Cotswold Way
Ultra Challenge®

21-22 June 2025

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 – so join the Bright Horizons Team and fundraise for Bright Horizons Foundation for Children. 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.

The Ultra Challenge® Experience

UK’s #1 Endurance Style Events for ALL Experience Levels.

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! 

Push Yourself Further in 2025

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!

  • Snacks & drink stops every 12.5 km
  • Snacks – from the healthy to treats
  • Picnic at 25 km (for 50km participants)
  • Energy drinks
  • All dietary requirements catered for
  • Lighter options for ‘runners’
  • Finishers hot meal 50 km (picnic for 25km & 10km)

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.

Your Challenge
Your Way!

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 a member of the Bright Horizons Team. 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 now

Click the button below to sign-up. Your Registration 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).

Bright Horizons employees benefit from significantly subsidised registration fees, while friends and family of Bright Horizons (clients, suppliers, parents, carers, friends and family) receive a 5% discount on their entry fees.

Discounted rates are subject to minimum fundraising targets being achieved and are outlined below. Use the appropriate labelled button below to register.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE – 28th MAY ’25 AT 12:00PM

STAFF

SELF FUNDING

Pay for your place & achieve your fundraising target. Staff ONLY to sign up via this link.

50km CHALLENGE

£52.82 Fee paid online &
fundraising target £500

25km CHALLENGE

£33.82 Fee paid online &
fundraising target £250

10km CHALLENGE

£14.82 Fee paid online &
fundraising target £150

Friends & Family

SELF FUNDING

Pay for your place & achieve your fundraising target. Create your JustGiving below.

50km CHALLENGE

£132.05 Fee paid online &
fundraising target £500

25km CHALLENGE

£84.55 Fee paid online &
fundraising target £250

10km CHALLENGE

£37.05 Fee paid online &
fundraising target £150

  1. Sign up to the challenge, using the ‘Sign Up ’ button on your chosen distance.
  2. Once you’ve completed your personal details, you will get to choose if you want to Create A New Team or Join An Existing Team as part of the registration process. 
  3. To Create A New Team – you must choose a team name, and a password – this password will be required by your fellow team members to join your team as they register. 
  4.  Once you’ve created your team, and completed your registration, your fellow team members can then sign up to the same challenge, and will need to select Join An Existing Team – entering your team name using the search bar, and the password you chose when you created the team.
  5. As a Team Captain you will receive an email notification each time someone joins your team.

  1. Sign up to the challenge, using the ‘Sign Up ’ button on your chosen distance.
  2. Once you’ve completed your personal details, you will get to choose if you want to Create A New Team or Join An Existing Team as part of the registration process. 
  3. To Join An Existing Team – search for the team you wish to join, you will need the password created by the team captain in order to join a team. 
  4. The team captain will be emailed a notification of your request to join the team, once they’ve accepted your request, you too will receive email confirmation that you are now part of the team.

OFFICIAL FUNDRAISING PARTNER

Bookable Extras

A range of optional extras designed to make the planning for, and joining, your challenge easier.

 Sign-up to your chosen Challenge first, then you can book any optional extras later / separately.

You can also claim your free parking by clicking the button and booking a permit.  

Want to join the Bright Horizons team on another event? Check out the Bright Horizons Calendar!

FAQs

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; 8+ & accompanied by an adult for a 10km/mile Challenge; and finally 4+ & accompanied by an adult for a 5kM 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. This will detail 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. (NOTEIf you don’t receive that e mail within 12 hours, please check your spam/junk mail folders)

You will receive your e-ticket between 10 and 14 days before the challenge takes place. (NOTEIf you haven’t received your e-ticket within 7 days of the challenge, please check your spam/junk mail folders and let your designated event coordinator know)

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:

HELP CENTRE >>

If you still need additional help or guidance – you can contact the Ultra Challenge Team at:

info@ultrachallenge.com

Tel: 0207 609 6695

 

Read the 2025 Terms & Conditions

18 Amazing Challenges

200,000+ adventurers have done an Ultra Challenge®, and the 18 events make up the UK’s biggest & best series of treks & trail runs – which have raised £60+ million for UK charities. Whichever challenge you choose, you’ll get full support so you can set a new goal, enjoy the British countryside, and Push Yourself Further! Whoever you are – If you’re up for a challenge, it has to be an Ultra Challenge®

Map

Lake District Ultra Challenge

7-8 June 2025

100 km loop + Half  + Marathon + Quarter Challenge options & Ambleside 10K

FULL DETAILS >

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Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge

3-4 May 2025

106 km ‘Full Island’ Loop + Half & Quarter Island options AND  ‘Cross Island’ & Medina 10 Mile challenges.

FULL DETAILS >

2 of 17

London 2 Brighton Ultra Challenge

24-25 May 2025

100 km + Half, Marathon & Quarter Challenge distance options + Brighton 25 km Loop!

