Ultra Challenge Series
Are you a regular walker and new to endurance events? Perhaps a seasoned trekker looking for testing adventures? Or even a marathon runner wanting to 'up' your distance?
Whether it's along magnificent coastal scenery, or in stunning open countryside, there’s an Ultra Challenge for you. Walk, Jog or Run at YOUR pace, along with 30,000 others of all ages and experience, on the Ultra Challenge Series event of your choice.
It will be rewarding, fun, and absolutely achievable with your resolve and determination alongside first class support, all whilst raising funds to support our vital work at Age UK Kent Rivers!
About the Ultra Challenge Series
The Ultra Challenge Series are a selection of endurance events in 2022, located in the most idyllic spots around England. Take a stroll or jog along magnificent coastal scenery, or push yourself to run through stunning open countryside. Decide your own finish line - 25km, 50km or 100km. It's Your Challenge - Your Way!
What's included and what support do I recieve?
You are supported from the minute you sign up to your challenge, to after you've crossed the finish line! Included in many of the challenges are:
- The option to take part on your own or as part of a team
- Rest stops with free snacks & drinks and toilets
- Doctors, Paramedics, First Aiders, Podiatrists and Masseurs at rest stops
- Pre-event training and support
- Full access to the Ultra Challenge app which is packed with information and guidance
- The option to do a full, half or quarter marathon
- The option to include a camping package
- Access to 24 hour mobile Emergency Medical Teams
- A glass of bubbly, a t-shirt and a medal waiting for you at the finish line!
Sign Up and Fundraising Options
There are three ways of funding your Ultra Challenge:
- Charity Sponsorship – you pay a small registration fee, do lots of fundraising and Ultra Challenge cover the cost of your event place!
- Mixed Funding – pay half of the event place cost yourself, fundraise a bit less and Ultra Challenge pay the balance of the event place cost.
- Self Fund – you pay the full cost of the event place - fundraise whatever you want, with no set target or deadline, and there’s no cost at all to Age UK Medway!
For more information or some help understanding the different funding options, select the event you are interested in and click 'Find out more' to visit the individual event pages.
Alternatively, you email us or call us on 01634 578085. Don't forget to download our Fundraising Pack (at the end of this page) once you've selected your challenge!
Stephen's London to Brighton 100k
Until I got involved I never realised Age UK offer so many different and varying services for elderly people, including HandyMan services, Meals and Drop-in Centres where people can just be social.
There are almost 2 million older people in the UK who suffer with loneliness, and I hope the funds I raise will help Age UK Medway reach out to more of them and help remind them how great life can be! 
Ultra Challenge Event Calendar:
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London Winter Walk - 27-28 Jan 2024
Walk off the festive celebrations and kick start a New Year fitness regime, or do some early training for a full Ultra Challenge later in the year. Choose your distance – Full Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K, wrap up and walk on Saturday or Sunday. You’ll get a winter neck buff, a medal, hot food & drink – and an invigorating capital hike.
Central London
Full & Half Marathon & 10K Options - Walking only! -
Easter 50 Challenge - 6 April 2024
The first Ultra Challenge of the season – and a good one to take on after the Easter break! From the Windsor Racecourse basecamp, you can Walk, Jog or Run a looped route 50 km, 25 km, or 10 km through historic Windsor, along the Thames Path, and enjoy some wonderful surrounding countryside. You’ll get a few Easter surprises, a neck buff & medal, hot food & drink at the finish – and it’s a great event to test those legs, and to get in shape!
Windsor & Thames Path50km, 25km or 10km Loop
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Isle of Wight Challenge - 4-5 May 2024
The Island is easier to get to than you might think with good ferry links, shuttle transfers, and a Chale basecamp + optional camping packages. The coastal path is one of the best – with amazing views, ups & downs, cliffs & beaches, Needles, and historic resort towns. It will be an unforgettable May bank holiday weekend!
Coastal Path - Chale Basecamp
106km & 3/4, 1/2 & 1/4 Options
Transfer & Camping packages -
Jurassic Coast Challenge - 18-19 May 2024
One of Britain’s stunning coastlines, and a fantastic setting for a tough challenge. Amazing views, a few steep hills, Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, and distance options to suit everyone. With camping options available at the Corfe Castle start venue & in Weymouth (half way at 58 km) – it will be an unforgettable Dorset Coast weekend.
Jurassic Coast - Dorset100km & 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, Marathon & 10K OptionsTransfer & Camping packages
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London 2 Brighton Challenge - 25-26 May 2024
A favourite route for vintage cars & bikes, but our ‘off road / on foot’ version is much more rewarding! A Richmond start by the Thames – with varied scenery, trails, the North & South Downs, wonderful Surrey & Sussex countryside, and a memorable Brighton Racecourse finish line.
Capital to Coast
100km & 1/2, Marathon & 25k Options
Transfer & Camping packages -
Lake District Challenge - 8-9 June 2024
A World Heritage site, world famous scenery, with fells, lakes, and forests – the best of England! Kendal, on the edge of the National Park, makes a perfect start/finish base camp for an amazing challenge – with optional pre-event camping & half-way hostel accommodation by Windermere for ‘2 Day & Half’ challengers.
