There are hundreds of trail & ultra challenges taking place up and down the UK but not all openly promote participation by Sport Walkers. Some either make it hard for walkers with tight cut off times or make no provision for walking in their event biogs. So, we’ve created this directory, to list as many Sport Walker friendly events as possible, with basic info, as a resource for plotting your challenge year.
We’ll be expanding this directory as we get more information back from organisers that we reach out to for clarification on their position regarding walking their events.
Threshold Trail Series
Threshold Sport have slimmed down their ultramarathon challenge offering since the Covid era, removing Race to the Castle & Race to the Tower from their portfolio to concentrate on their two flagship events.
Race to the King
Where? West Dean, West Sussex
When? 21st June 2025
Distances: 50k – two loop options, 100k non-stop both loops, 25+ hour cut off
Format has changed, removing all two day options & 100k is now non-stop only Visit website
Race to the Stones
Where? Lewknor – Avebury along the Ridgeway
When? 12th & 13th July 2025
Distances: 50k on both days, 100k non-stop or over two days, 25+ hour cut off
Pitched as the UK’s biggest ultra, this event is seen as one of the premier fixtures. Visit website
Ultra Challenge Series
The Ultra Challenge series has arguably the greatest number of challenge events of any organiser, with 16 events in all. All their challenge events welcome walkers & actively promote walking as one of the ways to take part. They’ve even introduced an ‘Ultra March’ category within certain events to create even more walking options.
Isle of Wight Challenge
Where? Newport, Isle of Wight
When? 3rd & 4th May 2025
Distances: 106k non-stop or various other distances over the two days
Probably their most well known event, opportunity to circumnavigate the island
Lake District Challenge
Where? Kendal, Lake District
When? 7th & 8th June 2025
Distances: 100k non-stop or over two days, 50k, 25k & Marathon
This is a fabulous Lakeland loop taking in Windermere & the surrounding fells
South Coast Challenge
Where? Wannock – Arundel, West Sussex
When? 6th & 7th September 2025
Distances: 100k non-stop or over two days, 50k & 25k
Classic South Downs route, dropping down to Brighton at the half way point
Other Challenges:
More events at main website: HERE
Freedom Racing
Freedom Racing may not have the profile of Threshold or Ultra Challenge but their events pack a big punch & have a loyal following. Well known for their Cornish summer trail running series, they’re also highly respected for ‘The Serpent Trail’ race and the winter wonder that is the ‘Hurtwood 50k’ – we know, we’ve done it & it’s fab! Freedom Racing have several winter events, that are excellent for both training & to extend your season.
Serpent Trail
Where? Haslemere – Petersfield
When? 5th July 2025
Distances: 100k non-stop, 75k, 50k, 20k & 10k
This race is fast becoming a top fixture in the calendar & is renowned for the beauty of the route
Hurtwood 50K
Where? Dorking, Surrey
When? 7th December 2025
Distances: 50k non-stop
This winter challenge takes in Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill & Pitch Hill – the Surrey Three Peaks.
North Downs Ridge 50K
Where? Dorking – Guildford, Surrey
When? February 2026 – date TBC
Distances: 50k non-stop
A great way to kick off the year, with a route along the North Downs Way National Trail
Other Challenges:
Five Trails Ultra & Three Trails Half
UK Running Events
UK Running Events, an organiser responsible for the Run Rebel series & Inflatable 5k races, has expanded into the walking event world by adding ‘hikes’ onto the bill of their running events. Unlike many ultras that are simply ‘open’ to all comers, UK Running Events have decided to promote the walking & running fixtures as separate entities, even though they take place on the same day and using the same courses. We welcome this separation because then walkers can see how they’ve done against other walkers, they’re not just another name on the results which include both runners & walkers. It’s also providing dedicated walking challenge opportunities and that’s a good thing!
UK Hiking Events
Where? Various locations throughout UK
When? Year round
Distances: Mostly half marathon – 22k, 16k, 10k
These events are an excellent option for shorter distance challenges as the the longest option is a half marathon.
Other Organisers & Events
Long Distance Walkers Association – offering a wealth of challenge walks for members
Other event links @ Time Outdoors