Compton Marathon & 16 Mile Challenge

Compton Marathon & 16 Mile Challenge - Compton Downland Challenge 2026

Compton Harriers will stage the twenty-sixth Compton Downland Challenge on 16 May 2026 from the Compton village recreation ground next to the Village Hall, Compton, Berkshire. The event offers two measured route options and a published time limit of seven hours.

Distances:

• 26.8 miles full marathon
• 16 miles challenge

Both routes are multi-terrain and thread across the Berkshire Downs and parts of the ancient Ridgeway. The course follows a mix of quiet tracks, trails and bridleways that can become muddy when wet, with some short traffic free road sections. There is an opportunity to switch to the shorter route at the 9 mile point; runners not within time controls at that point may be directed to the 16 mile route. Total ascent is given as about 1,500 ft for the marathon and 1,050 ft for the 16 mile route.

Support and facilities include marshals at major turns, aid stations about every 3 to 4 miles offering drinks and snacks with a request for runners to bring a cup, timing chips and numbers to collect on the day, showers and toilets, and ample parking a short walk from the race HQ. Finishers receive a hand-thrown mug from White Horse Pottery. The event is run under UKA rules with a Trail Running Association permit to be confirmed. Advance entry fee is listed as £32.50 with a higher on-the-day fee and a levy for unaffiliated runners. Route maps, elevation profiles and route videos are provided by the organiser. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.