Our Cirencester basecamp is the start of the 100 km looped route through the heart of the Cotswolds, providing a stunning setting for 2,000 adventurers to test themselves – and you can join and fundraise for Alzheimer’s Society. Rolling hills, villages, the Cotswold Way, footpaths & trails, with some fabulous views en route. You’ll get full support & hospitality, including optional ‘university style’ accommodation at basecamp, and with three quarter, half, quarter + a Cirencester 10 km distance option also – there’s a Cotswold’s Challenge for everyone.
Choose your Challenge, support your charity – do it at your pace, and there are 20 events in the Series with distance options to suit all! The ‘famous’ Ultra Challenge support enables you to go further, whilst enjoying the great outdoors & camaraderie. There are marquee rest stops, lots of food & drink, medical & massage teams, with a fully signed route to guide you. A big finish-line celebration awaits with an amazing sense of achievement, and once the aches subside you’ll feel energised, and up for more of life’s real challenges!
Good preparation & smart planning are key, and from the moment you sign up you’ll have access to our Challenge App – with training guides, optional training walks, maps, online forums, and the latest news & updates.
Rest Stops every ~12.5 km with ‘major’ ones every ~25 km, and are much more than the shaky gazebo with water that you see on some events. We’ve marquee cover, large medical & welfare tents, catering services, seating areas for recovery, changing rooms, and a friendly welcome!
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.
Keeping you well fed & hydrated is key. We pride ourselves on the quantity & quality of our catering, and meals, snacks & drinks are included!
We’ve experienced Doctors, Paramedics, First Aiders, Podiatrists, and Massage Teams at Rest Stops. There’re ‘Self Help’ areas with blister plasters, talc, Vaseline, and tape if you want to patch your own feet. Our mobile Emergency Medical Teams are only a phone call away, via our 24 hour Control Room
We don’t want you to forget that finish-line moment – our Cheer Squad will ensure you won’t! You’ll get a medal, finisher’s T-shirt, and a glass of fizz, before heading to a BBQ and a well earned rest. Download your official Challenge certificate when you’re ready.
There’re shuttles to local train stations for onward travel, and most finish lines have parking so supporters can meet you. We’ve bus ‘transfers’ to / back to key venues (eg the start) – and check out the ‘Bookable Extras’ for details of all transport options.
Whether you’re a walker and new to challenge events, an experienced trekker, a marathon enthusiast upping the distance, or a seasoned ultra runner – there’s an Ultra Challenge® you! Walk, Jog, or Run at your pace, as an Individual or a Team, for charity. There’s an Ultra March® option for ‘fast walkers’ – and a new ‘Solo Challenger’ start time to join up with others. The Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge is fun, safe, & rewarding – with full support all the way, enabling you to push yourself further in wonderful coastal scenery, and enjoy a great weekend away.
Sign up online & pay a Registration Fee. You’ll get a confirmation email, which includes a link’ to set up your online JustGiving sponsorship page. You’ll also get access to the ‘Challenge App’ which holds all the details about the event.
Check out the ULTRA MARCH® option if you’re a walker and want to hit a ‘fast pace’. We also have a new SOLO CHALLENGERS START TIME – if you want to meet others!
Choose how you want to join the Challenge – register via that option and its associated online form. Then enter your personal details.
* A ‘Platform Booking Fee’ of 3% is applied to all event registrations.
Confirm the challenge distance you’ll take on (Full ~100km / 3/4 ~75km /Half ~50km / Quarter ~25km / 10km etc) and then select a provisional start time slot (actual start times are confirmed 4 weeks prior to the event, and for Teams – it will be as per the Team Captain’s choice).
The ‘ULTRA MARCH’ option is for WALKERS who want to hit a sub 24 hour pace (for 100km) or a sub 12 hour pace (for 50km) with a group of like minded challengers – all starting together with experienced ‘pace setters’. You can opt in to this format & start time on the Registration Form.
