Badger Challenge

Event

The Badger Challenge is a six-hour off-road running event held on 27 February 2026 at Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire (Lower Car Park, LE12 8TA). Participants complete as many laps of a set loop as they wish within the six-hour limit. Entry uses tiered pricing, with earlier entries offered at lower rates.

Distances

• 3.3 mile loop per lap
• 4 laps = half marathon
• 8 laps = marathon
• 15 laps (example) covers over 50 miles

Course and format

The loop climbs from the lower car park for the first half and descends on the second half. Paths are well maintained crushed stone; the trig point is near the top but not on the marked route. Underfoot is generally decent but may become mucky depending on weather. The route is not described as technical. A GPX of the route is available for download and the course will be marked on event day.

Logistics and extras

Parking at the country park is charged (£3 for under three hours, £4 for the day) and accepts card or coin. The nearest train station is Loughborough, about six miles away. Dogs are permitted; canicross entries must observe short-lead and event canicross rules. The event is suitable for rucking. Participants are offered either a medal or a Big Bear Tree Token (a tree planted per token; token contains wildflower seeds). The event has run at Beacon Hill since 2022 and received a Gold Racecheck award in 2024. The organiser has a charity partnership with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity; the charity reports over 200 nurses supporting more than 40,000 seriously ill children. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.