GOWER PENINSULA
Ultra Challenge®

19 - 20 JULY 2025

A NEW Ultra Challenge for 2025, set in the stunning Gower Peninsula – join the Arqiva Challenge and fundraise for Children with Cancer. The UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and famous for its golden beaches, limestone cliffs, wild moors, ridges, and woodlands. Our basecamp is in the grounds of the historic Penrice Castle, with weekend camping options and the 100km challenge is a figure of 8 route made up of west & east loops which take in the best of the Peninsula, its history, and its varied, unique landscape. With 75km, 50km, 25km, and 10K challenge options, as well as a bar & entertainment at basecamp – this will be the highlight of the season!

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, taking part in Arqiva Challenge 2025. The Gower Peninsula 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

Sign-up below. Arqiva will contribute to your place and you will pay the remaining cost. Fundraising goes to the charity via an online JustGiving sponsorship page that you’ll need to set up/that has been set up by your team coordinator (follow the link below or look for the link within the ‘Confirmation Email’ you’ll receive).

If you select Mixed Funding the remaining cost of your event place will be covered by the charity. The fundraising is your own minimum target (per person). Half of this must be raised by the registration deadline date below.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE – 25TH JUNE AT MIDDAY

Self Funding

SELF FUNDING

Pay for your place & fundraise whatever you can for a Charity (zero cost to charity)

FULL CHALLENGE ~100km

£149 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can

3/4 CHALLENGE ~75km

£119 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can

1/2 CHALLENGE ~50km

£89 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can

1/4 CHALLENGE ~25km

£39 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can

10 K CHALLENGE ~10km

£0 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can

Mixed Funding

MIXED FUNDING
FOR CHARITY

Pay for half your place cost & fundraise less for Charity (who pay half of your place cost)

FULL CHALLENGE ~100km

£60 Reg Fee & at least
£330 fundraising/sponsorship

3/4 CHALLENGE ~75km

£40 Reg Fee & at least
£270 fundraising/sponsorship

1/2 CHALLENGE ~50km

£25 Reg Fee & at least
£225 fundraising/sponsorship

1/4 CHALLENGE ~25km

£0 Reg Fee & at least
£150 fundraising/sponsorship

10 K CHALLENGE ~10km

£0 Reg Fee & at least
£70 fundraising/sponsorship

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 Challenge first, then book any optional extras separately. Book here to receive an exclusive 10% discount.

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 >

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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 >

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The Bath 50 Ultra Challenge

29 March 2025

50 km Loop + 25 km & 10 km Challenge options

FULL DETAILS >

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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 >

11 of 17

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 >

13 of 17

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 Summer Walk

23 August 2025

Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km or 5 km looped routes – Woolwich 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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Full Continuous
100 km

Gower Figure of 8

19 - 20 July 2025

A magnificent challenge – setting out from Penrice Castle basecamp with a range of camping options. It’s a figure of 8 route – heading on a clockwise west loop first, heading down to Oxwich Bay and joining the stunning the Wales Coast Path. You’ll be stopping every ~12.5 km for refreshments & whatever support you need – and we head inland, join the elevated Gower Way,  with a main halfway stop back at Penrice Castle basecamp. Another 50 km on the east loop – along the coast past Mumbles Head, inland up to Gowerton – and then a final push back to basecamp where a massive welcome awaits!

100 km & ~2200 metres

  • Start: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Start times: 7am for runners, 7am – 9am for joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Finish times: Runners 9 – 16 hrs, joggers 16 – 20 hrs, walkers 20 – 36 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
  • 25 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • 50 km – hot meal
  • 75 km – brunch/ lunch
  • 100 km – cooked breakfast/ hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

As your challenge starts & finishes at Penrice Castle, you can either park here all weekend, or be dropped off & picked up. 

  • Parking at Penrice Castle (basecamp) 
  • Bus transfer from Swansea Station

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details

Penrice Castle basecamp – Fri 18 / Sat 19 July.

  • Camp with us before or after your challenge
  • Fully inclusive, pitch only & camper-van options available
  • Friday evening dinner option.
  • Breakfast, parking, baggage storage, hot showers & more

 

Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

4 available (tbc)

75 km & ~ 1550 metres

  • Start: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Start times: 7am for runners, 7 – 9am for joggers and walkers
  • Finish: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Finish times: Runners 7 – 12 hrs, joggers 12 – 16 hr, walkers 16 – 30 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
  • 25 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • 50 km – hot meal
  • 100 km – cooked breakfast/hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

As your challenge starts & finishes at Penrice Castle, you can either park here all weekend, or be dropped off & picked up. 

  • Parking at Penrice Castle (basecamp)
  • Bus transfers from Swansea Station 

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details

Penrice Castle basecamp – Fri 18 July.

