Crocodile Challenge

Crocodile Challenge - Ryton Pools Country Park

The Crocodile Challenge is a six-hour lap event held at Ryton Pools Country Park near Coventry (CV8 3BH). The course is a 3.3 mile out-and-back loop on crushed stone with a short single-track section and a few looser surfaces. The route passes around pools and open pasture and is described as relatively flat with small rises.

Participants complete as many 5k laps as they choose within a six-hour limit. Typical lap conversions:

• 1 lap ≈ 5k
• 4 laps = half marathon
• 8 laps = marathon

The event allows canicross; dogs must be kept on short leads and canicross entrants start with the main field (there is a separate canicross entry category). Rucking is also permitted.

Facilities at the park include paid parking (up to £5), a cafe and toilet block beside the event HQ. A GPX of the route is available; the route may be subject to last-minute changes and will be marked on the day.

This event is a regular season opener that has run since 2018. It operates tiered entry pricing: before 21/12/2026 the fee is £38, from 21/12/2026 the fee is £43; unaffiliated entrants pay an additional £2. The organiser donates 7.5% of entry fees to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. Alternatives to a physical medal include a tree token that funds tree planting and contains wildflower seeds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.