Elephant Challenge

Elephant Challenge at Salcey Forest

The Elephant Challenge is a six hour lap event held at Salcey Forest, NN7 2HX, near Northampton. The site is a Forestry England venue with a café and toilets. Parking is charged; a reduced parking rate has been negotiated for entrants. The number 33 bus stops inside the forest and the nearest train station is Northampton. The site is about 18 minutes from Northampton and 9 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1.

Participants complete repeated laps of a 3.5 mile off road loop within a six hour time limit. The organiser provides route markings and a GPX file; the route may be subject to last minute changes.

Distances that can be achieved by completing laps include:

• Half marathon 3 laps plus an out and back
• Marathon 7 laps plus an out and back
• Ultramarathon distances possible by completing many laps

The course runs entirely off road on well maintained paths. Surfaces are mainly crushed stone or compacted forest floor; narrow sections can be covered in tree detritus and may become muddy when wet. On dry days road shoes may be acceptable; on wet days trail shoes may be more suitable.

Dogs are permitted for canicross; handlers must keep leads short and consider other participants. Rucking is allowed. The event operates tiered entry pricing and accepts optional fundraising for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity; donations made during sign up are passed to the charity. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.