Kent Down 50 Ultra Challenge

Event overview

The Kent Downs Ultra Challenge is a basecamp event near Maidstone, with start and finish at the Kent Showground, Maidstone. The event offers looped routes and multiple distance options, with weekend camping and parking at basecamp. Organiser support includes covered rest stops, medical teams, podiatrists and massage services, route signing and GPS tracking. Event services listed include campsite facilities, hot showers in camping packages, food and drink, a bar, shuttle transfers to nearby stations and a solo start option. Finishers receive a medal, t-shirt, glass of fizz and a finish-line photo.

Route, distances and support

The main 50 km loop runs anticlockwise around the Kent Downs, starting on the North Downs Way to Blue Bell Hill, passing Aylesford, following the River Medway to Mote Park (halfway picnic), continuing along the Len Valley Walk to Leeds Castle, then returning on the North Downs Way to the showground finish.

Distances offered:

• 50 km - loop, ~1000 m elevation
• 25 km - loop, ~450 m elevation
• 10 km - basecamp loop, ~200 m elevation

Rest stop details for the 50 km route: covered stops at about 12 km (snacks, hot drinks, water), 25 km (picnic lunch, fizzy drinks), 42 km (snacks, hot drinks, water) and 50 km (meal, hot drinks, water). The 25 km and 10 km routes have staffed covered stops with food, drinks and finish services. The event includes an Ultra March category for walkers and a Trailblazerz option for faster competitive runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.