SOLO CHALLENGERS – if you’re signed up on your own, and want to meet up with others – we have a special ‘Solo Challengers Start Time‘ – which you can opt into if you wish (on the Registration Form).
Everyone has to register as we require personal details & declarations. Within the form you can choose to ‘Create’ or ‘Join’ a Team. Teams can be of any size – members can opt for the same or different funding options, charities, or distances.
All sponsorship goes direct to the Charity via your online JustGiving page. At least 50% of the ‘sponsorship target’ should be with the Charity 3 weeks prior to the Challenge. At this time the Charity agrees to pay a Fee for your place to the Organiser (similar to the Self Funding cost – or half of it for Mixed Funding as you’ve already covered half).
Failure to meet the deadline may result in cancellation of your place by your charity.
The remaining 50%, and any extra, should be with your Charity by 4 weeks after the Challenge.
There’s a range of optional extras designed to make the planning for, and joining, your challenge easier. Sign-up to your chosen Challenge first – and you can then book any optional extras later / separately (see below for details).
Looking for a great event for your team without all the hassle, risk, or costs of organising it? These events are the PERFECT solution!
Your Team will be energised, exercised, bonding & motivated on a fun, accessible, safe, high quality outdoors event. With optional hospitality packages available – make an Ultra Challenge® your company’s special event in 2025 – supporting your ‘charity of the year’.
Select your Option below to start the sign-up process. Reg Fees are paid online & Fundraising goes to the charity via an online JustGiving sponsorship page that you’ll need to set up (look for the link within the ‘Confirmation Email’ you’ll receive).
With ‘Full Sponsorship’ (Option 1) – you’ll get 75% OFF the standard reg fees below in June – if you use code: JUNEDEAL at checkout– as you’ll be fundraising for an official SERIES CHARITY PARTNER
Pay a small Reg Fee & Fundraise for a chosen Charity (who pay for your place)
£50 Reg Fee & at least
£575 fundraising/sponsorship
£45 Reg Fee & at least
£475 fundraising/sponsorship
£40 Reg Fee & at least
£375 fundraising/sponsorship
£30 Reg Fee & at least
£275 fundraising/sponsorship
£20 Reg Fee & at least
£100 fundraising/sponsorship
Pay for half your place cost & fundraise less for Charity (who pay half of your place cost)
£110 Reg Fee & at least
£330 fundraising/sponsorship
£90 Reg Fee & at least
£270 fundraising/sponsorship
£75 Reg Fee & at least
£225 fundraising/sponsorship
£50 Reg Fee & at least
£150 fundraising/sponsorship
£22.50 Reg Fee & at least
£70 fundraising/sponsorship
Pay for your place & fundraise whatever you can for a Charity (small admin fee to charity)
£199 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
£169 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
£139 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
£89 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
£39 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
NOTE – Our registration system provider is Active Network – you’ll need to create an account, or log into an existing one as you register. All Reg Fees are paid online. A 3% Platform Booking Fee applies to all transactions.
Your camping has been arranged by your team coordinator. We do have a range of additional optional extras designed to make the planning for, and joining, your challenge easier. Sign-up to your chosen Challenge first- and you can then book any optional extras later / separately.
You must be 18 or over (on the day of the challenge) if taking on a Full Challenge (~100km) or Three Quarter Challenge (~75km); 16+ and accompanied by an adult if taking on a Half Challenge (~50km ), 14+ and accompanied by an adult if taking on a Quarter Challenge (~25km) or Marathon); for a Half Marathon aged 12+ and accompanied by an adult; and finally 8+ & accompanied by an adult for a 10km/mile Challenge.
Under 18s taking part must be signed up by someone over 18.
You’ll receive a ‘transaction receipt’ (via email) along with a Confirmation Email welcoming you, and detailing any next steps, timelines you need to be aware of, and how & where to find all the info / details you’ll need for your Challenge. (NOTE– If you don’t receive that e mail within 12 hours, please check your spam/junk mail folders)
You can expect to hear from your charity within 14 days. If for some reason you do not hear from them – please contact them directly, and also email us at charity@actionchallenge.com & we will follow up with the charity for you.
