Cheddar Gorge Challenge - Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
The Cheddar Gorge Challenge is an off-road running event taking place on Sunday 14 June 2026 at Warren Farm, Charterhouse, Somerset (BS40 7XR). The event spans the Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Distances Offered:
- 1 km
- 3 km
- 6 km
- 10 km
- Half Marathon
- Marathon
The Marathon and Half Marathon are included on the UTMB Index for 2026 (Marathon 50 km index; Half Marathon 20 km index). There is a 3-hour cut-off for runners to start lap 2 of the Marathon. The Omnium competitors combine a long-distance choice (6 km, 10 km, or Half Marathon) with a 100m sprint, a 1 km middle distance, and a hill climb. Half Marathon Omnium entrants must complete their long race within 3 hours 15 minutes to participate in the subsequent events. Other distances have no formal cut-offs, but pure walking entries are not permitted.
Courses are waymarked and marshalled. Terrain includes open fields, flat stone paths, and more technical rocky sections, with cliff-top paths offering views across the gorge and Somerset meadows. The Half Marathon and Marathon routes visit Beacon Batch, the highest point on the Mendips.
On-site parking is available with a £5 per car charge. Camping can be booked on-site. Facilities include toilets, coffee and food vans, and a bag drop; there are no changing rooms. Feed stations are provided on course (1 for 6 km, 2 for 10 km, 4 for Half Marathon, 9 for Marathon) with water, electrolyte, and a range of food including gluten-free and vegan options; coke is provided in later marathon stages. Professional photos are available for purchase after the event. Routes are not suitable for canicross or buggy runners.
Finishers of 6 km and longer distances receive a two-sided 10 cm by 10 cm event medal. All finishers are offered a post-race buffet. Prizes are awarded by gender and age categories, with the number of awards dependent on the number of finishers.
UTMB Index Race
NEW for 2026, the Cheddar Gorge Challenge course has been included as a UTMB Index race for the Marathon (50km Index) and Half Marathon (20km Index) distances. Results from index races contribute to an overall global ranking of runners and unlock priority entry to UTMB World Series events.