Badger Challenge
Loughborough, United Kingdom • 27 Feb 2026
Badger Challenge : Beacon Hill Country Park
The Badger Challenge is a six hour off-road event held at the Lower Car Park, Beacon Hill Country Park, LE12 8TA. Parking at the park is charged at £3 for under three hours or £4 for a full day, payable by card or coin. The nearest train station is Loughborough, about six miles away.
The event uses a 3.3 mile loop that participants repeat within the six hour time limit. Distances can therefore vary widely depending on how many laps are completed:
- One lap is about 3.3 miles (around 5 km).
- Half marathon equals 4 laps.
- Marathon equals 8 laps.
- Multiple laps can exceed 50 miles.
The course climbs from the lower car park on well maintained crushed stone paths for the first half and descends on the second half. The trig point is near the top but not on the marked route. Underfoot is generally decent but may be mucky depending on weather; the route is physically demanding but not technical.
Dogs are permitted for canicross; leads should be kept short and entrants must register in the canicross category. Rucking is permitted. A GPX of the route is available for download but the route may be subject to last minute changes and will be marked on event day.
The organiser offers standard medals or an eco alternative Tree Token that funds tree planting and contains wildflower seeds. The event partners with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity; donations during entry are optional and go to the charity. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.