The Marlow Donkey

Marlow Donkey 2026 Challenge Event

The Marlow Donkey is a challenge event organized by the Thames Valley Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA). Participants complete a route on foot within specified maximum time periods. The event offers three distinct distances:

• 25 km (15.6 miles)
• 40 km (25 miles)
• 50 km (31.3 miles)

The longest distance of 50 km is a special addition to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary. All participants must finish the course by 19:00. The routes are self-navigated using a provided route description and GPX files, which are made available one week before the event.

The event starts and finishes at Liston Hall in Marlow. Checkpoints are located along the course where participants must have their times recorded. These checkpoints have strict opening and closing times; if a participant reaches a checkpoint after the cut-off time, they are required to return via a shorter route.

Registration is limited to 150 entrants. The entry fee includes drinks and snacks at the start and at an outward checkpoint, a meal at the finish, and transport for those who retire from the event. Participants are required to carry mandatory equipment, including a personal drinking container, a reusable mug, a paper copy of the route description, a whistle, a first aid kit, waterproofs, a compass, and relevant OS maps or electronic equivalents.

The event is accessible by public transport, with the Marlow railway station located approximately 10 minutes from the start venue. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.