Summer Solstice Challenge - Colchester
Celebrate the longest day at the Summer Solstice Challenge around Abberton Reservoir, a timed loop with 5 km laps. Run as many laps as you like, earn a medal and support Essex Wildlife Trust.
Event overview
The Summer Solstice Challenge takes place on 21 June 2026 at Abberton Reservoir Visitors Centre, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester, Essex. The event is a timed challenge run on a loop around the reservoir. Each lap is just over 5 km on off-road paths that pass the Visitors Centre. The event format allows participants to complete as many laps as they wish within the challenge period; participants may aim for short outings or for extended distances such as marathon or ultra distances by repeating laps.Entry, facilities and organiser details
Entry fee is £23 and includes a medal. An event t-shirt or vest is available to purchase for £15 during sign-up. A feed station is located at the Visitors Centre and is provided free to participants; the Visitors Centre will be open throughout the event with refreshments available to purchase for spectators. Proceeds from the event include a donation to Essex Wildlife Trust. The organiser lists a total capacity of 125 places and the event status is shown as open. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.Organiser's Description
SUMMER SOLSTICE CHALLENGE
Hi Guys,
We are very pleased and excited to announce that the Summer Solstice Challenge, in association with Essex Wildlife Trust, who will be receiving a donation from the proceeds of this event, is back for a second year. We will be hosting this cracking event from the Abberton Reservoir Visitors Centre near Colchester for a great evening of running on the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice, on Sunday 21st June starting at 3pm. This is your chance to have a long run on the longest day of the year and celebrate the Summer Solstice. Our event will start at 3pm and finishing at 9pm. You will be running just over 5k laps with the stunning scenery and cracking off road paths on a loop around the Res. The question is, how many laps can you do on this challenge ? We are confident some might make marathon distance, or even ultra distance from this 6 hour challenge, but whatever you choose to do, whether it being to run for 1 hour or 6, we are sure you will love this awesome event. The laps start and finish at the Visitors Centre so each and every lap you will be coming by our feed station. This will be well stocked and obviously free to keep you going all evening.
The entry fee of £23 includes a medal and there is an option to purchase an event t-shirt/vest for £15 during the sign up process.
The Visitors Centre itself will be open all evening so your friends and family can cheer you on as you run by with refreshments available to purchase.
We are really looking forward to this event at this obviously stunning location and quiet part of the countryside with lovely scenic views with an abundance of wildlife. What more could you want on your long run on the longest day of the year.
We look forward to seeing you !
Thanks from Craig and all the team at Craig's Events.
