Bury to Clare Challenge

Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom • 17 May 2026

Event Overview

The Bury to Clare Challenge is an 18-mile point-to-point walking or running event. It takes place on Sunday, 17 May 2026. The route starts at Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds and finishes at Clare Castle Country Park in Clare, Suffolk. A donation of £5 from each entry fee is made to St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Route & Course

The 18-mile route crosses the gently undulating countryside of West Suffolk, passing through villages including Hawstead, Whepstead, and Somerton. It is described as not overly technical and will be well-marked. Participants need to pay attention to their own navigation as the course is not fully marshaled and crosses a few roads.

Event Details

The event is open to a maximum of 350 participants, with a minimum age of 18. The cut-off time is 17:00 for all participants. Separate start times are designated for walkers and runners.

Facilities and logistics include: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

  • Two aid stations along the route provide refreshments, with an additional water station added if conditions are warm.
  • Toilets are available at the start/finish and along the route.
  • Baggage transport is provided from the start to the finish line.
  • Paid parking is available at both the start and finish locations.
  • Pre-event transport from the finish to the start is available on race morning for a fee.
  • All finishers receive a medal.
  • First aiders are present at the start/finish and along the course.

Race information

18 mi
18 Mile Challenge
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Enjoy a guided 16 km run through the scenic woodland trails of High Lodge in Thetford Forest. This relaxed group event features conversational pacing and helpful trail running tips from experienced guides.

Enjoy a guided 10k group run through the scenic woodland trails of High Lodge in Thetford Forest. This relaxed event focuses on conversational pacing and scenery rather than racing.

Join this inclusive event at Haughley Park featuring various distances from 5k to an Ultra Marathon. Enjoy a looped course through beautiful woodland and trails with full aid station support and a unique finisher medal.

Experience the inaugural Wild Deer Trail Runs at High Lodge in Thetford Forest. Choose between chip timed 5km and 10km distances through scenic woodland trails with medals and merchandise for all finishers.