Pilgrim's Reckoning: An 81-Mile Journey of Endurance
Pilgrim's Reckoning is a new 81-mile ultra set on the Bunyan Trail in Bedfordshire, following a single continuous loop with 24 hours to complete it. Inspired by the landscapes behind John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, it’s built around the idea of a journey that becomes more demanding with every mile.
What to Expect
A journey of endurance. One loop, 24 hours, and an 81-mile journey through runnable Bedfordshire countryside. With 1,219 metres of elevation gain and a 100km UTMB index score, it’s a flowing and beautiful course that keeps you moving from start to finish.
- Start time 6pm Saturday 12th September
- Finish time 6pm Sunday 13th September
- 7 fully stocked aid stations including a drop bag at halfway
- Live tracking
- All finishers receive a bespoke medal and T-shirt
The whole course is runnable, with no technical sections, a few gentle hills, and long stretches of countryside. Following the Bunyan Trail, the route links churches across Bedfordshire villages, taking you through quiet communities with open ground in between. It’s a steady, uninterrupted course that rewards good pacing and keeps you moving. Alongside aid stations, you’ll pass through villages with shops and pubs, giving you extra options along the way.
The Route
An 81-mile circular journey through the Bedfordshire countryside, following the historic John Bunyan Trail from start to finish.
Recce Weekends
Our guided recce weekends are the perfect opportunity to explore the route before race day, meet fellow runners, and experience sections of the John Bunyan Trail for yourself. Led at a social pace, each recce day covers approximately 20 miles of the course, giving you a chance to familiarise yourself with the terrain, navigation and key sections of the route.
- Dates: 25–26 July, 15–16 August
- Pricing: £20 – Single Day, £30 – Full Weekend
Race-Day Preparation
Kit List
All participants must carry certain items at all times during the event. Random kit checks may be conducted.
Medical
Participant safety is a core priority at The Pilgrim’s Reckoning. Comprehensive medical cover will be in place throughout the event, delivered by A 2 E Medical Services, an experienced provider of medical support for endurance events.
FAQs
We’ve answered a range of common questions in our FAQ. For other questions, say hello on [email protected].
Accommodation & Logistics
Accommodation
There are several convenient accommodation options close to the start and finish on Manton Lane. Travelodge Bedford is the nearest, around a 13-minute walk away, making it an easy choice for race weekend. Closer to the town centre, you’ll find additional options including the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel and Premier Inn, both within a short drive or taxi ride. For something more in keeping with the theme, The Pilgrim’s Progress Hotel offers a fitting nod to the Bunyan connection. All options are well located, with easy access to the course, train station and local amenities.
Getting There
Bedford is easy to reach, particularly from London. Direct trains run regularly from London St Pancras to Bedford, with journey times of around 40 minutes, making it a straightforward trip on race weekend. From Bedford station, the start and finish on Manton Lane are just a short walk or taxi ride.
