North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

North Downs 50 : event overview

The North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge takes place on Saturday 1 August 2026 from a Guildford basecamp with start and finish at Loseley Park, Guildford. The main format is a looped 50 km route that follows sections of the North Downs Way and Surrey hills. The event offers multiple distance options and entry categories, including an Ultra March category and a new Trailblazerz category for faster runners, plus a Solo Challengers start option.

• 50 km - Loop from Loseley Park, Guildford; ~830 m elevation
• 25 km - Guildford basecamp loop; ~530 m elevation
• 10 km - Guildford basecamp loop; ~230 m elevation
• ~24 km - First half of 50 km route, finish at Milton Court near Dorking; ~600 m elevation

Support, route and logistics

Rest stops are placed about every 12.5 km, with meal stops about every 25 km. Rest stops include covered infrastructure, medical areas, toilets, changing rooms, baggage pick up, and food and drink (hot drinks, water and energy drinks). The route is signed with many pink arrows and glow-sticks for night sections, and GPS tracking is available via the event app. The timing system scans participants at rest stops and logs progress. Medical teams, podiatrists and masseuses staff the event and roam the route. Camping and adjacent university-style en suite accommodation are available as bookable extras. Shuttle buses, parking and other transfers are provided for access to nearby transport. Registration options include self-funding or charity fundraising, with published entry fees for each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.