Join us for the end of season Kent Downs 50 Challenge! Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering dramatic views, a rich historic heritage, and diverse wildlife and habitats – it is home to part of the North Downs Way National Trail. With easy access by car or train – 50 km, 25 km, and 10 km distance options, and a Kent Showground basecamp with optional camping packages – there’s a fantastic challenge waiting for you!
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
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 – and to provide flexible options for your planning. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.
Kent Showground Ground – Fri 9 Oct – &/or Sat 10 Oct
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
There’s the ULTRA MARCH®category for walkers aiming to do 50 km in less than 12 hours
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. 7.30am start.
Ultra Challenge® 50 km and 100 km events are fully ITRA-certified and officially recognised as UTMB Index races.
25 km & 450 metres
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 – and to provide flexible options for your planning. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.
Kent Showground Ground – Fri 9 Oct – &/or Sat 10 Oct
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
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.
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
At your finish at Kent show ground – toilets, 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 – and to provide flexible options for your planning. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.
