North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge
Sat 27 Jul 2024 Guildford, Surrey, UK

North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

A fabulous charity challenge setting out from Guildford base camp on a looped route taking in some of the best of the Surrey hills, the North Downs Way, and the surrounding countryside.

Get charity place
  • Sat 27 Jul 2024
Surrey Sports Park, Guildford

North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

07:00

£10-£40

Age 14 & over

  • 50 km road 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

  • Guildford Base camp Loop 50km

    Starting at base camp near Guildford (you can stay in the ‘optional University accommodation’ on Friday before the Challenge, and /or on Saturday afterwards) set out Saturday morning for a continuous 50km challenge – finishing back at in Guildford. You’ll get full support all the way – and there are 3 rest stops en route.

  • Guildford Base Camp Loop 25km

    The 25km looped challenge sets out from Guildford early Saturday morning, along some of the most picturesque parts of the Surrey Hills Way – with a rest stop at half way with snacks and drinks. After 25km and over 500 metres of climb – it’s a celebration and lunch back at basecamp!

  • 1st Half of the full route 24km

    Follow the North Downs Way to Dorking. Fabulous views! Starting at base camp near Guildford (you can stay in the ‘optional University accommodation’ on Friday before the Challenge, and /or on Saturday afterwards) set out Saturday morning following the North Downs Way to Dorking, for a 24km challenge with fabulous views. You’ll get full support all the way, a rest stops en route, and a picnic lunch at the finish. Optional transfers back to Guilford basecamp.

  • Guildford 10K

    A beautiful 10km looped route from the basecamp at Surrey Sports Park. The route explores public footpaths within Littleton pas Loseley Park. 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

Surrey Sports Park
Richard Meyjes Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7AD
UK

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

Join the mid-summer North Downs 50 Challenge! The looped route is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty of the Surrey Hills, taking in chalk ridges and ancient woodlands.

Setting out from a Guildford  base camp it’s through Chantry Woods overlooking Chilworth and Chinthurst Hill, with spectacular views at the top of St Martha’s Hill – also home to a historic church.

With some ups and downs along the way – Newlands Corner, a nature reserve, provides some of the best views over the Surrey Hills. With easy access from London and the Home Counties by car or train – 50km and 25km distance options, and a Guildford base camp with optional University style accommodation – there’s a fantastic challenge along the famous North Downs 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 required
  • 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.

Mental health

Mind

The mental health charity.

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

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£360

Children

Dreams Come True

Making dreams come true to bring joy to seriously ill children.

  • T-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£360

Health and Medical

Stroke Association

Rebuilding lives after stroke.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
£22.50

Fundraise
£360

Cancer

Bowel Cancer UK

Beating bowel cancer together.

  • 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

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£360

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

Children

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity

Helping the hospital offer a better future to seriously ill children across the UK.

  • T-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£360

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

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

£40.00

Minimum sponsorship

£575.00