  • Camp with us before your challenge
  • Fully inclusive, pitch only & camper-van options available
  • Friday evening dinner option
  • Breakfast, parking, baggage storage, hot showers & more

 

Penrice Castle basecamp – Sat 19 July

  • Camp at the ‘halfway’ point of your challenge!
  • Hot showers, refreshments, rest areas & more
  • Breakfast Sunday morning before setting off

 

Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

75KM CHALLENGE

25KM & 50KM lOOPS

19 & 20 July 2025

Step up from your normal 50km distance – this may be perfect! Setting out from Penrice Castle it’s on a 25km west loop down to Oxwich Bay and joins the stunning Wales Coast Path. The route then heads north and inland, joining the elevated Gower Way and back to the basecamp. After a picnic lunch, it’s out onto the 50km east loop along the coast, around to Mumbles Head and along past the ‘Mumbles’ sand and mud. Then inland up to Gowerton, back down to Gower Way and a final push back to basecamp where a noisy welcome and medal awaits!

50 km & ~1000 metres

  • Start: Penrice Castle basecamp
  • Start times: Sat 19 July  – start 10am walkers/11am runners – or join up with a Full Challenger – or Sun 20 July between 6 – 6.30am
  • Finish: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 8 hrs, joggers 7 – 10 hrs, walkers 10 – 16 hrs

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

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

As your challenge starts & finishes at Penrice Castle, you can either park here all weekend, or be dropped off & picked up. 

  • Parking at Penrice Castle (basecamp) 
  • Bus transfer from Swansea Station

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details

Penrice Castle basecamp – Fri 18 July

  • Camp with us before your challenge (if Saturday start)
  • Fully inclusive, pitch only & camper-van options available
  • Friday evening dinner option.
  • Breakfast, parking, baggage storage, hot showers & more

 

Penrice Castle basecamp – Sat 19 July

  • Camp before your challenge (if Sunday start) – OR after if Saturday start
  • Hot showers, refreshments, rest areas & more
  • Breakfast Sunday morning before setting off

 

Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

2 available (tbc)

2ND HALF 50 KM

gower EAST LOOP

19 & 20 July 2025

A great option if you want to join someone on the Full Challenge on Saturday evening to finish with them, or just set off with most others on Saturday morning OR early Sunday morning on your own fantastic challenge! It’s 50 km on the east loop – along the coast past Bantam Bay, Caswell Bay, and around to Mumbles Head and along past the ‘Mumbles’ sand & mud. Then inland past Clyne Wood up to Gowerton – back down to the Gower Way, and a final push back to basecamp where noisy welcome and medal awaits! 

25 km & ~550 metres 

  • Start: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Start times: 9-9.30am
  • Finish: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Finish times: Runners 2 – 3 hrs, joggers 3 – 4 hrs, walkers 5 – 7 hrs

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

  • Snacks & drinks at ~12.5 km
  • 25 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

As your challenge starts & finishes at Penrice Castle, you can either park here all weekend, or be dropped off & picked up. 

  • Parking at Penrice Castle (basecamp) 
  • Bus transfers from Swansea Station

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details

Penrice Castle basecamp – Fri 18 July

  • Camp with us before or after your challenge
  • Fully inclusive, pitch only & camper-van options available
  • Friday evening dinner option.
  • Breakfast, parking, baggage storage, hot showers & more

 

Penrice Castle basecamp – Sat 19 July

  • Return to your tent from night before (or just book one)
  • Hot showers, refreshments, rest areas & more
  • Breakfast Sunday morning before heading off

 

Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

25 km Loop

PENRICE LOOP

Sat 19 July 2025

A perfect Saturday ‘entry’ challenge as a 25 km – setting out from Penrice Castle basecamp, where we have a range of camping options and hospitality. It heads out on a clockwise west loop down to Oxwich Bay & its nature reserve, joining the stunning Wales Coast Path. The route then heads north and inland, joining the elevated Gower Way with fantastic views, with a final push back to the basecamp finish line at Penrice Castle for a medal and a picnic lunch. 

10 KM LOOP

PENRICE LOOP

Sat 19 July 2025

A perfect Saturday 10K for all ages, and maybe for those supporting others on the longer distance challenges – setting out from Penrice Castle basecamp, where we have a range of camping options and hospitality. It heads out on a clockwise 10 km loop down towards Oxwich Bay and then back to the basecamp finish line at Penrice Castle for a medal and a picnic lunch.

10 km & ~250 metres 

  • Start: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Start times: 10.30am
  • Finish: Penrice Castle basecamp.
  • Finish times: Runners 1 hr, joggers 1.5 hr, walkers 2 – 3 hrs

Snacks & drinks at start.

  • 5 km – snack & water stop
  • 10 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

As your challenge starts & finishes at Penrice Castle, you can either park here all weekend, or be dropped off & picked up. 

  • Parking at Penrice Castle (basecamp) 
  • Bus transfers from Swansea Station

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details

Penrice Castle basecamp – Fri 18 July

  • Camp with us before or after your challenge
  • Fully inclusive, pitch only & camper-van options available
  • Friday evening dinner option.
  • Breakfast, parking, baggage storage, hot showers & more

 

Penrice Castle basecamp – Sat 19 July

  • Return to your tent from night before (or just book one)
  • Hot showers, refreshments, rest areas & more
  • Breakfast Sunday morning before heading off

 

Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details