Where Ultra Challenge Began: Determination, Growth, and Giving Back
Did you know that Ultra Challenge began as a single bespoke event for charity? Here’s the inspiring story behind how it all started, where we are today, and what the future holds for Ultra Challenge and our amazing community of challengers like you.
How It All Began
Ultra Challenge was brought to life by Julian Risley, who joined Action Challenge in 2008, organising bespoke trips & challenges. He saw an opportunity to turn what was initially a bespoke charity night-time group cycle from London to Brighton into something more impactful.
Julian realized how powerful a supportive environment could be, and it sparked a big idea: open these events to the public, giving more people the chance to go the distance for a cause they care about, and invest in the resources to support them doing so. By 2012, the first London 2 Brighton Challenge and Thames Path Challenge were launched, and the Ultra Challenge Series was born!
What Ultra Challenge Has Become
From a single event to a series of extraordinary endurance challenges, Ultra Challenge has grown beyond Julian’s expectations. What was once a small event is now a nationwide movement for people who want to test their limits for a great cause through a range of impressive treks & runs.
Looking Forward
Ultra Challenge has big plans. We’re expanding to new locations across the UK, adding more events each season to make our Challenges accessible to even more people. After the Ultra Series and all its determined participants raised over the impressive benchmark of £10 million for UK Charities, we’d love nothing more than to see this figure rise year on year.
We also look to continue growing our corporate business, hoping to be recognised by companies as a solution to their ESG commitments to employee wellbeing, charity contribution & team building.
With every new event, we’ll continue to support charities, encourage personal growth, and help people achieve extraordinary things. We hope you’ll keep Ultra Challenge as your first choice for thrilling and impactful treks and runs.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
