On 4th-5th July, 2800 participants descended onto Bakewell for our annual Peak District Ultra Challenge. A staple favourite in the Ultra Challenge calendar, this event has so far raised more than £800,000 for charities.
Held in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the Challenge welcomed walkers, joggers, and runners of all abilities onto distances from 100km to 10 mile. Challengers explored some of the region’s most iconic landscapes, including the Chatsworth House estate and the Monsal Trail.
The Peak District Ultra Challenge is a fully supported experience from start to finish. With regular rest stops, hot food, welfare teams, and fully marked routes helping participants achieve their goals. Whether you’re completing a first-ever trail event or taking on an ultra, everyone is welcome.
Participant Stories
Experienced ultra runner Michael Young broke the 52km course record in a time of 4:10:05 – his third victory of the 2026 Ultra Challenge season. Fanny Thieffry was the women’s 52km winner in a time of 5:40:07. On the 100km Challenge, Andy Day was the fastest male in 10:22:26, and Nola Calladine finished in 12:40:08.
Alongside the ultra running pros, many of those taking part this year were Challengers with powerful personal stories. Hugo and Anya Sousa, took part to raise awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) after their son Leo died on New Year’s Day 2024. Nathan Chilton, who has overcome significant health challenges after relearning how to walk, was also among those taking part. Meanwhile, Ellis and Charlotte Dawson took on the Challenge as part of their ongoing journey following Ellis’s life-saving transplant operation.
We were also honoured to welcome a group of fundraisers supporting Blyth House Hospice, a local hospice to the region that has helped many of our Challengers in difficult times. Across all their fundraisers, more than £18,000 was raised – we are honoured to make such a real difference in local communities.
All the stories from our participants reflect the determination, resilience and spirit of the Ultra Challenge community. Whether it’s a personal story of perseverance, fundraising for an important cause, or simply getting outdoors into the UK’s countryside, huge congratulations to every single Challenger.
Interested In More?
To sign up for the 2027 Peak District Ultra Challenge head to www.ultrachallenge.com/peak-district-challenge/.
For those wanting a new adventure, our full 2027 Series is now live with 24 Challenges across the UK.
You can purchase your event photos from the Peak District Ultra Challenge here.
Written by Nick Rewcastle & Elysia Sanders