FULL DETAILS >

3 of 17

South Coast Ultra Challenge

6-7 Sept 2025

100 km + Half & Quarter Challenge options

FULL DETAILS >

4 of 17

Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge

17-18 May 2025

100 km + Half & Quarter Challenge options AND Marathon & Bridport 10K

FULL DETAILS >

5 of 17

Thames Path Ultra Challenge

13 – 14 Sept 2025

100 km + 3/4 + Half & Quarter Challenge options & Henley 10K

+ Thames Bridges 25km Trek (Sat – Central London)

+ Friday Moonlight 10K Walk (Central London)

+ The Henley 10K (Sunday)

FULL DETAILS >

6 of 17

South West Coast 50 Ultra Challenge

2 August 2025

50 km Loop + 25 km & 10 km Challenge options

FULL DETAILS >

7 of 17

The Bath 50 Ultra Challenge

29 March 2025

50 km Loop + 25 km & 10 km Challenge options

FULL DETAILS >

8 of 17

Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge

19-20 July 2025

100 km (fig. of 8) 50 km Loops (West & East) + Marathon + 25 km & 10 km Challenge options

FULL DETAILS >

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Peak District Ultra Challenge

28-29 June 2025

100 km (Fig. of 8) + Half (loop) & Quarter Challenge options & The Bakewell 10 Mile. 

FULL DETAILS >

10 of 17

Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge

21 – 22 June 2025

100 km + 3/4 + Half & Quarter Challenge options. + Cirencester 10K

FULL DETAILS >

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Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge

27 Sept 2025

50 km Loop + 25 km & 10K Challenge options

FULL DETAILS >

12 of 17

North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

12 July 2025

50 km Loop + 25 km & 10km Challenge options.

FULL DETAILS >

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Easter 50 Ultra Challenge

Sat 12 April 2025

Windsor

50 km, 25 km, 0r 10 km Loops from racecourse basecamp.

FULL DETAILS >

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London Winter Walk

25 & 26  January 2025

Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km or 5 km looped routes – The Oval Start / Finish

FULL DETAILS >

15 of 17

London Halloween Walk

Sat 25 October 2025

25 KM or 10 KM spooky looped route options. Start / finish – The Oval Cricket Ground ‘dungeon’,

FULL DETAILS >

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NEW – Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

Sat 11 October 2025

50 KM, 25 KM or 10 KM looped routes options. Start / finish – The Kent Showground nr. Maidstone.

FULL DETAILS >>

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53 km & ~1600 metres

  • Start: Cirencester basecamp
  • Start times: 7am for runners, 7-9am for joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Wotton-under-Edge
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 8 hrs, joggers 7 – 10 hrs, walkers 10 – 16 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 24 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • 53 km – hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

The below options can be booked via the ‘Bookable Extras’ page.

Before

  • Shuttle from Kemble train station to start (Fri pm & Sat am)
  • Shuttle from Wotton – to Cirencester (ie park at Wotton – transfer to your start before the challenge)
  • Weekend parking at Cirencester
  • Drop off parking at Cirencester

After

  • Shuttle to Stroud station
  • Pick up parking at Wotton
  • Shuttle back to Cirencester.

 

Visit ‘Bookable’ Extras for Details

Cirencester – Friday 20 June

  • Stay at our ‘university hall’ accommodation 
  • Single & twin rooms available
  • Pre registration on Friday 
  • Friday dinner & Saturday breakfast included
  • Baggage storage, hot showers & more
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

 

Wotton – Saturday 21 June

  • Camp overnight at our ‘Half Way’ basecamp in Wotton
  • Hot showers, refreshments, rest areas & more
  • Breakfast Sunday morning before setting off
  • OR transfer back to Cirencester basecamp and book the ‘university’ accommodation for Saturday

 

Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

2 available

1st 1/2 CHALLENGE
53 KM

Cirencester to Wotton

Sat 21 June 2025

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. 

1st 1/4 CHALLENGE
23 KM

Cirencester to Painswick

SAT 21 June 2025

The 1st Quarter of the Cotswold Way Challenge will start from our basecamp in Cirencester – the route is a tough section with steep ascents and descents taking you into the heart of this beautiful landscape. 

23 km & ~600 metres

  • Start: Cirencester basecamp
  • Start times: 9 – 10am
  • Finish: Painswick
  • Finish times: Runners 2 – 3 hrs, joggers 3 – 5 hrs, walkers 4 – 7 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 23 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

The below options can be booked via the ‘Bookable Extras’ page.

Before

  • Shuttle from Kemble train station to start (Fri pm & Sat am)
  • Weekend parking at Cirencester
  • Drop off parking at Cirencester

After

  • Shuttle to Stroud station
  • Pick up parking at Painswick

After

  • Shuttle back to Cirencester start via Stroud train station
  • Pick up parking at Kendal

University style rooms available to book on the Friday (before your challenge) – and on Saturday (after your challenge).

Criencester 10 km

Cirencester Loop

SAT 21 June 2025

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

  • Start: Cirencester
  • Start times: midday
  • Finish: Cirencester

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

  • Weekend parking at Cirencester
  • Drop off parking at Cirencester