidstone basecamp.

Best support & hospitality

This Ultra Challenge® famously lays on the best support and hospitality available on any UK endurance-style event. This enables you to step up and confidently tackle an 'Ultra' distance, with the best chance of success - and to enjoy your challenge! Here's a summary:

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

Event HQ

Kent Showground
Detling
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 3JF
UK

Do it for charity

Looking to do this event for charity? Click below to see the full list of charities to secure a place or join a charity team with your own place.

Get charity place

Races at event

  • Sat 10 Oct
  • #1 of 3
Kent Showground, Maidstone
50km

07:30

Age 16 & over

£139

  • 50 km trail running + 1000 m ascent
  • Sat 10 Oct
  • #2 of 3
Kent Showground, Maidstone
25km

08:30

Age 14 & over

£89

  • 25 km trail running + 450 m ascent
  • Sat 10 Oct
  • #3 of 3
Kent Showground, Maidstone
Maidstone 10K

10:00

Age 8 & over

£49

  • 10 km trail running + 180 m ascent
4 steps to wellbeing
Sleep well

A good night's sleep is an essential foundation for a healthy lifestyle, effective training and weight control.

Train slow

Low-intensity training is easier for you, reduces the risk of injury and helps builds an efficient aerobic system.

Eat natural

Cut out sugar & junk food, reduce carbs, eat natural foods and train your body to burn fat for fuel.

Get outdoors

Fresh air, natural light and reconnecting with nature all help to improve mental and physical wellbeing.