Join us for the Chiltern 50 Challenge. Our route follows the Thames to Henley Bridge, then out into countryside on Shakespeare’s Way, Icknield Way, and Chiltern Way with rest stops enroute. The full 50 km route, with over 900 metres of climb, is a loop starting and finishing at our basecamp at Henley Showground – with a halfway at Lewknor. If 25 km is more your thing – you can do a loop from the basecamp.
The Henley basecamp has Friday & Saturday evening camping options (+ showers). We’ll have a celebration meal, bar & entertainment evening after the tough day out on the trails!
Starting at our base camp in Henley (you can camp with us on Friday before the Challenge, and on Saturday afterwards) we set out Saturday morning for a continuous 50km challenge – finishing back in Henley. Youl’ll get full support all the way – and there are 3 rest stops en route.
50 km & 920 m
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for your planning. These include:
Henley – Fri night or/& Sat night
There’s the ULTRA MARCH® category for walkers aiming to do 100 km in less than 24 hours (or 50 km in under 12 hrs). 8.30am start.
For 2026, there’s ULTRA TRAILBLAZERZ® for faster, competitive, runners with an eye on the clock and a ‘time goal’ of sub 6 hrs (male) & 6.5 hrs (female) for 50km on this challenge. 6.45am start.
Ultra Challenge® 50 km and 100 km events are fully ITRA-certified and officially recognised as UTMB Index races. 2 points available.
25 km & 500 m
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for your planning. These include:
Henley – Fri &/or Sat
Take on our 25 km looped route starting & finishing at our Henley base camp taking in the best of the scenery, it’s easy to join & leave with bookable parking & overnight camping options.
A beautiful 10km looped route from the basecamp at Henley Showground. The route explores public footpaths & wonderful woodlands within the Culden Faw estate. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, glass of fizz & discounted hot meal to celebrate your achievements.
10 km & 235 meters
At your finish in Henley Showground – toilets, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for your planning. These include:
