The Pilgrim Challenge
The Pilgrim Challenge is a two-day trail event that follows a celebrated section of the North Downs Way National Trail, taking in countryside once walked by pilgrims bound for Canterbury. The two-day format covers a total of 66 miles, and the route passes through woodlands, rolling fields, historic churches, and small villages.
Support and logistics are included: the course is waymarked, GPX files are provided, and aid stations, hot meals, luggage transfers and evening accommodation are organised for participants. A Course Manager oversees the event and a fully qualified medical crew is in attendance. Minibus shuttles run between key locations and a small number of mid-event hotels; limited parking is available at Sandy Farm Business Park for full-event participants, with gates locked overnight.
Compulsory kit items listed by the organiser include a fully charged mobile phone, at least 500 ml of water, a waterproof jacket and a head torch if a competitor is likely to finish in the dark. Weather can vary widely in winter; organisers note conditions may include snow, ice, rain and muddy sections, and additional kit requirements may be imposed depending on conditions.
Registration and timing-chip collection are carried out at Sandy Farm Business Park (Farnham) for full-event and Day 1 entrants, and at Carrington School (Redhill) for Day 2 entrants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
What to Expect
A weekend of wild weather, muddy trails, and shared resilience. Breathe in the cold morning air, and soak up the quiet beauty of the North Downs Way as you move through ancient countryside with purpose.
The route follows the most celebrated section of the North Downs Way National Trail — a path once walked by pilgrims en route to Canterbury. You’ll pass through peaceful woodlands, rolling fields, and charming villages, with historic churches and centuries-old tracks lining the way.
Over two days, you’ll experience the full spectrum of British winter conditions — from snow and ice to bright, sunlit miles — and that unpredictability is part of what makes it so special. The course is well-marked, and we provide full GPX files for your watch or phone. Our support crew and signage will keep you on track — and at the end of each day, you’ll be welcomed back with food, warmth, and stories shared over dinner.
Why the Pilgrim Challenge?
Your chance to test your resilience, embrace the unknown, and discover what you’re capable of — surrounded by mud, laughter, and people who get it. This is an experience you’ll carry forever.
Embrace the Elements: From frozen fields to sticky, legendary mud — this route is a love letter to British winter trail running. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s beautiful in a way only February can be.
Belong to Something Bigger: The weekend isn’t just about miles — it’s about shared struggle, warmth at aid stations, stories over dinner, and that deep, rare sense of community forged on the trail.
Start Your Season Right: Whether you’re training for the MDS or just need a goal to kickstart the year, this is the perfect reset. You’ll come away stronger, more focused, and ready for whatever comes next.
Race-day Preparation
Kit List
The only compulsory kit is a fully charged mobile phone, a minimum 500ml of water, a waterproof jacket and a head torch if you are likely to finish in the dark (once darkness falls, if you don’t have a headtorch you will be withdrawn at a check point). It’s also worth taking a look at our recommended kit list. Other equipment may be made compulsory by the race director depending on the weather.
Medical
The event is supported by a Course Manager and a fully qualified medical crew will be in attendance. We strongly recommend taking a moment to read our medical page before booking.
FAQs
We’ve answered a range of common questions.
