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North Downs 50
Challenge Options

Sat 1 AUG 2026

Join us for the mid-summer North Downs 50 Challenge! Our looped route is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty of the Surrey Hills, taking in chalk ridges and ancient woodlands. Setting out from a Guildford  basecamp it’s through Chantry Woods overlooking Chilworth and  Chinthurst Hill, with spectacular views at the top of St Martha’s Hill – also home to a historic church. With some ups & downs along the way – Newlands Corner, a nature reserve, provides some of the best views over the Surrey Hills. With easy access from London and the Home Counties by car or train – 50 km, 25 km & 10 km distance options, and a Guildford basecamp at Loosely Park with camping both Friday & Saturday night – there’s a fantastic challenge along the famous North Downs waiting for you!

CHECK OUT THE ROUTE

DO A QUICK ‘FLY THROUGH’…

A preview of the Challenge!

50 km Challenge

Guildford Loop

Sat 1 AUG 2026

Starting at our basecamp near Guildford (you can camp with us on Friday before the Challenge, and /or on Saturday afterwards) we set out Saturday morning for a continuous 50km challenge – finishing back at in Guilford. You’ll get full support all the way – and there are 3 rest stops en route.

50 km & 830 metres

  • Start: Loosely Park – Guildford
  • Start times: 06:45am – 09:00am for runners, joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Loosely Park – Guildford
  • 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 full 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 Loosely Park (basecamp) 
  • Shuttles from Guildford station to the Start.

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.

Looseley Park  – Friday & /or Saturday

  • Camp at our basecamp 
  • Saturday morning breakfast included
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

ULTRA MARCH® category for walkers aiming to do 50 km in less than 12 hours

For WALKERS looking to achieve a sub 12 hour total time for 50 km. There’s a dedicated start time to opt into on the Reg Form – and join in with 200 or so other ‘Marchers’

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. 6.45am start.

Ultra Challenge® 50 km and 100 km events are fully ITRA-certified and officially recognised as UTMB Index races. 2 ITRA points available.

 ULTRA TRAILBLAZERZ INFO >> 

25 km & 530 m

  • Start: Loosely Park – Guildford
  • Start times: 08:30 – 09:30 for runners, joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Loseley Park –  Guildford
  • 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 full 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 Loseley Park (basecamp) 
  • Shuttles from Guildford station to the Start.

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.

Loseley Park – Friday & /or Saturday

  • Camp overnight close to our basecamp
  • Saturday breakfast option
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

25km LOOP

GUILDFORD LOOP

Sat 1 AUG 2026

Our 25 km looped Challenge sets out from Guildford early Saturday morning, along some of the most picturesque parts of the Surrey Hills  Way – with a rest stop at half way with snacks & drinks. After 25 km & over 500 metres of climb – it’s a celebration & lunch back at basecamp!

1ST HALF Challenge

1st 25km of 50 km Route

Sat 1 Aug 2026

Starting at our basecamp at Loseley Park near Guildford we set out Saturday morning following the N Downs Way to Dorking, for a 24 km challenge with fabulous views. You’ll get full support all the way, a rest stops en route, and a picnic lunch at the finish. Optional transfers back to Guilford basecamp.

24 km & ~600 metres

  • Start: Loseley Park – Guildford
  • Start times: 8:00am & 9:00am
  • Finish: Milton Court, Nr Dorking
  • 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. 

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

There’s a full 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 Loseley Park (basecamp) 
  • Shuttles from Guildford station to the Start.
  • Transfers back from Dorking finish to Guildford basecamp.

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details.

Loseley Park – Friday & /or Saturday

  • Camp overnight close to our basecamp
  • Saturday breakfast option
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

Guildford 10k

Guildford loop - 10 km

SAT 1 Aug 2026

A beautiful 10km looped route from the basecamp at Loseley Park.  The route explores public footpaths within Littleton past Loseley Park. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, glass of fizz & discounted hot meal to celebrate your achievements.

10 km & 233 meters

  • Start: Loseley Park
  • Start times: 10:00am Runners will set off first, then joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Loseley Park (10 km)
  • Finish times: Runners 40 minutes – 1 hr, joggers 1 – 2 hrs, walkers 2 – 3 hrs

At your finish in Loseley Park – toilets, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

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

Are you ready to sign up ?

Download Factsheet

All you need to know about the Challenge. Print it off or send it to your friends!

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