We ensure that registered teams are assigned the same start wave (where distance/challenge option allows), and your team name will be printed onto your bib.
There are no restrictions on our regular teams – you can be any mixture of charities / distances / funding types (i.e. Self Funding, Charity Sponsorship or Mixed Funding), and can have any number of members. (even 2).
Even if you are not fundraising for the same charity, you can still create a challenge team with us.
Whilst you are signing up and registering for your challenge – in the TEAM INFO section (towards the end of the registration questions), you will be asked if you would like to ‘Join a team’ or ‘Create a team’.
If selecting to create a team, you will be asked to create a Team Name and Password. Subsequent team members can then register and select to join your team, and will need to provide the team password in order to join it.
Yes – as long as you are fundraising for the same charity, you can create a team fundraising page on Just Giving (we recommend letting your charity know this is how you will be fundraising together). However, please be advised that the minimum fundraising targets remain per person (not per team), so you will need to reach the combined total fundraising amount on your page for your group.
If you are entering on a Charity Sponsorship or Mixed Funding place then NO – you must select one prime charity for your fundraising. This is because your charity will be paying for a portion of your place on the event (out of the fundraising that you generate). If you wish to also fundraise for another charity, you can do so on your own terms but only as long as you reach the minimum fundraising target your first/prime charity.
If you join as ‘Own Place Charity Fundraising’ however, you have complete flexibility on who you fundraise for – with no targets or deadlines.
All sponsorship goes direct to the Charity via your online JustGiving page – WHICH YOU MUST SET UP.
At least 50% of the ‘sponsorship target’ should be with the Charity 3 weeks prior to the Challenge. At this time the Charity agrees to pay a Fee for your place to the Ultra Challenge Organiser (similar to the Self Funding cost – or half of it for Mixed Funding as you’ve already covered half).
Failure to meet the deadline may result in cancellation of your place by your charity.
The remaining 50%, and any extra, should be with your Charity by 4 weeks after the Challenge.
All charity sponsorship and mixed funding places close 4 weeks before each challenge, so that you have enough time to fundraise and reach your target. Self funding places close for online registration on the Tuesday before each challenge.
Visit the ‘HELP CENTRE’ on the Ultra Challenge Website:
If you still need additional help or guidance – you can contact the Ultra Challenge Team at:
Tel: 0207 609 6695
Join us for the a full-on 100 km Challenge – setting out from Cirencester on the Saturday morning heading north into the rolling green hills of the Cotswolds. There is 2,250 m of ascent – with undulating climbs, which whilst testing your legs will reward you with some breath-taking views. Our continuous challenge will see you stopping every ~12 – 13 km for stops & refreshments, with a main half way stop in Wotton, before heading back towards Cirencester.
100 km & 2250 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit . These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.
Cirencester – Fri 20 & Sat 21 June 2025
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
4 available
Day 1 – 53 km & ~1600 metres
Day 2 – 47 km & ~650 metres
Day 1 – Sat 21 June 2025
Day 2 – Sun 22 June 2025
Every 10-15 km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.
Cirencester – Friday 20 June 2025
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
Wotton – Saturday 21 June
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
4 available (2 for each day)
A perfect choice if you’ve done a Half Challenge before – and want to ‘up’ the distance without committing to a ‘Full’ option. The route is 3/4 of the Full Challenge – so starts at Painswick, takes in the fantastic 2nd 1/4 Challenge route to Wotton, and then on through the Cotswolds to the finish line at Cirencester basecamp (the 2nd 1/2 of the Full Challenge) after a tough 76 km. Do it as a ‘Continuous’ challenge – OR rest overnight after the 1st 33 km & camp at our Wotton basecamp (or hotel/ B&B) – and do the remaining 47 km (2nd half) on Sunday morning.
76 km & ~1650 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.
