Elephant Challenge

Event overview

Elephant Challenge is a six-hour off-road running event organised by Big Bear Events on 24 March 2026 at Salcey Forest, NN7 2HX. Entrants aged 16 and over may complete as many laps of the course as they wish within the six-hour time limit. The event has been held at Salcey Forest before.

Course and logistics

The route is a well maintained, off-road loop of 3.5 miles with no asphalt. Surfaces are mainly crushed stone or compacted forest floor; narrower sections can be covered in tree detritus and may become muddy and slippery when wet. Road shoes are generally acceptable on dry days and trail shoes are suggested for wet conditions. A GPX file for the route is available. Canicross is permitted with short leads and consideration for other runners. Rucking is also allowed.

Location and transport

Salcey Forest has a café and toilets. The number 33 bus stops inside the forest and the nearest train station is Northampton. The site is about 18 minutes from Northampton and about 9 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1. Paid parking is required; a reduced parking rate has been negotiated for entrants.

Entry, fees and extras

Entry uses tiered pricing (example prices listed in source): before 24/02/2026 £37; after 24/02/2026 £42; unaffiliated entrants pay £2 extra. Examples of target distances based on laps:

• Half marathon: 3 laps (+ a little out and back)
• Marathon: 7 laps (+ a little out and back)

Participants can choose a medal or a Big Bear Tree Token; each token funds a tree planting and contains wildflower seeds. The event partners with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity for optional fundraising. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.