07:00
Sign up £15
Fundraise £360
Age 14 & over
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kent Showground
Detling
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 3JF
UK
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!
With weekend camping options at basecamp, a bar, BBQ, music and entertainment – there’s going to be a festival feel on this challenge!
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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?
The registration fee and minimum sponsorship amount will vary depending on charity/distance chosen.