Badger Challenge

Event overview

Badger Challenge is a six-hour off-road event at Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire (LE12 8TA), taking place on 27 February 2026. The event uses a 3.3 mile loop and participants complete as many laps as they wish within the six-hour time limit. A marathon distance requires eight laps and a half marathon requires four laps. Participants can pick up a medal, flapjack and beer after a lap.

Location and course

The event starts from the Lower Car Park at Beacon Hill Country Park. Parking charges are stated as £3 for under three hours or £4 for the day, payable by card or coin. The nearest train station is Loughborough, about 6 miles away. The loop climbs from the lower car park for the first half and descends for the second. Paths are described as well maintained crushed stone; underfoot is generally decent but may be mucky depending on weather. A nearby trig point is available as a photo opportunity but is not on the official route.

Entry, rules and other details

Entry fees are tiered; prices shown in the source include a range of amounts (examples given are £33.30–£39.00 and previously listed figures of £37 and £42). Unaffiliated entrants pay an extra charge. Canicross is permitted with short leads and a separate canicross entry is required. A GPX of the route is available. The event supports Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity with optional donations, has run at Beacon Hill since 2022, and received a Gold Racecheck award in 2024. Rucking is expressly allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.