Good preparation & smart planning are key to successfully completing an Ultra Challenge. From the moment you sign up you’ll have access to our Challenge App, with training guides, optional training walks & runs, maps, on the day info, and online forums. We will also keep you updated with any news & challenge updates via notifications through the app and emails. 

Keeping you well fed & hydrated is key to getting you across that finish line successfully & safely. Whichever distance you are signed up every meal and snack stop is included in your entry so you can expect:

• Regular snack stops every 12.5 km
• Meal/food every 25 km
• Hot drinks, water & energy drinks at all stops 
• We cater for every dietary requirement
• Lighter options for ‘runners’
• Hot food finishers meal

We have Rest Stops every 12.5 km or so with ‘major’ ones at ~25/50/75/100 km. Our Rest Stops are like no others – along side a large medical area and catering services they are all covered infrastructure (to keep you out of the sun or rain!) – here there will be a place to sit down and put your feet up, use any of the facilities (toilets, medics, changing rooms, rest areas, baggage pick up). Manned by our team to help with any query or questions you have!

There’re pink arrows to guide you, distance markers, glow-sticks at night, hazard signs, and a route map in the App. Our ‘Trek Masters’ organise group departures at night so nobody has to walk solo. Our chip timing system enables our Control Room, and your friends / family, to track your progress through the Rest Stops. New for 2022 – there’s also the option to hire a ‘GEO TRACKER’ – so they can follow you in real time every step of the way – day & night!

On many Ultra Challenge events we have camping options. However – with the North Downs 50 Challenge we have adjacent University style room (with en suite facilities) accommodation available for the Friday &/ or Saturday nights. These packages will be detailed on the ‘bookable extras’ page soon!

Keeping you safe and healthy is our upmost priority – we have a vast experienced team of Doctors, Paramedics, First Aiders, Podiatrists and Masseuses available and on hand at every Rest Stop (as well as roaming the route). You will also have access to a ‘self help’ area at every stop with blister plasters, talcum powder & more should you just need tape yourself up!

We don’t ever want you to forget that moment you reached your goal and crossed over the finish line – our Cheer Squad will ensure that you don’t! You will be given a medal, finisher’s t-shirt, glass of fizz and a photo finish! Before being guided to a finishers meal, drinks & a well earned sit down and rest. 

We operate shuttles to and from the nearest train station for anyone needing onward travel after their challenge, the majority of our finish lines also have ample parking so your supporters can meet you and pick you up, as well as we will have specific ‘transfers’ back to other locations – check the individual event pages for full details of the services we will be laying on.