kent DOWNS 50
Ultra Challenge®

SAT 11 OCTOBER 2025

Join the Bright Horizons Team for the end of season Ultra Challenge®– in the ‘Garden of England’ – in support of the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children.  A basecamp near Maidstone, with parking & weekend camping options, the main 50km looped route heads anticlockwise around the Kent Downs – starting on the North Downs, around picturesque Aylesford, and following the River Medway. Along to the majestic Leeds Castle, then the North Downs Way back to the show ground finish line celebration. It’s easily accessible; you’ll get full support; and with 25km & 10km options also available, there’s a Kent Downs Ultra Challenge® waiting for you!

The Ultra Challenge® Experience

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

Choose your Challenge, support your favourite 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 Kent Downs 50 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 – 17TH SEPTEMBER ’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

£22.23 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 >

1 of 17

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 >

9 of 17

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 >

14 of 17

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 >

16 of 17

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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50 km Challenge

Maidstone Loop

Sat 11 October 2025

Walk, Jog, or Run

From the basecamp it’s anticlockwise around the Kent Downs. Heading out on the North Downs Way to Blue Bell Hill before turning south and around to the picturesque village of Aylesford one of the River Medway’s hidden jewels via Eccles. From Aylesford the route follows the River Medway to Maidstone and then onto and through Mote Park.  From Mote Park the route continues southwest along the Len Valley Walk to Leeds Castle where it turns to rejoin the North Downs Way to Detling and back to the Kent Showground.

50 km &  ~1000 metres

  • Start: Kent Showground – Maidstone.
  • Start times: 07:30 for runners, 07:30 – 09:00 for walkers & joggers.
  • Finish: Kent Showground – Maidstone.
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 7 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

There’s a 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:

  • Parking at Kent Showground (basecamp) 
  • Shuttles from Maidstone Station to the Start.

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.

Kent Showground Ground  – Fri 11 Oct – &/or Sat 12 Oct

  • Stay overnight at our basecamp
  • All inclusive pre picked tent packages (inc breakfast)
  • Or ‘pick only’ – tent / camper van
  • Friday evening meal & breakfast options

 

Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

2 available (TBC)

25 km & 450 metres

  • Start: Kent Showground – Maidstone
  • Start times: 07:30 for runners, 08:30 – 09:30 for joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Kent Showground –  Maidstone
  • Finish times: Runners 2 – 3 hrs, joggers 3 – 5 hrs, walkers 4 – 7 hrs

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

  • 12 km – snacks & drinks
  • 25 km – finishers meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a 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:

  • Parking at Kent Showground (basecamp) 
  • Shuttles from Maidstone Station to the Start.

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.

Kent Showground Ground  – Fri 11 Oct – &/or Sat 12 Oct

  • Stay overnight at our basecamp
  • All inclusive pre picked tent packages (inc breakfast)
  • Or ‘pick only’ – tent / camper van
  • Friday evening meal & breakfast options

 

Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

25 km Challenge

Maidstone Loop

Sat 11 October 2025

Walk, Jog, or Run

The 25km loop sits within the 50km loop and splits off at the picturesque village of Aylesford one of the River Medway’s hidden jewels heading east on Augustine Camino to Detling via Boxley and back to the Kent Showground. 

Maidstone 10k

Maidstone Loop

Sat 11 October 2025

Walk, Jog, or Run

The 10 km loop sits within both the 50km and 25km loop and splits off at the Pilgrim Way returning to Detling via Boxley and back to the Kent Showground. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, glass of fizz & discounted hot meal to celebrate your achievements.

10 km & 180 meters

  • Start: Kent Showground
  • Start times: 10:30 Runners will set off first, then joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Kent Sgowground (10 km)
  • Finish times: Runners 40 minutes – 1 hr, joggers 1 – 2 hrs, walkers 2 – 3 hrs

At your finish at Kent show ground – toilets, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Finish – optional ‘discounted’ finishers meal, glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a 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:

  • Parking at Kent Showground (basecamp) 
  • Shuttles from Maidstone Station to the Start.

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.