Southern Lake District100km Loop & 1/2, 1/4, Maraton & 10K OptionsTransfer & Camping/Hostel packages
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Cotswold Way Challenge - 22-23 June 2024
A looped route from our Cirencester basecamp with a half-way at Wotton – and some tough hills and fabulous views. A great way to experience the Cotswolds – + with optional University hall accommodation at the basecamp makes it better than ever!
Cirencester Basecamp
100km Loop & 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 & 10K Options
Transfer & Camping/Hostel packages -
Peak District Challenge - 6-7 July 2024
The figure of 8 route out from our Bakewell basecamp enables a fantastic & varied experience. Choose a distance that suits – and with camping options – or nearby B&B’s – it makes for a great Peaks weekend away!
Southern Peak District100km Loop & 1/2, 1/4, 10 mile OptionsTransfer & Camping packages
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North Downs 50 Challenge - 27 July 2024
A new challenge for 2023 taking in the some of the best of the Surrey hills and the surrounding countryside – with panoramic views. Our start / finish venue in Guilford is challenge basecamp’ – with a range of hospitality & accommodation options available. All very accessible from London and the South East!
North Downs - Surrey
50km Loop, 25km & 10K Option
Transfers & Accommodation available -
South West Coast 50 Challenge - 3 August 2024
A new challenge in the South West taking in the start of the magnificent South West Coastal Path, and the unique countryside of Exmoor – including Dunkery Beacon (Exmoor’s high point) – with panoramic views. Our start / finish venue beneath Dunster Castle is ‘challenge basecamp’ – with a full range of hospitality & camping options across the weekend.
South West Coast Path & Exmoor50km Loop, 25km & 10K OptionTransfers & Camping available
London Summer Walk - 24 August 2024
NEW THIS YEAR!
Explore the ‘gateway to London’ along the River Thames eastern section. Starting by Woolwich Royal Artillery Barracks, past the O2, Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark – through the Greenwich tunnel to Docklands & Thames Barrier Park – back to Woolwich via the 2nd foot tunnel. A route steeped in history and capped with a BBQ & bar at the finish – and a great summer bank holiday weekend adventure!
East London & Thames
25km Loop Route - Walking only!
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South Coast Challenge - 7-8 September 2024
A magnificent challenge backdrop with includes Beachy Head, Seven Sisters Country Park, Brighton sea-front, Devil’s Dyke, and a fantastic 100 km finish in historic Arundel. Whether it’s a full, half, or quarter challenge – it will be unforgettable – and a real highlight of the year!
The South Downs Way
100km & 1/2, 1/4 Options
Transfers & Camping available -
Thames Path Challenge - 14-15 September 2024
The Thames is steeped in history, and the route heads upstream to Henley taking in Richmond, Hampton Court, Runnymede, Windsor, Eton, and some wonderful countryside along the way.
Putney Bridge to Henley100km & 1/2, 1/4, 10K OptionsTransfer & Camping packages
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Thames Bridges Trek - 14 September 2024
The Bridges Trek is a great way to see the best of London with cityscape views & unfolding history. Over 2,000 will take it on, and there’s a party style atmosphere at the finish – and plenty of time to celebrate afterwards!
Putney Bridge - Tower Bridge
25km & 16 Bridges - Walking only! -
Thames Moonlight Walk - 13 September 2024
The ‘Moonlight 10 Walk‘ is on Friday evening setting out from The Oval Cricket Ground. It will be a fun London evening along the Thames – and if you have the legs the local bar will be open afterwards.
Central London - Vauxhall10 Mile or 10km Loops - Walking only!
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Chiltern 50 Challenge - 28 September 2024
A great way to end the season, with extra hospitality to turn it into a celebration. The route will surprise some as it’s rural, scenic, and varied – and all quite close to London & accessible.
Chiltern Hills
50km Loop, 25km & 10K Options -
London Halloween Walk - 26 October 2024
Dress to distress, and our creepy dungeon keepers at The Oval Cricket Ground basecamp start & finish will meet, greet & shock! Once you escape there’s ghostly looped routes, with zombie rest stops, and if you manage to get back in one piece there’s a macabre medal, a glass of the Devil’s fizz, some horrific hot food & drink.
Central London50km Loop, 25km & 10K Options - Walking only!
Next Steps
Chosen your Ultra Challenge and not sure what to do next?
1. Download our Fundraising Pack
2. Let us know! Email us or give us a call on 01634 578085.
3. Get inspired! Visit our Fundraising Ideas page for tips/examples on how to raise funds for your Ultra Challenge!
Nick's Lake District 100km Challenge
Many Challengers start out with an individual goal, whether that is to complete the route in a particular time, or simply to reach the finishing line. But, no matter how individual you feel at the outset, you can be certain that'll change. Whether it is the incredible Action Challenge staff and helpers you find along the way, or whether you are lucky enough to find a walking buddy, you will never feel alone, and at no stage will you meet anyone who isn't willing you to do the very best you can. With determination, and mutual encouragement from my walking buddy, I made it to the finish line and to my fantastic waiting support crew. 
