Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge

Ventnor, United Kingdom • 2-3 May 2026

Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge 2 to 3 May 2026

The Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge runs along the island coastal path from a Chale basecamp and includes multiple continuous and staged route options. The course follows the southern cliffs, passes the Needles, reaches Cowes and Ventnor, and returns to Chale on the full island route. There are solo and team entries and specific categories for fast runners and timed walkers.

Support infrastructure includes covered rest stops roughly every 12.5 km with major stops about every 25 km, marquee cover, catering, seating, medical and massage teams. The route is fully signed with arrows and GPS tracking via the event app; a timing system records checkpoint scans. Camping packages and shuttle transfers are available between key venues, and parking is provided at the basecamp and many finish areas. Finishers receive a medal, a T shirt, a finish meal and a glass of fizz.

Available categories and distances include:

  • 106 km continuous Chale to Chale, ~1800 m climb
  • 106 km full 2 day option with Cowes campsite
  • 82 km 3/4 Challenge Chale to Culver Down, ~1300 m climb
  • 52 km 1st Half Chale to Cowes, ~900 m climb
  • 54 km 2nd Half Cowes to Chale, ~900 m climb
  • 50 km Southern 50 loop from Chale, ~1025 m climb
  • 25 km Quarter Challenges, two route options
  • 10 miles Medina Challenge Cowes loop

Categories include Ultra March for walkers, Trailblazerz for faster runners, and a Solo Challenger start time. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

106 km
Full Island Challenge
82 km
3/4 Challenge
54 km
Day 2: 54 Km
53 km
Isle of Wight Challenge 53 Km Option
52 km
Day 1: 52 Km
50 km
Southern 50
25 km
Quarter Challenges
10 mi
Medina Challenge
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Single-loop winter trail races from Queen Elizabeth Country Park offering 50 miles (listed as 53 miles), 50K and 20 miles across the South Downs. The 50 mile event has about 6400 ft ascent and is a UTMB Index race worth 3 ITRA points.

UTMB Index

Two coastal half marathons in Portsmouth and Langstone Harbour on 7 and 8 February 2026. One course may use an optional ferry from Hayling Island, the other runs by the D Day Story Museum in Southsea, and completing both earns a bonus medal..

Single lap trail races in the Meon Valley from Queen Elizabeth Country Park offering 16 mile, marathon and 50km options with marked routes, aid stations and mandatory fluid carriage.

Enjoy coastal paths and scenic marshes at the Chichester Harbour Trail Run in Chidham, with 21 km and 16 km trail routes on 28 February 2026. Runners, canicross teams and hikers are all welcome for a welcoming day outdoors.