Cirencester – Friday 20 June
Wotton – Saturday 21 June
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
2 available
53 km & ~1600 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
The below options can be booked via the ‘Bookable Extras’ page.
Before
After
Visit ‘Bookable’ Extras for Details
Cirencester – Friday 20 June
Wotton – Saturday 21 June
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
2 available
The 1st Half of the Challenge starts at our basecamp in Cirencester and finish in Wotton-under-Edge. The route is tough with 1600 metres of climb – and there’s with steep ascents and descents taking you into the heart of this beautiful landscape with magnificent views out to the West.
47 km & ~650 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
The below options can be booked via the ‘Bookable Extras’ page.
Before
After
If starting on Saturday – you can book the University style accommodation for Friday evening at Cirencester – and transfer to your Wotton start (and you can book that for Saturday evening also).
If Starting Sunday – book the camping option for Saturday night at Wootton (the start).
2 available
A great option if you want to join someone on the Full Challenge on Saturday evening to finish with them, or set off with most others on Saturday morning or early Sunday morning on your own fantastic challenge on the Sunday. A start at Wotton – and then some fantastic Cotswold scenery on the way back to the very welcome finish line and celebration back at Cirencester basecamp.
23 km & ~600 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
The below options can be booked via the ‘Bookable Extras’ page.
Before
After
After
University style rooms available to book on the Friday (before your challenge) – and on Saturday (after your challenge).
30 km & 1000 m
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
The below options can be booked via the ‘Bookable Extras’ page.
Before
After
University style rooms available to book on the Friday (before your challenge) – then transfer to your start in Painswick. And on Saturday (after your challenge – with a transfer back to Cirencester from the Wotton finish) OR – camp at Wotton on Saturday (packages available)
A looped 10 km route from our main Cirencester basecamp – taking in the wonderful surrounding countryside. Families are welcome. Walk – jog – or run it.
10 km & ~200 m
Snacks and drinks at the start.
Optional ‘discounted’ finishers meal once you finish your challenge.
The below options can be booked via the ‘Bookable Extras’ page.
Before
Use Checkout Discount Code: JUNEDEAL
Sign up to 2 Events – 10% OFF EACH
EG – Choose two 100km Events – SAVE ~£40!
Use Checkout Discount Code: DUODEAL25
& MULTI DEALS – SAVE UP TO 25%
CIRENCESTER – MAIN START VENUE (0 km) – UNIVERSITY ROOMS – Friday night before your challenge (generally suits Full 100km, 3/4, 1st Half & 1st Quarter Challengers)
Start venue is also the main finish – Saturday night is bookable for ‘fast finishers’ (runners / joggers) – and for 1st Half Finishers & 2nd Half Starters (both with correct transfer booked as well)
No Camping is available at Cirencester basecamp
WOTTON HALF WAY VENUE (53 km) – CAMPING – Saturday night – primarily for the ‘2 Day Daylight Full 100 km’ or ‘3/4 Challenge’ option for overnight sleep / recovery – AND also works for ‘1st Half & 2nd Quarter Finishers’ & for the early Sunday morning 2nd Half starters
All- inclusive package or PITCH only option (inc Camper Vans) is available at Wotton Under Edge ONLY.
Parking for your vehicle is available at:
Shuttle busses to help with your logistics:
After your challenge:
Friday Night Dinner – available to book for anyone staying at Cirencester (basecamp) on Friday night.
Saturday Morning Breakfast – available to participants beginning their challenge on Saturday morning at Cirencester (basecamp). Breakfast the following morning is ONLY included in the accommodation package.
Sunday Morning Breakfast – available to participants beginning their challenge on Sunday morning at Wotton. Breakfast the following morning is included in the inclusive camping packages, but not in the pitch only & will need to be booked separately.
Cirencester 10K Meal – If you have taken part in the Cirencester 10k there is an option to book a hot meal post challenge.
NO NEED TO PRE BOOK – AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE DAY AT YOUR START (Pay cash or Card)